Kate Martin picked by Las Vegas Aces in 2nd round of WNBA Draft

Kate Martin was selected by the Las Vegas Aces with the 18th overall pick in the second round of the WNBA Draft on Monday, far earlier than projected.

“All I wanted was an opportunity, and I got it,” Martin said.

Martin was a member of the Iowa women’s basketball program for six years and scored more than 1,000 points. She was a second-team all-Big Ten selection this season, averaging 13.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

“I’m so proud of Kate because her dreams came true,” Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder said. “She has been such a big part of our program over the last six years, and her efforts did not go unnoticed by her peers.”

Las Vegas has won the last two WNBA championships.

“If any player in the draft knows how to play with stars and take a secondary role, it's Martin after four seasons with Clark,” ESPN analyst Charlie Creme said. “Martin will adapt to any role, can defend and is an opportunistic 3-point shooter.”

Former Iowa star Megan Gustafson, the 2019 national player of the year, signed a two-year deal with the Aces in February.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com