The 2026 WNBA Draft jump-started the league’s 30th anniversary season, and it certainly lived up to the hype with several surprising selections, but the first one surely was not.

For the second consecutive season, the Dallas Wings held the No. 1 overall pick and used both on guards from UConn, reuniting 2026 top pick Azzi Fudd with 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers in North Texas. Fudd will earn a WNBA-record $500,000 in her rookie season, thanks to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and WNBPA that increased the WNBA’s salary cap to $7 million in 2026, up from just over $1.5 million in 2025.

There were several late-stage mock drafts that had the Minnesota Lynx taking TCU’s Olivia Miles with the second pick, and it panned out as such. The Seattle Storm drafted Spanish star Awa Fam third overall, and UCLA star teammates Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez went to the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, to wrap up the lottery. A mind-boggling trade between the Seattle Storm and Golden State Valkyries saw Flau’jae Johnson (No. 8) shipped to the Emerald City for Marta Suarez (No. 16) and a 2028 second-round pick.

There were 45 draft selections made through the three-round event on Monday. Off The Record WBB broke down each one and assigned a draft grade for all 15 teams.

No. 13 - Madina Okot, South Carolina, C

No. 28 - Indya Nivar, North Carolina, SG

No. 43 - Keija Ran, China, SG

During broadcasts for the South Carolina Gamecocks this season, you probably heard that Kenyan native Madina Okot played organized basketball for the first time just six years ago. That didn’t stop the Dream from selecting her with a late first-round pick at No. 13. Okot made sizable gains in experience at Mississippi State before transferring to South Carolina, where she took another leap under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Dawn Staley. in 39 games, the 6’6 post averaged 12.8 PPG and 10.6 RPG for the Palmetto State’s finest, led the SEC in rebounding, and placed third in the nation for double-doubles (22). At one point during her campaign, Okot recorded eight straight double-doubles. As a Bulldog, Okot didn’t attempt a single three-pointer. Through the first 15 games of her career as a Gamecock, she was 1-for-4 from deep. In her last 24 outings, she shot a stifling 48 percent, going 12-for-25. This surely caught the eyes of Dream head coach Karl Smesko and general manager Dan Padover, especially after losing Brittany Griner to the Connecticut Sun. Though the WNBA has experienced an explosion in offensive production recently, the league still runs through the paint, and prospects with substantial height and a knack for wrecking the glass on either end will always have a roster spot. While she struggles with situational awareness in space and efficiency at the rim, she’s one of the youngest college prospects in this draft as was picked for her upside on a roster loaded with All-Star talent. As a determined shot blocker with the skill of deterring ball handlers away from the restricted area, she will see playing time early in her rookie season.

Indya Nivar’s greatest asset that will translate immediately is her ability to find her teammates. The 5’10 guard dished 130 assists in her senior season, good for ninth in the ACC. At just under four assists (3.7) per game, Nivar piloted a Tar Heels offense that placed fifth in scoring. She earned All-ACC Second Team and All-Defensive honors last season, leading her team in steals and assists. Nivar also recorded a rare triple-double with 10 steals. As one of the fastest guards in the country, she showed it on her drives to the rim. Nivar invites contact and often reverts to her move of choice in the lane, where she lowers her shoulder and spins off her defender, giving her options to finish or spray to the perimeter. As a guard, she corralled 5.2 rebounds per game and excelled at go-ahead passes off of them. Though her three-pointer will need to be worked on at the next level (31.3), there couldn’t possibly be a better landing spot for Nivar than Atlanta inside Smesko’s run-and-gun perimeter-oriented attack.

"We like her ability to make plays and her knack for the ball," Smesko said after the draft. "She's aggressive and brings a lot of energy."

With the 43rd pick, the Dream selected Ran, a guard from China with international experience. She brings a strong defensive profile and efficient scoring, highlighted by a strong showing at the FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, where she led the national team in points (19.1) and rebounds (11.3) and placed second in assists (3.1). The 5’8 guard surely won’t see the WNBA anytime soon, but this is only the latest example of excellent asset management from the Dream’s decision-makers across the board.

No. 5 - Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA, SG

No. 21 - Latasha Lattimore, Ole Miss, PF

No. 32 - Tonie Morgan, Kentucky, PG

Thanks to the Golden State Valkyries trading Flau’jae Johnson to the Seattle Storm, the Sky drafting UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez with the fifth overall pick was no longer the shocker of the evening. The 6-foot wing had a tremendous showing in the NCAA tournament with the Bruins and averaged a career-high 13.5 points per game as a senior, but she was expected to go later in the first round. Before Monday, there was no clear indication that she would even be a top-10 pick. Skylar Diggins and Courtney Vandersloot will be 37 and 38, respectively, at the end of their contracts. There were guard prospects with higher ceilings for the future, like Flau’jae Johnson or Kiki Rice, but time will tell whether the right decision was made. Jaquez was a dependable role player for UCLA, and her shooting improved throughout her collegiate career. She exploded on the scene in the national championship game, shooting 8-for-14 from the field, including 2-for-4 from three. As a driver, she excels at using her length to create space for herself in the lane or finding others in stride or set on the perimeter. With the lack of consistent shooting on Chicago’s roster, she’ll stretch the defense thin on catch-and-launch opportunities

Despite inconsistencies after playing for four schools in five years, Latasha Lattimore showed enough flashes of what her future could hold at the next level as a Rebel at Ole Miss. For a 6’4 forward, Lattimore possesses the athleticism and agility of a player much smaller than her frame. With one of the longest wingspans in the country at 6’10, Lattimore brings energy and an elite ability to block shots at will without giving up much ground. Her length lends her opportunities to blow up passing lanes and rack up deflections. With the right development plan, Lattimore can accentuate her potential as a matchup nightmare on the roll and extend her range to the corner. She shot a career-best 32 percent from the arc in her last season in college. In 36 games, Lattimore averaged 10.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 0.6 steals while shooting 51.2 percent on twos.

After one year at Kentucky under Kenny Brooks, Tonie Morgan’s skills as a lead guard were the talk of the nation because of her playmaking, leading the nation in assists (7.9). She also averaged nearly four turnovers per game (3.7). Her shooting improved drastically in her sole year against SEC defenses, but her effectiveness in half-court sets rather than on the break isn’t role-player-ready at the moment. It’ll be tough sledding for Morgan to make the Sky’s opening day roster with a plethora of guards in training camp, but the potential at this level is there if a team is willing to give her a developmental pool spot.

No. 12 - Nell Angloma, France, SF

No. 15 - Gianna Kneepkens, UCLA, SG

No. 18 - Charlisse Leger-Walker, UCLA, G

No. 37 - Taylor Bigby, TCU, SG

The Sun were one of the worst teams in the league last season, but that was expected after the mass departure of talent in All-Stars Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Brionna Jones in the same offseason. Despite only winning 11 games in 2025, Connecticut recorded eight of them in the second half. Head coach Rachid Meziane’s vision for his team took on new meaning as young talent like Saniya Rivers and Leïla Lacan led the charge, with the sage guidance of future Hall of Famer Tina Charles. In the 2026 draft, Sun general manager Morgan Tuck and Meziane took one step further down the path of consistency in building out their roster of the future with Nell Angloma at No. 12.

Though she doesn’t turn 20 until June, Angloma has the tools of a modern wing in the WNBA. Her three-pointer needs work at this level, and with work, it’ll come, but she’s already a ferocious interior scorer and was one of the best scorers in France for BLMA in LFB play as a teenager. Angloma’s versatility will be an immediate asset for Meziane and his staff. At 6’0, she can play multiple positions and defend them just as well. Angloma has been on the international radar for a few years at this point, and it’s clear that Connecticut was watching.

“To be honest, especially with (Nell) Angloma, we thought she’d be gone a little bit earlier,” said Tuck after the draft. “But but she’s someone that we’ve had our eye on for quite some time and we (were) hoping that she would be there, so we were really excited when we knew we had the chance to get her.”

With the final pick in the first round, the Sun selected Gianna Kneepkens from UCLA. Throughout her collegiate career at Utah and eventually UCLA, the 5’11 guard has been one of the sharpest shooters from deep, shooting 43.1 percent over five seasons. She’s proven to be more than just a shooter, but her immediate contribution in the league will be knocking down shots from outside. Kneepkens can do that off the catch to perfection with a consistent form that never wavers and relocates with ease. Her longevity in the WNBA hinges on whether she can develop into a plus-defender and hit on her attempts.

As a top-scoring option in her four years at Washington State, Charlisse Leger-Walker’s role changed at UCLA, operating more as a pass-first point guard. Her playmaking took a leap, averaging a career-high 5.1 assists. Her court vision is that of a savvy veteran. She’s able to find teammates in the perfect pocket in any setting. Leger-Walker shot 35.5 percent from three, which was a vast improvement as she made her case for the next level as a Bruin. The New Zealander is only 5’10 and has to increase her foot speed to last in the league, especially as a perimeter defender on larger players.

Taking a flyer on TCU’s Taylor Bigby is a good one because you can never have enough three-and-D wings.

No. 1 - Azzi Fudd, UConn, SG

No. 31 - Zee Spearman, Tennessee, PF

As previously stated, it was no secret who Wings head coach Jose Fernandez and general manager Curt Miller favored with the first overall pick. After signing co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard to multi-year deals while retaining Awak Kuier in free agency, it was clear that UConn’s Azzi Fudd was the choice. Re-signing franchise cornerstone Arike Ogunbowale to a multi-year deal just under the max was another clear indication.

“Obviously, we had an outstanding free agency in the post,” said Miller after the draft. “I will tell you that Azzi was and is our pick, but the free agency success in the post made it crystal clear…. It’s going to be meshing a lot of new parts and a lot of new terminology and a lot of new style, but with a little grace, I can’t wait to see where this team is in July and beyond.”

After leading with size in free agency, Dallas added the best shooting prospect the WNBA has seen in its history. Fudd upped her three-point percentage from 43.6 percent as a junior to 44.7 percent as a senior. Though she may not have the upside of a player like Awa Fam or Olivia Miles’ poise in orchestrating offense for others, Fudd will step in and instantly revive a Dallas offense that shot 32.8 percent on catch-and-shoot threes last season. Her floor game is pro-ready and will bind well with Dallas’ stars. Defenses already had a tough time guarding Ogunbowale and Bueckers last season. Add a shotmaker like Fudd to the equation, and the open opportunitites will come in abundance all over the court for everyone. Her off-ball prowess with one of the quickest releases this side of the Mississippi will force defenders to commit or overcommit, creating a flow for others to get in a rhythm early. Fernandez and Miller alluded to it when speaking to reporters, but people may have forgotten just how much defenses overloaded on Ogunbowale and Bueckers because they were the main threats of consistency throughout the season. That changes with Fudd officially in the picture and on the court.

Questions loom about whether Fudd can attack the rim consistently and force defenses to respect her handle at this level, but these are areas that can be developed. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no perfect prospect, even if they’re drafted first overall. Fudd is a top pick for what she can contribute from the start, which is putting the ball in the net and being a plus defender. Evaluators understand that some weren’t asked to do certain things in college, and that doesn’t mean that the ability to do so isn’t possible. For example, Fudd isn’t expected to be a lockdown defender from day one because that wasn’t her role at UConn. What she was asked to do was use her intelligence and quickness against ball handlers and follow the gameplan. Her hand-eye coordination on the ball and off it is severely underrated. Fudd can ignite a run in an instant because of this. In Dallas, her tools on this side will only improve with a talented nucleus running the show on the court and in the front office, making her adjustment to the WNBA a tad easier.

In a post-draft press conference, Miller glowed when speaking about the potential of Tennessee’s Zee Spearman. The 6’4 forward attempted a career-high 3.4 three-pointers in her senior season, and Miller shared his belief that it was too high. In an untraditional, hockey-style system run by Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell, Spearman made her mark with an underrated floor, timely runs from rim to rim, and crashing the boards. Throughout the offseason, Miller and Fernandez have spoken at length about the importance of this for Dallas this season. Spearman’s height is similar to Smith and Shepard, but her game is just the opposite. As a springy four, the Georgia native is at her best when she utilizes her 6’8 wingspan to deter shots near the rim or force the issue on the interior. Her footwork and finishing need work, but Dallas’ power duo likes what she brings. Anything can happen in camp, so there’s a chance Spearman makes the roster.

No. 16 - Marta Suarez, TCU, SF/PF

No. 23 - Ashlon Jackson, Duke, SG

No. 38 - Kokoro Tanaka, Japan, SG

Flau’jae Johnson was drafted by Golden State, but she was traded to Seattle for TCU’s Marta Suarez in a deal that made little sense for the Valkyries and a ton of sense for the Storm. Suarez could very well contribute immediately and be a great stretch addition, proving this grade as harsh. But to essentially trade a top-10 pick for two second-rounders was the stunner of the night by far. After two seasons with the Lady Vols and two at Cal, Suarez spent her fifth season with the Horned Frogs, where she blossomed as a scorer and paint defender. She connected on 84 total three-pointers, shooting 37 percent. Suarez will aid a Golden State offense that ranked 11th in three-point efficiency in 2025. The fit could end up being what w’s best for each player, but the jury will be out for quite a while. According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews and Alexa Philippou, the trade was in the works before either submitted their picks to the league, but Golden State didn’t agree to terms until it was on the clock.

As a 6’0 guard with a strong frame, Ashlon Jackson will earn her time in the WNBA as a 3-and-D wing. Though she shot a paltry 30.7 percent from deep as a senior, Jackson averaged 36 percent on attempts in the three previous seasons at Duke. Her length and athleticism made her one of the best defenders in the country, thwarting ball handlers inside and outside of it. She has all-world talents like Gabby Williams and Kayla Thornton to learn from, both of whom cut their teeth as undersized wings.

Kokoro Tanaka averaged 10.8 points and 3.4 assists for Team Japan at the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in Istanbul, Turkey, last month. Her brightest showing came against one of the best defensive units in the world in Team Australia, finishing with 17 points and 4-for-9 from the field (3-for-3 on threes). This tournament might have helped get drafted, showing that front offices pay attention to names outside traditional powerhouse countries. Tanaka thrives when she can attack a defense in transition, with the option to spray the ball around the court. It’s unclear if she will report to Golden State this season.

No. 10 - Raven Johnson, South Carolina, PG

No. 25 - Justine Pissot, Vanderbilt, SG

No. 40 - Jessica Timmons, Alabama, SG

If there was anything that Fever brass learned after the 2025 season, one sticking point was acquiring younger depth at the lead guard spot. Fever CEO Amber Cox and coach Stephanie White got exactly that in the most pro-ready guard in this draft, not named Miles.

“Raven [Johnson] is somebody that we thought would probably go in the top four or five,” Cox told reporters after the draft.

Johnson has won at every level she’s played, from multiple high school titles to five consecutive Final Four appearances with two rings to show for them. Like Miles, Johnson opted to return to college for a fifth year to further develop their skills and receive additional preparation for the WNBA. It paid off, and general managers around the league noticed. An unnamed one even went as far as to tell ESPN analyst Andraya Carter how much they loved her game and how it would fit at the next level. The 5’9 guard from Atlanta struggled with her shot through the first four years in Columbia, but her efficiency reached meteoric heights, averaging nearly 40 percent (39.8) on 2.6 attempts from beyond the arc. She simply processes the game at a speed that many in this class can’t match straight out of college.

Johnson was asked to pilot the Gamecocks’ offense and defend the best opposing wing player every night. She excelled at both equally, recording a career-high 5.1 assists per game and winning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and two SEC All-Defensive selections to her name. With an incredible 6’2” wingspan and solid core strength, Johnson defends post players with ease where players of her size shouldn’t be able to. There is no easy bucket with a talent like that waiting in the balance for the smallest mistake to exploit to start the break. Johnson has long been praised as a leader and excellent teammate in the locker room. She was South Carolina’s heartbeat on both sides of the ball and has the chance to do the same in the Hoosier State. You won’t have to imagine how well she’ll gel with finding shooters like Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell with training camp and preseason games on the way.

At the No. 25 pick, the Fever selected Justine Pissott, a 6’4” hybrid with size that you can’t teach. Though she struggled to maintain any resemblance of consistency in her first three seasons, Pissott netted 42.2 percent of her shots from outside as a senior, ranking 12th in the nation in made threes. Fever coach Stephanie White loves shooters with size, so Pissott has a chance of making the roster.

The Fever brought Kelsey Mitchell back, signed veteran guard Ty Harris in free agency, and drafted Johnson and Pissott before Alabama’s Jessica Timmons with the No. 40 pick. In her senior season, Timmons shot a career-best 39.4 percent on threes and on attempts (5.4). Rookies face an uphill challenge of making Indiana’s roster unless they have productive showings in camp, but even then, that much is up in the air.

No. 29 - Janiah Barker, Tennessee, PF

No. 44 - Jordan Obi, Kentucky, SF

Evaluators have long been impressed by Janiah Barker’s size and pro-ready skills as a three-level scorer and defender when she’s locked in. Standing at a towering 6’4”, Barker possesses the frame of a traditional power forward, but the instincts and handle of a player significantly smaller than her. She had her best season shooting-wise at Tennessee, averaging 36.5 percent from three on the most volume of her career (four attempts per game). Barker is a great rebounder for her size and has no issue dictating her will on defense. The only issue throughout her collegiate career was putting it all together cohesively with consistency. That was a struggle for Barker, as she played in three systems at three different schools and never looked at ease in any of them. If there was any team culture or environment that could draw the best out of Barker, it would be Las Vegas with Becky Hammon, A’ja Wilson, and the Aces, who run a pretty tight ship.

With the second-to-last pick in the draft, the Aces drafted Jordan Obi from Kentucky. During the draft, ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo joked that Las Vegas could lean on its last two draft picks to help offset a top-heavy roster where Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and Jackie Young were given healthy deals. For reference, second and third-rounders will earn $270,000 over the first year of their contracts. For that and her upside in the league, Barker has a great chance at making Las Vegas’ roster. As for Obi, she doesn’t excel at one particular thing on the court, which will dampen her chances of sticking on a roster, whether it's with the Aces or another team.

No. 20 - Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina, SG

No. 24 - Chance Gray, Ohio State, SG

No. 35 - Amelia Hassett, Kentucky, PF

Without a first-round pick due to the Kelsey Plum trade, the Sparks had little to work with, but still made out like bandits with two high-volume scorers to relieve Plum and play alongside her.

Ta’Niya Latson led the nation in scoring (25.2 PPG) as a junior at Florida State before transferring to South Carolina for her senior season. On a talent-laden roster, she still led a productive campaign, averaging 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. The 5’8” guard is a dynamic on-ball creator, especially in the open court, where she was among the best in the country. She generates instant pressure near the rim and has no difficulty drawing fouls. Her jumpshot needs work to be consistent at this level, but Latson is one of the best drivers and finishers in this draft. Falling out of the first round is largely due to her production being cut in half. But that was simply because she was in a team-oriented offense in South Carolina and a lot less time on the ball. Latson transferred to Columbia to learn the tricks of the professional trade, as Dawn Staley’s program has produced pro-ready players like no other program in the last decade. The school boasts at least one selection in 10 of the last 12 WNBA Drafts, including 13 first-round picks. Since 2020, the Gamecocks have led the country with 15 overall picks and eight first-round selections.

In her two seasons at Oregon, Chance Gray was a lead guard, but moved off the ball in her final two seasons at Ohio State with Jaloni Cambridge running the offense. After shooting 33.4 percent from three as a Duck, Gray steadily improved as a Buckeye, averaging 40.5 percent in her senior season. The 5’9 guard connected on a career-high 85 threes this past year, and will look to impact the Sparks bench as soon as the opportunity affords itself in camp. If she can be a knockdown shooter off the catch from veterans, there’s a spot for her on this roster.

Though Amelia Hassett has only two years of DI tape, shooters with height and potential as a floor spacer will always have flyers taken on them. The 6’4” forward operates almost exclusively on the perimeter, where she took 87.8 percent of her shots as a senior at Kentucky. Hassett averaged 7.6 attempts while making 36.1 percent of them. While she won’t create for others or have stretches of consistent defense yet, her shot is lethal and could end up on another team if not in Los Angeles.

No. 2 - Olivia Miles, TCU, PG

No. 45 - Lani White, Utah, SG

After losing four key veterans in search of larger paydays than the Lynx could offer, Minnesota needed an influx of young talent for the future, and got that with the best overall guard prospect in this draft, TCU’s Olivia Miles. The 5’10” floor general’s court vision and playmaking ability have been pro-ready for the last two seasons, but Miles wanted an extra year under her belt to fully prepare for the WNBA, and got that from Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell. Her efficiency shone in all areas, from shots inside the arc, outside, at the free-throw line, and on her drives. Her usage skyrocketed in Fort Worth, giving her valuable opportunities to grow as head honcho of an offense. The Lynx won 30-plus games in 2025 for the second consecutive year, and did so without a true point guard on the roster. Veteran Courtney Williams has thrived as the No. 1 for Minnesota, but she’s always been a No. 2 with the ability to orchestrate. Now, head coach Cheryl Reeve has one for the next decade because of a clever trade with the Sky last season. Minnesota now has a traditional point guard that can dominate a defense off the ball just as efficiently as she does on it. She’ll be serving up shots on a silver platter to Kayla McBride, who just so happens to be one of the deadliest shooters in the sport’s history. With Miles’ quantum-computer-like processing piloting the Lynx’s offense, pressure to produce and create is lessened for McBride and Williams. Add a healthy Napheesa Collier and this team could surprise us. There may be legitimate qualms about Miles’ approach to defense, but that won’t be an issue on a team run by Reeve and veterans that demand it. Also doesn’t hurt to have Hall of Famer and Lynx legend Lindsay Whalen as a sounding board on staff.

The Lynx has made names out of players that most wouldn’t suspect, so don’t be surprised if Utah’s Lani White ends up making the roster out of camp. As a 5’11 guard, White’s best efforts will come from beyond the arc. After returning to Utah after a one-year stint at Virginia Tech , White’s offensive output nearly tripled with more shots available since Gianna Kneepkens left for UCLA, averaging 15.9 points. The California native shot 51.5 percent on twos and 40.4 percent on threes, averaging a career-high 5.6 attempts. She shot an insane 64.0 percent on off-screen threes (16-for-25) and 42 percent on spot-ups—including transition—this season. She excels on the move and isn’t afraid to put the ball on the floor around bigger defenders. White is a negative on defense at this stage, but if she can somehow right the ship and turn into a close positive, she’ll stick to Minnesota’s roster through the season.

No. 41 - Manuela Puoch (pronounced ‘Potch’), Australia, PF

After adding All-Star forward Satou Sabally in free agency, along with a host of other moves, Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb didn’t have much to do Monday night with only a late third-round pick. Still, New York drafted 19-year-old Manuela Puoch, an Australian with South Sudanese heritage. Though she won’t see the WNBA for quite some time, this is a savvy draft-and-stash from general manager Jonathan Kolb. Puoch played a pivotal role for Australia’s U19 team at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, helping to lead the program to silver. This is most likely when Puoch jumped onto New York’s radar. She recently ended her second season playing for the Southside Flyers in Australia’s WNBL. It’s easy to look up her individual marks and say she was a non-factor at under 10 minutes per game while averaging five points, but the WNBL is arguably the hardest league to crack, outside of the WNBA, where even stateside stars have struggled to adjust to the pace of play. At 6’1”, Puoch thrives on rim attacks and invites contact, proving to be a physical finisher. She’s still years away from being able to contribute at this level, but that’s normally expected for international prospects in her phase. Puoch’s sister, Nyadiew, was drafted by the Dream back in 2024, but was selected by the Portland Fire in the recent expansion draft and will make her WNBA debut this season. This grade is rooted mostly in Kolb’s steady approach in stashing future assets. I would say it’s paid off handsomely so far.

No. 27 - Ines Pitarch-Granel, France, SG

No. 42 - Eszter Ratkai, Hungary, G

Like the Liberty and Valkyries, the Mercury have wisely relied on the international scouting scene for meaningful additions to their rosters, whether it be through the draft or free agency.

With the No. 27 pick, Phoenix drafted 6’0” guard Ines Pitarch-Granel from France. Although court time is hard to come by in a Bourges jersey for the 20-year-old, she’s a steady contributor when called upon, averaging 5.6 points and three rebounds. In the last month or so, Pitarch-Granel has played a bit more lately with a few double-digit scoring outings to show for it. In Euro League play against some of the top defenses in Europe, she scored 10 points three consecutive times. In her minutes (EuroLeague/LFB) Pitarch-Granel shoots 35.7 percent on threes, albeit low volume. She earns her time on the defensive side of the ball, armed with a ranging wingspan to supply her dynamic athleticism. Like most draft-and-stash picks in this range, Pitarch-Granel leaves a lot to be desired as a jump shooter and finisher.

With time and development, she will be the better pick and stateside in the next few years.

No. 7 - Iyana Martin Carrión, Spain, PG

No. 17 - Frieda Bühner, Germany, PF

No. 33 - Serah Williams, UConn, C

As general manager of the Valkyries, Vanja Cernivec pulled a draft-and-stash for Lithuanian star Justė Jocytė with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Jocyte had been on radars across the league for years now and will be in training camp ahead of the 2026 season. Leading Portland’s front office now in the same capacity, Cernivec did it again Iyana Martín at No. 7 on Monday night. There were other options that could’ve contributed sooner, but Cernivec has more than earned the benefit of the doubt after her success in the Bay.

Though she won’t report to Portland this season, there’s a lot to like about what Martín Carrion brings to the table. As a natural southpaw, the 5’9” guard leverages the pick-and-roll to perfection, creating windows with pressure and sending otherworldy passes through them. Her court vision at 20 years old is W-ready now. As a smaller defender with speed, she hasn’t learned how to use it against ball handlers consistently enough, but her polished offensive bag at this age is worth the high pick.

Germany’s Frieda Buhner is a great pick for the second round. As a 6’1” forward, she’s only a two-level scorer, but her process on the interior is what jumps out at you when watching her. Her footwork is impeccable and she excels at operating the offense with her back to the basket, whether she gets the assist or sets it up for the next teammate to do so. She averages 16.7 points for Estudiantes in Spain’s LF Endesa. Her ability to consistently net three-pointers is a work in progress, but she’s showed improvement during EuroCup and World Cup Qualifying play.

In another trade on the night, Serah Williams was traded to the Portland Fire. The 6’4” post transferred to UConn from Wisconsin after averaging a near double-double as a junior (19.2 PPG/9.8 RPG) to prepare her game as a prospect heading to the league. Though her production took a nosedive on a loaded Huskies team, Williams’ consistency on defense with her rebounding and shot blocking increased. Portland will have a deep front court in camp, so it’s unclear if she’ll make the roster.

No. 3 - Awa Fam Thiam, Spain, C

No. 8 - Flau'jae Johnson, LSU, SG: A+

No. 14 - Taina Mair, Duke, SG

No. 39 - Grace VanSlooten, Michigan State, PF

Just in case there was any doubt, the Storm won the last two collegiate drafts by a wide margin, lucking into back-to-back superstars from savvy trades by general manager Talisa Rhea.

In the 2025 draft, Seattle selected French phenom Dominique Malonga with the No. 2 pick meant for the Sparks, but was included in the three-team deal that sent Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas and Kelsey Plum to Los Angeles. Seattle’s lottery pick used to draft Spain’s Awa Fam was acquired from a trade two years ago that sent their 2024 first-rounder (Rickea Jackson later selected) and Kia Nurse to the Sparks.

Originally thought of as the No. 1 overall pick before the Wings splurged on its frontcourt in free agency, Fam enters the WNBA as one of the most heralded international prospects ever, and for good reason. When you think of the quintessential WNBA big, you’ll think of Fam soon enough. The No. 3 pick, the highest in Spanish basketball history, brings a rich combination of efficiency from inside and out, while being a terror in open space on the run from rim to rim. She initiates offense at will from multiple spots on the floor and has the potential to go down as one of the best passers out of the paint in WNBA history. She turns 20 in June, but Fam’s vision is lightyears ahead of most at her position already. No matter who the ball handler is, they will be glad to see Fam setting their screens. Her IQ lends her the ability to reset it at lightning speed, which has proved to stun defenses across Europe.

Like the offensive side of her profile, Fam’s defense will be impactful from the first whistle. At 6’4” with the athletic qualities of a guard, she’s best utilized in dynamic coverages (switches, hedges), at least to start her career. If the goal is to have Fam on the interior primarily, she will have to improve significantly as a rim protecter and rebounder, but her speed and length allow her to make up for it more times than not. Take the switch for example. Fam has no issues containing the ball handler off the screen, giving her teammates ample opportunities to junk up the possession if she doesn’t do so first.

On Monday night, the Seattle was gifted LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson in a low stakes deal with Golden State that could be looked back at one day as the most lopsided draft night trade in WNBA history. Johnson is clearly the best two-way wing in this class and will look to prove it as soon as she touches the court, starting in preseason play. In a stifled offense at LSU as a senior, Johnson will thrive in the Pacific Northwest under Storm head coach Sonia Raman in an offense where she’s prioritized. At the collegiate level, the Savannah, Georgia native showcased the unwavering ability to create her own shot from anywhere on the floor. Johnson can dominate a defense on the ball, on the wing anticipating a pass off the catch, or off the dribble.

As a defender, Raman can plug Johnson pretty much anywhere. Standing at 5’11”, she erases shots as the low man where most at her position don’t and makes ball handlers think twice before challenging her. Johnson’s timing when swiping at ball handlers for takeaways is uncanny and will translate at this level sooner rather than later. Her impact is the selling point, and the Storm saw that. She navigates screens with pro-ready efficiency to pair with an all-world trio in the frontcourt in Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam, and Ezi Magbegor. Her energy is unmatched and will ignite the Storm on and off the court, where her qualities as a leader are well-founded.

Duke’s Taina Mair has been a game-managing lead guard for most of her career, so drafting her with a low-end first-round pick felt like a reach. Seattle will have an abundance of guards in camp, and there were other selections like Ta’Niya Latson, Lani White, or Gianna Kneepkens that could’ve helped with spacing around a post-heavy profile.

In four seasons spent at Oregon and Michigan, Grace VanSlooten did everything on the court except shoot threes. She’s only attempted 32 in her career and her inability to hit at least the short corner will hurt her chances of earning a roster spot ahead of more complete players.

Grade: A

No. 6 - Kiki Rice, UCLA, PG

No. 22 - Teonni Key, Kentucky, PF

No. 26 - Saffron Shiels, Australia, SF

No. 36 - Charlise Dunn - Davidson, SF

UCLA’s Kiki Rice at the No. 6 spot was a no-brainer for the Toronto. At 5’11”, Rice can play either guard position or even run as the three in a three-guard and defend multiple positions. As a senior, she improved as a playmaker, shot creator, and is in rare air as one of the best finishers in this draft. Rice packs a physical punch larger than her size presents, initiating contact as a driver with relative ease getting downhill. Her toolkit is slithery on the interior with the pressure she generates, giving her options to exploit defenders for herself or to create for others. Under UCLA coach Cori Close, Rice was an extension of her coach on the floor, which I have no doubt will translate immediately with Tempo coach Sandy Brondello.

Drafting Kentucky’s Teonni Key with a mid second-rounder is an incredible pick for Toronto. The 6’5” forward’s energy can propel a team forward on either end of the court. Normally one of the tallest players on the court, Key bears no qualms on the boards and can keep up with smaller, quicker players. Her shot is limited inside the arc and will play a part in playing time should she make the roster. Teams have developmental spots thanks to the new CBA, so players with Key’s skill set should be prioritized and developed.

Seeing Australian natives Saffron Shiels and Charlise Dunn drafted was odd since neither are ready for the WNBA, but both have connections with Brondello and the Opals. Australia has sent big scoring guards to the league for years, and these two prospects fit that bill perfectly.

No. 4 - Lauren Betts, UCLA, C

No. 9 - Angela Dugalic, UCLA, PF

No. 11 - Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss, SF

No. 19 - Cassandre Prosper, Notre Dame, SF

No 30 - Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Baylor, PF

No. 34 - Rori Harmon, Texas, PG

In the 2025 draft, the Wings and Mystics were tied for the most picks at five each. On Monday, Washington boasted a league-leading six selections, using its lottery pick on UCLA’s Lauren Betts. At No. 4, that’s a no-brainer as the second-best post in this draft. After that, the drafting process was a bit puzzling.

Betts is your prototypical WNBA post player that can surf the changing tide of the sport. Although she won’t hurt you from outside, her face-up shot improved dramatically in her last two seasons as a Bruin. Get it to Betts on the low block and watch her go to work. Betts’ back-to-the-basket game is elite with improved footwork to match. At 6’7”, not many players can defend her straight up. If you commit to a double-team, Betts’ vision takes over and spots shooters before the defense can react.

There aren’t many players with Betts’ height in the WNBA, but her defense is more than just her stature. Her timing and length force offenses to adjust because she’s more than just a staunch rim protector. She excels as a weakside defender with the development arc to do so much more. Her length and speed that comes with it is unquestionably one of the most astonishing parts of her profile. These two attributes empower Betts to cover the interior with exceptional range, which is exactly what the Mystics need.

After Betts, eyebrows are raised at this point. Washington has a talented young core, but it lacks shooting in a crucial way. The Mystics were by far the worst team in the WNBA by every metric. Spacing wasn’t optional because it didn’t exist consistently enough. With several options to correct this in the draft ahead of the season, Washington drafted UCLA’s Angela Dugalic, a career 32.2 percent three-point shooter with the No. 9 pick. In the NCAA tournament, the 6’4” stretch four connected on just two of her 13 attempts from behind the arc. Before Monday, Dugalic wasn’t projected to go in the first round, much less inside the top 10.

At No. 11, the Mystics didn’t ease spacing matters with Cotie McMahon from Ole Miss. McMahon thrives in the open court, where her speed and strength take center stage and stuns defenders. When the 6’0” foward gets two feet in the paint, it’s either two points or a trip to the line. In her sole season at Ole Miss, McMahon improved her decision-making on the ball, which will translate well as she develops a consistent shot from 15 feet and further. She’s undersized at this level, but that shouldn’t hamper her ability the flow of the game as others did before her. If McMahon can defend wings in the WNBA, her future is bright.

The best pick not named Betts or McMahon was Notre Dame’s Cassandre Prosper. As a full-time starter as a senior after the Irish lost a ton of talent to the transfer portal last offseason, Prosper made the most of the opportunity, seeing career-highs across the board. What was most notable was her improvements when finishing around the rim. Her attempts nearly tripled, and the efficiency skyrocketed. Prosper played on the wing more often, and that’s where she’s best suited in the league. With great length at 6’2”, she roams with ease and recovers well in the process as a suffocating defender at the point of attack. Though she’s only 20 years old, Prosper has a rare opportunity to make the roster and have a role off the bench.

Darianna Littlepage-Buggs and Rori Harmon are terrific rebounders and energy players, but they have an outside chance of making the roster due to limited transferrable skills at this level. The Mystics surely can see otherwise at some point, but there were other players available who could provide an immediate impact.