Zia Cooke: You're going to want her Sparks jersey after WNBA Draft

Zia Cooke was South Carolina’s x-factor for four straight years, always showing up in the Gamecocks’ biggest games. She dropped 24 points in a close Final Four defeat, nearly single-handedly keeping her team in the game on offense. That's why the Los Angeles Sparks drafted her at No. 10.

Her size is her biggest knock, standing just 5-foot-9, so her 3-point shooting will need to go from good to excellent for her to find a role. But it’s hard to not believe in the electric guard.

Where mock drafts have Zia Cooke

Gaming Society: No. 12
ESPN: Not in the first round
The Athletic: Not in the first round
CBS Sports: No. 12

Zia Cooke’s ceiling: Role player

Zia Cooke’s final season by the numbers: 15.4 points per game, 40.5 % FG, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.1 blocks, 1.8 turnovers, 34.6 3-point %, 79.2 FT%

Zia Cooke’s highlights:

Why Sparks fans should be excited that Zia Cooke is on their team

Buckets. Cooke shot 35.7% and 39.3% from the 3-point line in each of her last two seasons, and isn’t afraid to launch when needed. Her size will be a problem defensively, but it also makes her super easy to root for. You’ll want a Zia Cooke jersey.