Skylar Diggins-Smith reveals how she coped with stern WNBA challenges in sophomore season

Skylar Diggins-Smith turned in one of the biggest sophomore leaps in WNBA history in 2014, posting arguably the best season of her career in just her second season. She has since developed into one of the best players in the W, but the journey has been anything but easy for the future Hall of Famer.

On Angel Reese's podcast, Unapologetically Angel, Skylar Diggins-Smith discussed the pressures of being a high draft pick entering her second season.

"My second year, I came back and made first-team (All-WNBA), and that was a big deal for me," Diggins-Smith said.

"I went back to Notre Dame, was hooping and really found my love for the game again. I was down on myself (after my rookie season), and so I had to go back home."

Diggins-Smith emphasized the importance of a positive mindset and building confidence entering her second season in the WNBA.

"It was a confidence thing. It was all above the neck for me. We know we can play this game, but I think you have to have that first year of adjustment where you find your little niche."

Skylar Diggins-Smith was selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft.

She had a tough time adjusting to the speed at the professional level in year one, shooting just 32.8% from the field and 24% from 3-point range. She flipped the script in her sophomore campaign, averaging a current career-high 20.1 points, along with 5.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Her efforts were rewarded with a first-team All-WNBA selection and the 2014 Most Improved Player award.

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Skylar Diggins-Smith steals the spotlight on Unrivaled debut

Skylar Diggins-Smith made her Unrivaled debut in the league's first-ever contest as Mist Basketball Club squared off against Lunar Owls Basketball Club. The matchup featured the league's two founders, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

Collier led the Lunar Owls in scoring, Diggins-Smith stole the show down the stretch of the fourth quarter. She scored 10 points, sinking two clutch 3-pointers to help the Lunar Owls secure an 84-80 win over the Mist.

Skylar Diggins-Smith finished with 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting on her Unrivaled debut, burying 3-of-8 3-point attempts. She added four rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block in 11 minutes of action.

Diggins-Smith is gearing up for her 11th WNBA seasons, missing two seasons in 2019 and 2023, coming off her first year with the Seattle Storm.