To top-off a truly incredible season, senior DeWanna Bonner is one of 15 top WNBA prospects invited to attend the 2009 draft, at the NBA Entertainment studios in Secaucus, N.J.
"I am excited, I am nervous, a lot of different emotions right now," Bonner said last week. "It is an honor to even get invited to the draft."
An honor well-earned.
Bonner was one of 10 players named a State Farm/WBCA First-Team All-American Sunday, was the SEC Player of the Year, and a National Player of the Year finalist.
She is the first Auburn player to ever lead the SEC in scoring, finishing her career with a school record of 2,162 points. She finished in the top 10 of every major statistic at Auburn.
Bonner helped to lead the 2008-2009 Tigers to the SEC regular season title, to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and a record of 30-4, 12-2 in SEC play. This was the best season the program has had in 20 years.
"I am proud of what we accomplished this year," head coach Nell Fortner said. "The senior class put this program back on the national map and that is something that we will never forget."
The senior class consists of talents Bonner, Whitney Boddie, Sherell Hobbs and Trevesha Jackson.
Boddie earned Honorable Mention All-American honors, is a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman National Point Guard of the Year Award. With 603 career assists, she holds the Auburn record.
"I was talking to WNBA coaches all year long," Fortner said. "'How's DeWanna progressing?' 'How's Whitney doing?' Trying to get to know the player the best they can through me, because they can't do it personally."
Bonner is expected to go in the first round of the 2009 draft, Boddie in the second, and Fortner has hopes for Hobbs as well.
"I don't think there is any question that DeWanna will be on a team," Fortner said. "She is a pro-player. Her versatility is just too valuable. I think even though Whitney might go in the second round, I could see her making a team, because she is an extremely good point guard who is just now coming into her own. We are just now seeing what she is really capable of, I think her best years are ahead of her."
There are 13 teams in the WNBA, each aiming to fill its limited 11-spot rosterwith talent, consistency and durability.
"I am just going to be very excited to be there (on draft day)," Bonner said. "No spot is guaranteed whether you go the in first round or anything. You just have to go out there and prove yourself. I just want to go out there and be a good addition to someone's team."
Boddie echoed Bonner and said she is excited about the prospect of playing at the next level but doesn't want to get caught up in anything, because she will still have to prove herself.
"There are a lot of veterans and people looking for spots," Boddie said. "With the try out environment, I think I would probably thrive because it is kind of one-on-one basketball. You get to prove yourself, and I have had to do that my whole life. I have always been too short, not fast enough, just all of this stuff. If I am put in that situation again I will embrace it and try to make the most of it."
To keep their edge, Bonner and Boddie said they have been working hard to stay in shape in the off season. They are doing daily workouts with the team, with their strength and conditioning coach and on their own.
"(Bonner) has proven herself," Fortner said. "I think the biggest thing she is going to have to face is how incredibly competitive it is going to be. DeWanna has been outstanding and has excelled at every level, she is about to come up against people who are fighting like it is their last meal. She has to go in there with that kind of attitude too, like I don't get to eat if I don't beat you today."
Bonner said she has not talked to any teams, but would like to go somewhere warm. The draft begins today at 2 p.m.
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