Phoenix Mercury's No. 1 pick to be televised

in the 17 year history of the WNBA draft, the event has never been televised. Now, ESPN2 will air the first round on April 15th. For the third time, the Phoenix Mercury hold the first overall pick.

WNBA Lottery 2012: Phoenix Mercury Win No. 1 Pick

The promise for 2013 is the antithesis of the chagrin nature of 2012.

How does it feel to win the lottery? Ask the Phoenix Mercury and Head Coach Corey Gaines as they just won the 2013 WNBA Draft Lottery.

In classic Corey fashion, "I know a lot of people back in Phoenix are screaming right now. I am holding my emotions in right now because we still have to win games. This is a nice, a great, nice spot to be in right now."

After the season the Mercury had karma maybe had a little to do with this pick with three All-Stars missing 81 games collectively between them. Now the focus turns to the unique position of drafting No. 1 Overall.

The team now has the luxury of nit-picking the prospects to figure out who is going to be the best fit for the team going forward. On paper Brittney Griner is the top prospect in the draft with Elena Della Donne and Skylar Diggins rounding out the big names. Instead of ranking these prospects 1-4 Coach Gaines gets to be more of a scout for his team.

In franchise history the team has won the lottery three times in 2004 drafting Diana Taurasi and in 2007 drafting, but ultimately trading Lindsey Harding.

The top prospects are Griner, Della Donne, and Diggins, but anyone can come out of left field and challenge them for a high pick. All three create an amazing opportunity for versatility and flexibility for the future. Check out Swish Appeal for the latest on the prospects leading up to the draft in May.

Are you excited?

WNBA Draft Lottery 2012: Should The Mercury Get Number 1?

The stakes are high in the 2013 WNBA Draft Lottery. With the second best odds in the lottery the Mercury are in good shape, but it is not all bad if they do not win.