There are few players that Geno Auriemma holds in higher regard than Jamelle Elliott so when Auriemma compared the career of graduating senior Kelly Faris to the former UConn forward and assistant coach when he spoke to the crowd at today's post-parade rally, there might not be a greater compliment.

A few minutes later Auriemma expressed his hope that Faris finds an ideal landing spot in tomorrow's WNBA draft much like Tiffany Hayes did last season when Atlanta swooped in and grabbed her early in the second round.

"I hope she lands with a really, really good team, an established coaching staff that has a lot of good, veteran players where she can use her talents as a role player early on kind of like she did when she was a freshman and helped us win a national championship and grew into the type of player she is today," Auriemma said. "I hope the same scenario plays out in the WNBA (rather) that she goes to a team that throws her out there for 35 minutes and says 'OK, help us make the playoffs.' I am hoping she lands with a good team."

While it is dangerous to buy too much into pre-draft speculation, the thought it that Faris will land somewhere between 6-10 and figures to be gone by the time the Connecticut Sun's turn comes up at No. 11.

Faris has been slotted in as early as No. 6 to Seattle in mock drafts. New York, San Antonio and Indiana come up next and Faris could easily go at any of those spots. If would be a dream scenario if Faris were taken by Indiana, the reigning WNBA champions. Faris played her high school ball at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis which is about a 15 mile drive on I-70 from the home court of the Fever.

The draft starts at 8 p.m. and the first round will air on ESPN2. The second and third rounds will be televised on ESPNU.