Shortly after that moment, NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson gave Feagin a shout-out on social media.
“Welcome to the to the Los Angeles Sparks Sania Feagin!” Johnson said on X/Twitter. “Another strong addition to our team, Sania shot 60% from the field, is a strong rebounder and shot blocker, and she knows how to win as a two-time national champion!”
Johnson was a five-time NBA champion, 12-time all-star and three-time MVP during his 13-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s been an owner of the Sparks since he and the rest of Sparks LA Sports LLC took over the franchise in 2014.
Feagin was the second of the Sparks’ three picks on Monday night. They also selected Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker with the No. 9 overall pick and Notre Dame’s Liatu King with the No. 28 pick.
Feagin was the third Gamecock to be selected in the draft. Te-Hina Paopao went No. 18 overall to the Atlanta Dream, and Bree Hall was picked No. 20 overall by the Indiana Fever.
Feagin saw her draft stock rise in the last few months of South Carolina’s season. The forward had a career-year during her senior season after coming off the bench to relieve the likes of future WNBA pros Kamilla Cardoso and Aliyah Boston (to name a few) during the beginning of her career.
“This feeling is like something you can’t even explain,” Feagin said of being drafted. “So just to know that I grew up and started from really nothing, and that’s where I am now is amazing.”
She was named to the All-SEC defensive team (the first All-SEC honor of the her career), All-SEC Tournament and earned NCAA All-Regional team honors in March. Feagin averaged a career-high 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks this year.
“Sania has shown a commitment to doing what it takes to contribute to a championship culture,” Los Angeles Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley said in a release. “She is a strong defender who brings toughness to both sides of the floor. We love what she has accomplished thus far and are excited about her future.”
