Report: Toronto Tempo pick Allemand, Sabally, and Mabrey in expansion draft 

The wait is finally over. There are now potential names added to the Tempo’s inaugural roster.  

29-year-old Belgian guard Julie Allemand was the second pick in the expansion draft. She was selected after Canadian Bridget Carleton, who was selected by the Portland Fire.

Head coach Sandy Brondello’s former New York Liberty centre – Nyara Sabally – was the Tempo’s second pick. In the past, Brondello has praised her for being an X-factor and a high-energy player.

Connecticut Sun’s Marina Mabrey was Toronto’s third choice, and Aaliyah Nye, who won an WNBA championship in her rookie season last year, was selected fourth. Rookie guard Lexi Held, who helped the Phoenix Mercury in their Finals runs, was selected fifth, and Golden State Valkyries’ Maria Conde was selected sixth.

Brondello has made the playoffs every season and has championship expectations – she has publicly spoken of wanting her players to “embrace hard.”

Only one unrestricted free agent is allowed through the expansion draft, and Allemand and Sabally are both restricted free agents. Mabrey is unrestricted.
In the second round, the Tempo drafted players in this order: Maria Kliundikova, Adja Kane, Nikolina Milic, Kitija Laksa, and Kristy Wallace.

The expansion draft was the first of three options for Tempo’s roster construction. The WNBA Draft (happening on April 13th) and free agency are the other two options. The Tempo acquired the 26th pick (via the New York Liberty) from the Chicago Sky and will own the 6th, 22nd and 36th pick as well. 

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