February 10th kicked off free agency in the WNBA and players instantly began to sign, especially with the new CBA agreement intact. WNBA general managers should have Grambling State legend Shakyla Hill on their radars.
The first week of free agency was explosive as a lot of big-name players were either traded, signed or re-signed. Currently, free agency action has slowed down as the 2020 WNBA draft approaches. But some teams are looking deeper into the surface to find that hidden gem.
As the brand of the WNBA continues to expand so does the level of competition. Currently, there are only 12 teams in the WNBA. Having 12 teams makes it hard for players drafted in the second or third round to make the final cut.
On the other hand, there is one player who didn’t hear her name called at all in the 2019 WNBA draft and her name is Shakyla Hill.
Hill graduated and played for Grambling State University (Division One) which is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Louisiana. Grambling is currently in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Free Agency: Shakyla Hill’s Grambling Journey
While playing at Grambling, Hill recorded two historic quadruple-doubles which is unheard of. Not to mention she is the first NCAA player in history to record two quadruple-doubles.
While playing in college the 5-foot-7 guard averaged a career stat line of 15.9 points, 7.2 rebounds 4.8 assists and 3.8 steals. There are plenty of teams in the league that can use a quick guard who can control the ball on offense, play defense and bring intensity.
Clearly, her height may draw some red flags but her game is similar to Ivory Latta who played in the WNBA for a handful of seasons. Hill is also a guard who doesn’t mind crashing the class at any given moment.
After graduating from Grambling, Hill did not get selected in the WNBA draft. Shortly after she signed overseason in Serbia. Hill signed to play with ZKK Kraljevo.
ZKK Kralijevo is a top-notch professional team in the Serbian league overseas. Before Hill’s collegiate career, she didn’t receive any college offers. But her commitment to her HBCU is timeless as it helped her become a stronger competitor, leader, and person.
In addition to her leadership, the Grambling legend led her team to two SWAC tournament appearances and she took home the conference MVP award (just saying).
Another One
WNBA teams that consider signing the Arkansas native will get a fearless leader, true point guard and someone who can withstand adversity.
Shortly after signing with the ZKK Kraljevo in 2019 the quadruple-double queen would strike again recording her third in three years. The fact that she recorded another in professional basketball speaks volumes to her skill, craft, and balance.
Legacy Holds Weight
The ZKK Kraljevo guard shares a similar story to current WNBA players that were cut and had to play overseas. Some women go overseas to take their game to the next level and then eventually sign with a WNBA team.
This story is different because she attended an HBCU where the facilities are underfunded, underrepresented and often disregarded.
From 1930-1970 HBCU’s were dominating in sports until integration. Predominantly white colleges (PWI’s) needed to start recruiting outside of the norm. Integration changed the complexity of college sports in both positive and negative ways. Integration started the conversation of equality in sports but it impacted the growth of HBCU’s in multiple ways.
Hill is one of the few athletes that stayed with her HBCU after reaching national recognization and success.
She uses her experience and platform as a tool of motivation as she continues to advocate for HBCUs. She is a firm believer that HBCU athletics belong in all sports conversation and that anyone can thrive there.
The WNBA is continuing to grow and is a phenomenal brand that promotes diversity, inclusion, grit, hard work and legacy. The quadruple-double queen has left a legacy at Grambling State University and should be signed by a WNBA team that is looking for the next movement.
WNBA free agency watch out for Shakyla Hill!
