Delaying WNBA Draft Announcement, Jacy Sheldon Reflects on Her Last Year With Ohio State

Ohio State graduate Jacy Sheldon could have been part of the WNBA last year, but she decided against it. In the 2022-23 season, she missed 23 games because of injury. Before making a return in a restricted capacity for the Big Ten Tournament. Averaging 13.2 points per game which was way less in comparison to her 2021-22 season. Where she averaged a career-high 19.7 points per match.

In the latest interview with The Players’ Tribune. Haley Jones the host asked Sheldon about the main reason for not entering the draft. The Sixth overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream thought Sheldon could have declared last year. Jacy Sheldon replied, “But it came down to this group we had which was which was awesome.”

The Dublin, Ohio native wanted to contribute more and to have an impact in a major way. She said, “I think a lot of things went into it but most importantly it was the group we had we lost Taylor Mikesell which was obviously a huge loss. But we had a lot of people coming back and a lot of people joining us that for that next year so I just want to be part of that.”

Sheldon felt the injury-marred season did no good and wanted to prove she could work back at the highest level. “Wanted to be a part of another run have an impact one more year at Ohio State. And then I wanted to get healthy as well. The W (The WNBA) is obviously you know probably the best professional league out there, so I think going into their healthy is important.” After staying for one more season how did Sheldon fare in her last season?

Jacy Sheldon in her last season with Ohio State

Jacy Sheldon knew in her last season, that she would be requiring a lot of work. Finding ways to score this was her last shot before the WNBA. She continued in the same interview, “I think I worked on a lot of things I think I wanted to focus on my mid-range game and my three points. You know everything in general but finishing around the rim was also something I really focused on in that off-season.” 

Staying fit to lead the team was a challenge. Sheldon improved her defensive condition to help the team on both ends. “Like you said we’re playing against some big girls and I think finding the different ways to finish and just being creative with it uh helps you out a ton. And then defensively I always try to stay in condition just with the press. We run I think that’s always a focus of everyone on our team. But that those were the main focuses going into that last year.”

She is finishing the season averaging 17.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists. Currently, she is #6 in terms of draft pick by ESPN.