Dreaming Big: Atlanta’s Young Talent Ready to Take Flight

Young Talent Ready to Take Flight

The Atlanta Dream selected three talented young players in the 2024 WNBA Draft that are poised to energize the franchise. Nineteen-year-old forward Nyadiew Puoch was selected with the 12th overall pick. Puoch recently won the 2024 WNBL Championship and averaged over six points per game, demonstrating her potential. “She’s a long athletic wing, who immediately brings energy to your team,” said Padover.

All-WNBL First Team Selection

Guard Isobel Borlase was selected with the 20th pick after an impressive 2024 WNBL season where she was named to the All-WNBL First Team. The former WNBL Sixth Woman of the Year and Breakout Player of the Year averaged nearly 16 points and five rebounds per game last season. “Borlase is a young player with good experience on both the professional level and the international stage with the Australian national team,” Padover said. “She is a tough guard with size and will continue to develop her outside game.”

International Experience

Matilde Villa was selected with the 32nd pick after averaging 10 points and three assists per game during the 2023-24 Serie A1 season in Italy. Villa helped propel her team to a 20-3 start and a perfect record in EuroCup group play. “Villa is a great facilitator with unique court vision and similar to our other players we drafted she also has great international experience, right now playing pro ball in Europe,” said Padover.

The Dream added youth, energy and athleticism with these draft picks. Puoch, Borlase and Villa all have professional and international experience that will help them adapt quickly to the WNBA.

This year’s picks show the Dream are building for the future. Puoch, Borlase, and Villa each bring energy, athleticism, and professional experience at a young age. Their hunger and drive to succeed will lift the whole squad. As Wright said, the best is yet to come. With veterans to mentor them and a passionate city behind them, these rookies are ready to take flight. Keep following along to see how they grow their game and help the Dream reach new heights!