Clearly NBA drafting is riskier, as much more money is at stake and first round picks are essentially guaranteed to get four years.

WNBA drafting is harder, because the TV exposure is less, the talent pool is thinner, and the variability of competition is greater.

And sometimes players just don’t take to the pro game for whatever reason. Sandora Irvin was a beast in college, putting up great numbers and games against top level competition and scrubs alike, even drawing praise from Diana Taurasi ( http://www.wnba.com/draft2005/draft05_currentsprospectsinncaa.html ) but has been an inexplicable bust as a pro.

Since there are fewer teams, and fewer players per team. That is why 2nd rd picks on down essentially are nothing more than extra training camp players. With just 11 players on each team, versatility and a large skill set is essential if a wnba player expects to be in the league for a while.

I agree that nba draft busts will be found regardless of whether they are 18 years old or 22. However, the nba has seen a group of teams that seem to be in a perpetual state of suckitude. It’s great to get a top draft pick, but he needs to be in a good environment to develop, or the cycle continues to develop over the long run.