Brea Beal 2023 WNBA Draft: The Lynx's newest defensive stopper

Brea Beal knows how to win, and win big on the defensive end — she’s a South Carolina Gamecock after all. That’s why the Minnesota Lynx scooped her up as a steal at No. 24. At 6-foot-1 with long arms, Beal looks the part of a wing-stopper, and coming in coached by the legend herself Dawn Staley, many expect she’ll be prepared to play in year one.

Beal’s senior season was also interesting because she showed the best 3-point shooting of her entire career, making 38-of-100 shots from range. It’ll need to be seen at the pro-level to be believed, but a consistent jumper could make Beal’s upside that much higher.

Where mock drafts have Brea Beal

Brea Beal’s ceiling: Starter

Brea Beal’s final season by the numbers: 6.4 points per game, 41.7% FG, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.9 turnovers, 38.0 3-point %, 57.7 FT%

Brea Beal’s highlights:

Why Minnesota Lynx fans should be excited Brea Beal is on their team

Someone has to do the tough work defensively, and that person can be Brea Beal. One of South Carolina’s unsung heroes, Beal was a tremendous pest on the wings and strong basket-defender down low. Her offense leaves a lot to be desired, but she can play defense right now — and being super skilled in one area coming into the league is a huge plus.