NEW YORK ― Georgia Amoore’s first-round WNBA draft selection seemingly eases much of the doubt surrounding her smaller stature.
On Monday, fans, family members, coaches and draft prospects entered The Shed in Manhattan full of chatter and anticipation ahead of the 2025 WNBA draft. As they filled the building, drifting off to their seats, trying the on-site activations or strolling to the WNBA orange carpet, a line formed at a nearby escalator. Upon approach, the patrons waiting seemed like ordinary people excited to watch history being made at of the biggest events in women’s sports. But, they needed the line to move along to do it.
‘Are we allowed to use this escalator?’ one person said. ‘What’s going on?’ said another. Then, a woman, unsuspecting, but warm, flashed a darling smile as bright as the leather jacket she was wearing ― with ‘Honor Tailoring: custom alteration’ stitched onto the back ― and briefly turned around to say she was waiting like everyone else to get upstairs.
That woman was Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore, wearing a custom outfit designed by Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook.
‘Honor the gift,’ she told media members about the look moments later on the league’s orange runway. As Amoore explained how her outfit came to life, her eyes lit up with a childlike twinkle. She explained with enthusiasm and appreciation how the collaboration with Westbrook encapsulated everything she wanted, and she was thankful that the Denver guard was detailed in his approach. Then, Amoore revealed that Westbrook wouldn’t let her leave parts of the design to him.
‘He actually checked me at one point because I told him to just go ahead and do whatever, and he was like, ‘Nah, Nah. It’s your night,’ she said.
It was Amoore’s night. The Washington Mystics selected the Australian native with the No. 6 overall pick, pairing her with other first-round selections, Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron and USC forward Kiki Iriafen. The Mystics’ new floor general was selected higher than various predictions leading up to the WNBA draft had her landing, but it’s hard to pass up elite talent ― even with a smaller 5-foot-6 frame than most WNBA guards. So, what potentially drew Washington’s front office to Amoore?
‘Just my brain,’ Amoore proudly shared after being drafted. ‘ I think, you know, it’s no secret. I’m on the shorter side. So, having to use my brain and my abilities in different ways ― I’ve had to study the game like I studied for a test in college.’
The Mystics needed shooting and additional guards on Monday evening, and with the Kentucky product, they have both. Amoore’s cerebral approach to basketball makes her an immediate asset for a franchise that is rebuilding and likely wants to compete sooner rather than later. What’s more, her no-fear mentality and confidence practically leap off the court every time she slashes through opposing defenses or unleashes her signature step-back jumper, something she improved with the help of Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks.
‘Yeah, these quads and Coach Brooks,’ Amoore joked. However, when speaking about what else helped her to get to the WNBA draft, she credited Brooks’ impact again. ‘He’s always told me (to) stop and smell the roses … just be super present with everything that’s happening. That helped me tonight, and it’ll help me going forward.’
As she begins her professional career, Amoore has a steep rookie learning curve ahead of her. The WNBA is one of the premier leagues in the world and the guard play and basketball knowledge is top-tier. The ebbs and flows of the season are often unforgiving for first-year players, and when carrying the load of being one of the faces of the franchise, the curve becomes even steeper. Still, true to form, Amoore is undeterred by any perceived obstacle she faces. ‘Iron (sharpens) iron. When you get thrown into that situation you either adapt or drown,’ she said. ‘I’m excited to go and be challenged mentally and grow my game.’
‘As long as people have called me too short, I’ve been looking to counteract that … But I think with my competitive background, I have a little bit of dog in me that’s gonna keep fighting.’
