Stanford star Hull declares for draft, headed to WNBA
Tara VanDerveer's attempt at a third straight Final Four appearance will come next year without one of the key cogs who led Stanford to that national stage in each of the last two seasons.
Senior guard Lexie Hull announced her intention Monday to declare for the WNBA draft, which takes place next week, forgoing an additional year of eligibility afforded to her by a COVID-related rule change.
Hull led the Cardinal in scoring three times in five NCAA Tournament games, including a 36-point outburst against Kansas in the second round to ensure Stanford would advance to play in her and twin sister Lacie's hometown of Spokane for the next two rounds.
Lacie, who also has the added year of eligibility, also plans to leave Stanford following graduation after starting for the Cardinal throughout this season. Sixth-year senior guard Anna Wilson is also leaving, meaning Stanford will have to replace three major backcourt contributors.
Both twins were academic All-Americans, and Lexie Hull is just the second player in program history to make the All-American
first team twice in her career. They finish their careers with two Final Four berths and a national championship to their names. Wilson also made the Final Four in 2017.
After shooting well early in the NCAA Tournament, Lexie struggled in the Cardinal's loss Friday to UConn in the Final Four, but VanDerveer said her
impact -- along with that of the other departing players -- goes far beyond the box score for Stanford.
“I don't think one game can define Lexie or Lacie or Anna Wilson, what they've done for this program. Did she miss some shots? Yes, she did. This was not her best game,” VanDerveer said postgame. “But I wouldn't trade her for any
player -- she plays so hard. She had -- both her nostrils were bleeding and she's still trying to be out there, `I'm like, Lexie, you're bleeding.' She's an absolute warrior.
“Honestly if our team can learn from these twins and Anna on how to practice and how to compete, we can be back here next year. They just are so competitive. They are so coachable.”