Thursday, April 30, 1998

Cockett passed over
but has other options

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin staff

The need for off guards or shooting guards was not a priority yesterday and it showed in the Women's National Basketball Association draft.

This lessened the chances for former University of Hawaii Wahine standout Nani Cockett to be one of 40 players selected. And, none of the 10 WNBA teams picked her.

Ever since the WNBA's predraft camp two weeks ago, UH women's basketball coach Vince Goo had been hearing that point guards and centers were the two biggest needs for the league's teams.

Nine centers, three forward-centers and 13 forwards were selected among the 40 players drafted.

Just three shooting guards were picked, Cindy Blodgett, the No. 2 scorer in the nation last season from Maine (No. 6 by Cleveland), Brandy Reed, Southern Mississippi (No. 28 by Phoenix) and Sonia Chase, Maryland (No. 37 by Charlotte).

According to the WNBA's Director of Media Relations, Mark Pray, about one-third (25-of-76) of the invitees to the predraft camp were chosen yesterday.

"The experience of going to the camp was great and I'm glad I got invited," a disappointed Cockett said last night.

"I had prepared myself. With everything that was going on and for what they were looking for, I didn't think my chances were that good."

By not being selected, Cockett becomes a free agent just as soon as the WNBA completes the paperwork. Individual teams could still invite her to a tryout camp, like the one former teammate Kendis Leeburg Paris is attending this weekend for the Detroit Shock.

Besides finishing school and obtaining her degree in psychology in a couple of weeks, the No. 2 all-time scorer for the Wahine will entertain other options.

The American Basketball League holds its annual draft Monday. If she were drafted, Cockett would have to reconsider whether or not she wanted to play in the ABL, which has a much longer season than the WNBA.

Cockett also has been invited to the USA Basketball Developmental Camp (expenses paid) that begins June 22 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Three national teams are selected for international competition at the camp.

"It doesn't pay anything, but it would get my name out there again," Cockett said. "I have to send the paperwork in soon and (UHcoach) Vince (Goo) said I can always say no if something else comes up."

Then there is the possibility of playing overseas. The foreign league teams start practicing toward the end of summer.