Dream add depth, defense in the draft

Cooper says four picks provide boost for postseason run.

Dream coach Michael Cooper believes the team selected four players that, combined with a change in the WNBA’s playoff format, will get the team back into the postseason.

The team selected three guards — one a “demon” on both ends of the court, another a prolific scorer and the third an assist machine — and a shot-blocking center to join a nucleus of players whose six-year playoff run was snapped with last season’s 15-19 record.

“It’s going to be fun this year,” Cooper said.

The team’s draft was balanced between boosting its offense and defense, both of which had issues last season.

The team ranked last in the league in average points allowed (79.8 points per game). While it ranked second in scoring (77.8 points per game), it ranked among the worst in overall shooting (41.1 percent), 3-point shooting (32 percent) and turnovers (16).

The team selected West Virginia’s Bria Holmes with the 11th pick in the first round. She had more than 2,000 points and 300 assists, while grabbing almost 500 rebounds in an All-American career. Cooper believes that she will be a key backup for Angel McCoughtry, the team’s leading scorer (20.1 points per game) last season.

“She’s a defensive demon who will do multiple things,” Cooper said of Holmes.

The Dream added more defense with their next pick, Rutger’s Rachel Hollivay. The 6-foot-4 center averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 blocks last season. Cooper recruited her when he was at USC, and he’s glad to finally get an opportunity to coach her. The Dream averaged 3.7 blocks last season.

“She’s one that will only get better and nastier as the season goes on,” Cooper said.

The team turned its focus back to offense with its last two selections: Texas A&M guard Courtney Walker, who averaged an SEC-best 18.4 points and was three times named an AP All-American, and Baylor’s Niya Johnson, who averaged a Division I-best 8.7 assists last season. Cooper envisions Walker as a backup to Tiffany Hayes, who averaged 12.9 points last season. Johnson should push Shoni Schimmel at point guard.

“She can create her own shot,” Cooper said of Walker. “She can really put the ball in the basket.”

The team opens training camp April 23. The WNBA altered its playoff format in January so that the eight teams with the highest winning percentage, regardless of conference, will make it to the postseason.

SUE OGROCKI / AP Baylor guard Niya Johnson averaged an NCAA-best 8.7 assists this past season. She is expected to push Shoni Schimmel for playing time at point guard.