Lynx getting a franchise player in Maya Moore in today’s WNBA draft

UConn superstar Maya Moore will become a member of the Minnesota Lynx today by 2:05 p.m. That’s five minutes after the WNBA draft begins coverage on ESPN.

In truth, the Lynx will make their decision known to the league within 15 seconds of being on the clock. Because of television coverage plans, though, it won’t become official until the pick is announced on screen.

Moore, a four-time All-American and three-time Wade Trophy winner as the top player in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, is considered a franchise player. The Lynx need that injection of life and talent for a club that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2004.

‘We’re obviously excited to get her here and see what we can do with her,’ Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said of Moore.

The Lynx also have the Nos. 4, 13, 14 and 26 picks in the draft.

MORE ON MOORE

Moore, a 6-foot forward and native of Jefferson City, Mo., finished her collegiate career with 3,036 points, which ranks fourth all time in women’s college basketball. She led the Huskies to a 150-4 record in her four seasons, including a 90-game winning streak and two national championships.

Smooth, fluid and versatile, Moore can play all five positions, and do so with dominance. She averaged 22.9 points her senior season and 19.6 for her four-year career. Her college career ended last weekend after she had 36 points, eight rebounds and four steals in a 72-63 loss to Notre Dame in the NCAA tournament semifinals.

INTRIGUE AT NO. 4

With Moore a slam dunk going to the Lynx at No. 1, the real drama for Minnesota is what happens three selections later.

Australian national star Elizabeth Cambage, a 6-foot-8 center, is expected to go to Tulsa with the No. 2 overall pick. Cambage, 19, who averaged 22.3 points and 8.2 rebounds last season playing professionally in Australia last season, initially expressed disdain at the prospect of playing for the Shock, but she seems to have come around lately.

In the next two spots, three premier players are there for the taking. Chicago has the third overall pick.

Xavier’s TaShia Phillip, a 6-foot-6 All-America center, teammate Amber Harris, a 6-foot-5 All-America forward and Ohio State’s Jantel Lavender, a 6-foot-4 All-America center, the Big Ten’s all-time leading rebounder.

The Lynx sent a message of sorts on Friday when they traded all-star center Nicky Anosike to Washington for a first-round draft pick next year. It appears the Lynx are going after a strong post presence with this pick, and the hunch here is that it will be Lavender if she is available.

MINNESOTA CONNECTIONS

Three former Minnesota high school standouts are eligible for the draft and could be selected today.

Angel Robinson, Marquette: The former St. Paul Central point guard averaged 12.6 points for the Golden Eagles and was a three-time All-Big East selection.

Alyssa Karel, Wisconsin: The Pioneer Press defensive player of the year her senior season at Cretin-Derham Hall, the point guard averaged 15 points per game her senior season with the Badgers. She is a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

Kachine Alexander, Iowa: The 5-foot-9 guard who played at BenildeSt. Margaret’s High School averaged 14.3 points her senior season with the Hawkeyes. She was a three-time All-Big Ten selection. One of only five players in Big Ten history to score at least 1,000 career points, have 800 career rebounds and 300 career assists.