Peters, Novosel expected to go in first round of WNBA draft

Playing in the WNBA wasn’t something that was on Devereaux Peters’
mind as she was striving to overcome two knee injuries and three
surgeries during the early years of her Notre Dame women’s basketball
career.

Likewise, Natalie Novosel didn’t see herself putting on a WNBA
uniform as she crafted her game for the Fighting Irish.

But on Monday, when the WNBA conducts its draft (2 p.m., ESPN2),
both of the former Irish stars are expected to hear their names called
in the first round.

“It’s a little bit of walking into the unknown,” Novosel said.
“Devereaux and I never expected to be here. It’s really humbling.
We’re happy to be invited. It doesn’t guarantee a spot, but we’re just
really happy to be invited and looking forward to the next chapter of
our lives.”

According to the WNBA.com mock draft, Peters, a 6-foot-2 forward
who averaged 11.8 points and 9.3 rebounds for the Irish, could go as
high as the fifth pick to the San Antonio Silver Stars. Novosel is
projected as the seventh selection (New York Liberty).

Draftsite.com has both players taken in the first round by the
Washington Mystiques.

“We talked about that,” Novosel said of possibly being teammates
with Peters in the WNBA. “We told (Irish junior star) Skylar (Diggins)
that she should join us. That would be an amazing experience. I hope
it happens.”

Peters was aware of the league from an early age and even attended a
WNBA youth camp, but didn’t envision herself becoming a pro player.

. “It’s something you hope for and you dream about, but you don’t
really know what’s to come, especially with all of my injuries that
I’ve had to deal with,’’ Peters said. “There are times I didn’t even
know if I was going to continue to play basketball. It’s definitely a
blessing to be at this point now and to have come so far with all that
I’ve been through, and I definitely wouldn’t have imagined ever having
as great a career as I’ve had and everything and to be at this point
right now.”

ESPN analyst and former Connecticut great Rebecca Lobo said Peters’
work on the boards earned her attention from pro scouts.

“I have loved Devereaux Peters’ game,” Lobo said. “I think that one
thing that hurt her from not being mentioned in the top four ... is
just her injury history, but she is a high-energy rebounder. There was
a stretch this year from the Tennessee game in mid-January until the
Big East Tournament where she was averaging 14 points, 14 rebounds and
I think it was five blocks in that stretch of 12 or 13 games, which
was phenomenal.

“Her rebounding will translate to the WNBA. I think she is attractive
because she can defend around the perimeter. And pro coaches like to
have the flexibility of switching screens, even with their bigs; she
brings that. She’s a very good passer from the high post. You know,
one thing she needs to improve on is the consistency in her foul line
jump shot and her ability to consistently score on the block.”

Carolyn Peck, who coached Purdue to a national title and is an analyst
for ESPN, said Peters can make an impact in the WNBA.

“I think that what would make Devereaux Peters a great pro or good for
any team on their roster, is No. 1, different from college — she
doesn’t have to worry about foul trouble,” Peck said. “She can come in
and just play hard.

“And also, she is a post player who runs the floor. And as we have
seen, the WNBA game has gotten faster. ... And coming from the Notre
Dame system that is built a lot around making reads, making plays, as
opposed to running plays, but playing the game; I think that she’s got
that basketball knowledge.”

Peters brushed aside doubts about her knees.

“I don’t think my knees are that much of an issue,” Peters said. “I
think that’s in the past. I haven’t had any problems with them in the
past couple years. I haven’t had to sit out of practice in games
because of my knees.”

Novosel stands out because of her work ethic and all-around basketball
knowledge.

“(Novosel) just has a toughness about her,” Lobo said. “And not only
can she shoot the 3 and has a mid-range game, but she can get to the
free-throw line and she’s just a tough, tough kid.”

According to Lobo, Novosel’s 0-of-11 shooting performance against
Baylor in the national championship game didn’t hurt the Irish star’s
stock.

“When you talk to coaches and GMs about her, they mention that
toughness,” Lobo said. “And I have not heard one coach or GM mention
the championship game. This kid has consistently performed at a high
level in big games and big moments. I don’t think that one poor
shooting performance is going to hurt her draft status to be
completely honest with you. I think she’s a player who could probably
go somewhere between 9 and 12 the first round.’’