Liz Repella said a big dream of hers was to one day play in the WNBA. Later this afternoon, that dream could very well become a reality.

“I’ve wanted to play in the WNBA since I was in the first or second grade,” she said.

The 36-player WNBA draft takes place at 3 p.m. today and Repella’s name is likely to be called. Chris Hansen of HoopGurlz listed Repella as one of five players whose draft stock has risen since the NCAA tournament.

Repella played her two best games of the season against Houston (26 points) and Baylor (season-high 29 points) in the NCAA tournament, while also showing pro scouts her versatility by being able to play both guard positions.

For the season, she averaged nearly 15 points and six rebounds per game for the 24-10 Mountaineers, leading WVU to its third NCAA tournament appearance in her four seasons in Morgantown.

Repella’s shooting range is among the best of the players available in this year’s draft, and Hansen believes Repella’s name could sneak into the back end of the first round.

Hansen lists Repella and WVU teammate Sarah Miles on the “first round bubble” in his latest WNBA draft projection for ESPN.com.

“I think the fact that I am willing to defend is also helpful,” said Repella.

There are 12 picks in the first round and 36 overall selections in the draft, which lasts three rounds. ESPN will carry the first round while the second and third rounds will be televised on ESPNU and NBA TV.

Repella said she will be watching the draft with members of the women’s basketball staff at the Coliseum this afternoon.

“I don’t really care where my name is called,” she said. “I would just like to see it come up.”

West Virginia has had three players taken in the WNBA draft. Olayinka Sanni was the fourth pick in the second round (18th overall) by the Detroit Shock in 2008, point guard Yolanda Paige was the third pick in the second round (16th overall) by the Indiana Fever in 2005, and guard Kate Bulger was the last player picked in 2004 draft by the Minnesota Lynx.

Yelena Leuchanka was not drafted but signed a free agent contract and has played parts of the last three seasons in the league, most recently with Atlanta last season.