Connecticut Selects Duluth's Kneepkens in WNBA Draft First Round

The Marshall alum was part of an unprecedented five first-round picks out of UCLA.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:06am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball player, with their face and jersey dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.The selection of Duluth's Gianna Kneepkens in the WNBA Draft's first round continues a proud tradition of Minnesota basketball talent joining the professional ranks.Duluth Today

Duluth native Gianna Kneepkens was selected by the Connecticut Sun with the 15th and final pick of the WNBA Draft's first round on Monday. Kneepkens was part of an unprecedented five first-round picks out of UCLA, which also saw Lauren Betts (No. 4, Washington), Gabriela Jacquez (No. 5, Chicago), Kiki Rice (No. 6, Toronto), and Angela Dugalic (No. 9, Washington) selected in the opening round. Three picks later, the Sun selected Kneepkens' UCLA teammate Charlisse Leger-Walker with the third pick of Round 2.

Why it matters

Kneepkens' selection by the Sun continues a trend of top talent coming out of Minnesota, similar to the story of Lindsay Whalen, who was a first-round pick out of the University of Minnesota and played six seasons with the Minnesota Lynx. However, Kneepkens' time with the Sun may be short-lived, as the franchise is expected to be relocated to Texas after the upcoming season, reviving the Houston Comets brand.

The details

The 6-foot Duluth Marshall product was selected by the Connecticut Sun, who suffered a difficult 2025 season, going 11-33 after losing their head coach and all five of their starters in the preceding offseason. Kneepkens, believed to be one of the best pure shooters available in the draft, could be very helpful for a team that was second-worst in the league in points scored and worst in 3-point field goal percentage. The Sun also made headlines recently for signing 6-foot-9 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner as a free agent.

  • Kneepkens was selected by the Connecticut Sun with the 15th and final pick of the draft's first round on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Sun's first regular-season game is scheduled for May 8 at the New York Liberty, with their only scheduled trip to Minnesota coming on Monday, July 6.

The players

Gianna Kneepkens

A 6-foot Duluth native and Marshall product who was selected by the Connecticut Sun with the 15th and final pick of the WNBA Draft's first round.

Lindsay Whalen

A first-round pick out of the University of Minnesota who played six seasons with the Minnesota Lynx.

Brittney Griner

A 6-foot-9 10-time WNBA All-Star and Houston native who was recently signed as a free agent by the Connecticut Sun.

Lauren Betts

A UCLA player selected 4th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Gabriela Jacquez

A UCLA player selected 5th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

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What’s next

The Sun's first regular-season game is scheduled for May 8 at the New York Liberty, with their only scheduled trip to Minnesota coming on Monday, July 6.

The takeaway

Kneepkens' selection by the Sun continues a trend of top talent coming out of Minnesota, but her time with the franchise may be short-lived as the team is expected to be relocated to Texas after the upcoming season, reviving the Houston Comets brand.