Mohegan – They were mere numbers for Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis – would she go second, third, whatever – but there were major questions Thursday night at the WNBA Draft for Kiah Stokes.

And maybe that's why the loudest noise inside Mohegan Sun Arena came when then WNBA president Laurel Hardy announced a trade between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, involving several draft choices, guard Ana Cruz ... and ultimately Stokes.

Stokes, a contributor to the UConn women's 10th national championship earlier this month, went to New York as the 11th pick overall. She'll play for Bill Laimbeer and alongside former UConn great Tina Charles.

Mosqueda-Lewis went third overall to Seattle.

"One of the things I'm most excited about is the opportunity to play with Tina," Stokes said.

Stokes left UConn as one of the most accomplished shot blockers not just in school history, but the whole college game.

"I'm really excited to be with the Liberty," Stokes said. "I had no idea where I was going."

Mosqueda-Lewis, meanwhile, moves closer to home and joins Notre Dame's Jewell Loyd, whom the Storm took as the No. 1 overall pick.

"I'm happy and honored Seattle thinks I can be part of their organization," Mosqueda-Lewis said. "I'm excited to play with Sue (Bird). This is something me and my family have been dreaming of. ... My family is excited they'll be able to come to more games."

Mosqueda-Lewis leaves UConn as the most prolific three-point shooter in NCAA history, making 398 in her four years.

"I was definitely nervous the whole time," Mosqueda-Lewis said. "And I finally know where I'm going. Definitely a No. 1 moment."

The other members of the Huskies occupied section 19 inside the arena while their teammates were chosen. Mosqueda-Lewis, whose defensive prowess has been questioned, nonetheless enters as an assassin from the three-point line.

"I think I'll be able to get my shot off and I'll have great teammates around to help me," Mosqueda-Lewis said. "I'll try to elevate my game to another level. They can say I'm questionable if they want to. I have to prove myself like every other rookie when they come into this league. I'm excited."

Mosqueda-Lewis, who hails from Anaheim Hills, Cal., also moves back to the left coast.

"I'm looking forward to nice weather," she said, "and being closer to my family."

m.dimauro@theday.com

Twitter: @BCgenius