UConn’s highest-scoring classmates are taking their talents to the Midwest.
Both Katie Lou Samuelson and Napheesa Collier were selected in the first round of the 2019 WNBA draft. Samuelson went fourth overall to the Chicago Sky while Collier went sixth overall to the Minnesota Lynx.
"I'm just going to go in there and work as hard as I possibly can. I just want to get the opportunity to help in any way that I can. I'm hoping with my length and ability to shoot that that can help," Samuelson said.
"I'm just going to come in and work as hard as I can and try to soak in everything that I can from the amazing players and the amazing players I'm about to play for," Collier said.
This pair makes it 25 first round picks from UConn since the WNBA’s debut in 1997. This is the twelfth time multiple Huskies have been taken in the same draft.
"I want to thank UConn and my family. I couldn't have been here without them," Samuelson said.
"You know we had great coaches in that program and they pushed me as hard as I can go," Collier said.
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Both Samuelson and Collier should have an immediate impact with their new teams.
Samuelson joins former Huskies Gabby Williams and Stefanie Dolson in Chicago. Collier is now on the same roster as Maya Moore in Minnesota, but the 2011 UConn alum is sitting out this season.
Saturday, May 25 will be the first time Collier and Samuelson play each other when the Sky visit Lynx.
