With the women's college basketball season concluded, top prospects emerge ahead of the April 13 WNBA Draft.
Category: Sports
The women’s college basketball season concluded dramatically on Sunday as the UCLA Bruins defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks, claiming their first NCAA Tournament title with a decisive victory. This win not only marks a historic achievement for UCLA, finishing the season with a remarkable 37-1 record, but it also sets the stage for the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft, scheduled for April 13.
Thanks to a coin flip between the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, the full draft order has been finalized. The Tempo will select sixth, followed closely by the Fire at seventh. In addition, the Fire secured the 17th pick, the Chicago Sky holds the 21st, and the Tempo rounds out the second round with the 26th pick, all due to trades connected to the expansion draft.
As the WNBA season approaches, the Dallas Wings hold the coveted No. 1 pick and are projected to select Awa Fam, a promising 19-year-old center from Spain. Fam recently showcased her skills against Team USA during the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, demonstrating her potential to thrive in the professional league.
In the mock draft predictions from CBS Sports, the first round is filled with talent. Following Fam, the Minnesota Lynx are expected to take Olivia Miles, a dynamic guard from TCU known for her playmaking abilities. Miles is praised for her capacity to create opportunities and could fill a long-standing need for the Lynx.
The Seattle Storm are projected to select Azzi Fudd, a guard from UConn, at the third pick. Fudd, who faced challenges during the NCAA Tournament, is recognized for her exceptional 3-point shooting skills, making her a valuable asset for a Storm team looking to improve its offensive spacing.
The Washington Mystics have the fourth pick and are likely to choose Lauren Betts, a center from UCLA. Betts was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament, leading her team to victory. Her defensive prowess and size make her a strong candidate, though questions remain about how her offensive game will adapt to the WNBA.
At fifth, the Chicago Sky are expected to draft Kiki Rice, another UCLA standout. Rice’s versatility and experience playing alongside elite players position her as a promising future point guard for the Sky.
The Toronto Tempo are projected to select Raven Johnson, a guard from South Carolina, at No. 6. Johnson brings experience from her time in three consecutive NCAA national championship games and is recognized for her elite defensive skills.
The Portland Fire, with the seventh pick, are likely to choose Nell Angloma, a forward from France. Angloma’s youth and physicality align with the Fire’s strategy of building for the future.
As the draft progresses, the Golden State Valkyries are expected to select Gianna Kneepkens from UCLA at No. 8, followed by the Mystics again at No. 9, potentially taking Flau'jae Johnson from LSU. Johnson’s ability to create scoring opportunities could be a game-changer for the Mystics.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever are projected to take Ta'Niya Latson, a guard from South Carolina, at No. 10. Latson’s performances in the championship game highlighted her ability to finish strong at the rim, making her a valuable addition to any team.
The second round of the draft is also shaping up to be competitive. Janiah Barker, a former Tennessee star, is projected to be the first pick of the second round, landing with the Seattle Storm at No. 16. Barker’s college career ended with a suspension and an illness during the NCAA Tournament, but her talent remains undeniable.
Just behind her, Marta Suarez, who began her career at Tennessee before transferring, is expected to go to the Portland Fire at No. 17. Suarez has shown considerable growth during her time at TCU and is seen as a solid pick.
At pick 25, Justin Pissott is projected to be taken by the Indiana Fever. Pissott, a sharpshooter who transferred from Tennessee to Vanderbilt, has demonstrated her scoring ability and could provide a much-needed offensive boost.
Gabriela Jaquez, a standout from UCLA, is also generating buzz in the lead-up to the draft. Jaquez had a stellar performance in the championship game, recording 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Her versatility as a guard/forward has made her a consensus top 12 prospect for the draft, with projections placing her anywhere from the sixth to the fifteenth pick.
Jaquez, who is the younger sister of Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., has become a sought-after player due to her high basketball IQ and ability to impact the game without being the primary scorer. Her skills and leadership qualities make her an attractive option for teams looking for reliable contributors.
As the WNBA Draft approaches, the anticipation builds around which players will make the leap from college to the professional ranks. With so many talented individuals vying for spots in the league, the April 13 event a thrilling showcase of the next generation of women’s basketball stars.
The 2026 WNBA Draft is set to take place on April 13, and with the stakes higher than ever, teams will be looking to make strategic picks that could define their seasons.