WNBA Draft has really awkward moment as host misnames player in interview gone wrong: ‘So embarassing’
The WNBA is still working out some important kinks for their draft coverage.
One of the pre-draft hosts, Hannah O’Flynn, was on the Orange Carpet alongside Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson and didn’t know the prospect she was interviewing.
“I’m here with Aneesah [Morrow] and Rickea,” O’Flynn said as Jackson shook her head since they were actually talking to Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers.
“Oh, sorry. Go ahead. My bad. I’m so sorry, that is embarrassing,” O’Flynn continued by clarifying that she was actually speaking to Sellers, who would be drafted No. 17 overall by the Golden State Valkyries.
Morrow, a former LSU star, was drafted seventh overall by the Connecticut Sun.
O’Flynn clarified she had been reading off of the wrong card and that was the reason for the blunder.
She then asked Sellers about her recent engagement to former Maryland and Seton Hall star Faith Masonius.
Jackson wasn’t exactly perfect either, also fumbling Sellers’ name.
“Sania, your outfit is amazing,” Jackson continued, confusing Sellers with Sania Feagin (or perhaps Saniya Rivers), before pointing out Sellers’ sharp suit. “I love this blue. The jewelry makes it stand out.”
Jackson said her mistake was caused by an announcement in the background.
“Ngl just interviewing Sania then hearing her name in the background tongue twisted me bad. I know who she is I always watch herrrr!!” Jackson said in a post on X.
The blunders kept piling up, as the graphics department got involved with Sellers being identified as eventual No. 1 pick, Paige Bueckers.
The draft, which was hosted at Hudson Yards in New York City, had a solid turnout of fan support, but surely this is one moment that everyone would want to forget.
