Former UK Hoops Players taken in WNBA Draft

Former Kentucky Hoops stars Evelyn Akhator, and Makayla Epps may not have ended their collegiate careers at the top of the mountain, but Thursday evening the stellar play of both ladies was rewarded with their respective selections in the WNBA Draft.

Akhator did not have to wait long to hear her name called. The Dallas Wings took the Nigerian native with the 3rd overall pick, making her the highest draft pick in the history of the program. A'dia Mathies previously held the distinction and was selected 10th in the 2013 draft. Akhator is also the third UK player to be chosen in the first round.

The versatile forward averaged 15.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest last season. Akhator recorded a team-best 18 double-doubles as well.

Lebanon, Kentucky's own Makayla Epps had to wait a little longer to hear her name called before the Chicago Sky chose Epps with the 33rd pick in the second round.

Epps was Kentucky's leading scorer during the 2016-17 season at 17.7 points-per-game. She was the only player in the SEC to finish in the top ten in points, field-goal percentage, and assists (Epps tied for the team lead with 118). Epps also finished in the top ten in the same categories in UK history.

Neither Epps or Akhator will have time to rest their laurels. WNBA training camp begins on April 23rd and the season tips off on May 13th.