Wichita State’s Alex Harden chosen in WNBA Draft

Alex Harden, the leading scorer in Wichita State women’s basketball history, was taken with the 18th pick in the WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night.

The pick came during the second round of the draft. The Mercury is the defending WNBA champion.

Harden earned honorable mention AP All-America this season after averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Shockers, leading WSU to a 29-5 season and its third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth.

Harden finished her career with 1,708 points.

She was chosen Missouri Valley Conference player of the year after leading WSU to its third straight Valley title.

Kansas senior Chelsea Gardner was taken No. 21, going to the Indiana Fever. Gardner finished as the 12th-leading scorer in KU history with 1,516 points.

“I was nervous and anxious waiting to see my name on the screen,” Gardner said, “but it’s a great opportunity and it's always been my dream of mine. When I was younger, I dreamt of playing on the same level as Candace Parker one day. This is huge opportunity for me and my family.”

Notre Dame junior Jewell Loyd and Minnesota sophomore Amanda Zahui B. were the first two players taken in the three-round, 36-player draft.

This story was originally published April 16, 2015 at 7:57 PM with the headline "Wichita State’s Alex Harden chosen in WNBA Draft."