Basketball | WNBA FAQs |
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Every player's dream is to get to the top. The WNBA is a great oppurtunity and has a tradmendous momentum behind it. One benefit of the WNBA is playing here in the USA and not having to leave family behind. Getting to the WNBA is not easy. see WNBA
What is the combine and how do I get invited?
If you do not receive an invite to the combine, then your only way of making a roster is to come in as a free agent. Teams usually have a few spots open after the draft, as they can take 18 into training camp. You need to get on a free agent list (your agent can do this for you) and possibly get to an exposure camp to be seen. This 18 person roster is then gradually cut down throughout training camp and finally reduced to 11-13 players for the season opener. Some teams have tryouts so you need to have someone (an agent or coach) that can get you seen. Most teams will bring players in for individual workouts prior to the submission of their free agent list. This is at the players expense, but well worth it if you earn a spot on the team! What about all of the additional camps that I receive letters about?There are usually a few assessment camps that are advertised to athletes providing them the opportunity to "be seen" by WNBA and foreign scouts. Some of these camps are very credible and you and your agent should assess if this is a good option for you. If you are not invited to the combine, it may be a great place to get your name out. Make certain that the camp is put on by professionals and isn't just an agency looking to sign athletes.
The best situation is the same,
try and get an invite to the combine. Again, the big advantage to this is that all the coaches see you play. This is even more important for you, as they may not be as familiar with your abilities as they did not have the opportunity to watch you play collegiate ball. Also, by being in the combine, you have a higher chance of being drafted and can make more money if you are chosen high. Again, you should find an agent that can get your information to the WNBA and help with an invite. If you don't receive an invite, you will also want to get to a team try-out.
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The combine is the invitation only camp that the WNBA puts on prior to the draft. All of the WNBA coaches are there watching, so this allows you to showcase your skills in front of all of the teams. The draft picks come directly from this combine. (There may be some exceptions). The WNBA does extensive scouting throughout the year and chances are, if you are WNBA caliber, they will contact your coach. There are, however, several athletes that can slip through the cracks. This is where your coach and his or her contacts become very important (see 
How do I get into the WNBA if I am a foreign player and live overseas?