The Washington Mystics surprised many on April 12, 2018 when they announced that Texas guard Ariel Atkins was the seventh pick in the WNBA Draft. Though the decision to draft a wing wasn’t a surprise, selecting Atkins was to many who follow women’s basketball. After all, Atkins wasn’t invited to the draft. And two invitees, namely Mississippi State guard Victoria Vivians and Connecticut guard Kia Nurse were available when it was the Mystics’ turn to pick.
But to Mystics General Manager and Head Coach Mike Thibault, there was no doubt in his mind that Atkins was the best fit for the Mystics’ system.