First Round came and went. So did the Second Round. Then the Third. By the time it was all said and done the 2012 WNBA Draft had amassed its share of stellar stars, dependable role players, and a few no-names (not women who can't play, just players I forgot existed). But there was one impressive baller whose name was never called. Her name is Brittany Rayburn, a six foot sharpshooting guard from Purdue.
I watched Britt's games on ESPN3 then found some footage of her on YouTube. Kid can play. She was the Boilermakers' highest scorer two seasons running, and shot 36% from behind the arc this year. She made headlines this January when she tied an NCAA record sinking twelve tres against the Minnesota Gophers. She lit the house up for 38 points that night -- an outstanding performance. She had been fairly solid all season long. Somehow she got overshadowed.
Now I know all too well that the WNBA is as competitive as it gets. Twelve teams and a handful of spots. And the final selecting is meant to satisfy a team's needs, not merely to attract attention by recruiting the popular NCAA All American. But what is also true is that Brittany Rayburn was and is every bit as good as many of the ladies who were selected, particularly in the Second and Third Rounds.
Why she wasn't selected is anyone's guess. I'm a stickler for FG% and her numbers in that department were not the best.
But still.
After Purdue's run ended, the Attica, Indiana native who loves animals was asked about her plans. She responded by saying she would enter Purdue's veterinary school. She really is a sweet, caring young woman. And very bright -- she posted a 3.7 GPA and has placed on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll. But, I could tell that she was, in some ways, protecting herself from the disappointment of not making a WNBA squad.
Fortunately, The Minnesota Lynx (LosLynx) offered her an invite to their April 28th training camp. One sportswriter remarked that the Lynx probably saw what Rayburn did to the local Gophers and reasoned that they should scoop her up before she does that to the Lynx and burns the state twice. In any event, I hope she raises the roof at training camp. I'm a sucker for Cinderella stories.
Peace,
WNBA Jones
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