Tuesday, March 31, 1998
Cockett chooses
WNBA
The former Wahine star
By Al Chase
thinks the league gives her more
options than its rival, the ABL
Star-BulletinNani Cockett confirmed last night that she plans to sign a contract with the Women's National Basketball Association. Cockett was going to meet again last night with attorney Todd Apo, her former basketball coach at Kamehameha Schools, to go over the finer points of the contract. After signing, she has to send the contract by express delivery to the WNBA office in New York.
The University of Hawaii's standout 6-foot shooting guard has been courted by the WNBA and the American Basketball League. Representatives of both leagues pitched their advantages to Cockett and the decision-making process has been difficult.
"It has been kind of tough because you have to choose between two great things," Cockett said. "If you make the wrong choice, then you will regret it.
"I would really love the money in the ABL. Who wouldn't? I just think it would be better for myself to stick with the shorter season."
The WNBA plays its games during June, July and August. Cockett said the shorter season would be easier on her physically and it allows her to entertain other options.
With the ABL, she would be under contract for a year and it would limit her options, something she wants to avoid.
"Being with the WNBA allows me to do whatever I want in the off-season. I could go overseas (to play basketball). I could go back to school. I can come home and watch my team play. It allows me to pursue anything I want," she said.
"The only reason I would go to the ABL was the money. I think for now I could be OK with what the WNBA has to offer (the minimum is $19,000).
"That's if I make it. I still have to make it. Hopefully everything will take care of itself."
The WNBA will hold a pre-draft camp in Chicago, April 16-18, for draft-eligible players who have signed with the league. The players take physical exams, participate in drills and games.
The camp is attended by all WNBA coaches and general managers.
The next step is the four-round draft April 29. Even if Cockett is not drafted, teams have the option of holding individual tryouts after the draft.
Cockett led the Wahine in scoring with a 19.4 average, blocked shots (47), steals (93) and minutes (962).
She was named Western Athletic Conference Pacific Division Player of the Year, was on the all-WAC Pacific Division first team and the division all-defensive team.
Cockett was picked for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Kodak District 7 All-America team and was an honorable mention Kodak All-America.
She began the 1997-98 season by being named the Most Valuable Player in all four Wahine preseason tournaments.
If Cockett lands a spot with an WNBA team, she will be the second player from coach Vince Goo's program to make it in the professional ranks.
Judy Mosley-McAfee, UH's all-time leading scorer and a player for Sacramento last season, signed to play for the Los Angeles Sparks this summer.
