The WNBA Draft is three months away – barring any changes due to the ongoing CBA negotiations – which means now is the time for players to improve their stock. A contingent of UCLA players is doing just that, with six players working their way into Hoops HQ’s latest mock draft. We also have overseas prospects and a shakeup at the No. 2 spot.
Round One
1. Dallas Wings
Lauren Betts, Center, 6-foot-7, UCLA
It’s not often that 6-foot-7 players come along, much less 6-foot-7 players with this kind of skillset. Betts is a can’t-miss prospect who would thrive alongside last season’s top pick, Paige Bueckers. Her ability to score and rim-protect is well known, but Betts is also extending her range, continuing to improve as a passer and showing off her footspeed both on defense and in the fastbreak.
2. Minnesota Lynx
Azzi Fudd, Guard, 5-foot-11, UConn
The Lynx could use a shooter like Fudd, who is making 44.5 percent of her attempts from long range. But she also brings defense, shot-creation and a high basketball IQ to the table, all skills that make her an attractive prospect. The best guard in the draft by far, Fudd will make an instant impact in the WNBA.
3. Seattle Storm
Awa Fam, Center, 6-foot-6, Spain
Seattle has plenty of bigs, with Nneka Ogumike, Ezi Magbegor and Dom Malonga all on the roster. But despite her height, Fam isn’t a typical big — she’s a versatile forward who is oozing with potential. Because of Seattle’s big-heavy roster, the Storm can afford to take time developing Fam.
4. Washington Mystics
Olivia Miles, Guard, 5-foot-10, TCU
The Mystics are looking to build through the draft. After successfully picking Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen last season, a playmaking point guard like Miles would be the perfect addition. Plus, she’s played – and had success – alongside Citron when they were at Notre Dame.
5. Chicago Sky
Kiki Rice, Guard, 5-foot-11, UCLA
Another team that needs a point guard, Chicago would be wise to select a player like Rice. The UCLA product keeps getting better, and this season she is finally reaching the potential she’s had all along. Rice is an athletic driver who can get to the rim and create offense. She and Angel Reese would be a duo the Sky can build around going forward.
6. Toronto Tempo
Gianna Kneepkens, Guard, 6-foot, UCLA
One of this season’s expansion franchises, Toronto needs versatility and consistency. Kneepkens provides both. She’s one of the country’s few 50/40/90 players, shooting 52.6 percent from the field, 47.3 percent from beyond the arc and 95.7 percent from the free throw line.
7. Portland Fire
Flau’jae Johnson, Guard, 5-foot-11, LSU
Another expansion squad, Portland would get off to a great start by bringing in Johnson, a star on and off the court. She’s a proven winner with a built-in following and the skills to match. Few players can get to the rim or score on the pull-up with the athleticism and precision that Johnson brings.
8. Golden State Valkyries
Nell Angloma, Guard, 6-foot-1, France
Coach Natalie Nakase has already had success with two young French players in Carla Leithe and Janelle Salaun, so adding the 19-year-old Angloma makes sense. She’s a slasher who can finish in a variety of ways, both at the rim and in the midrange. Angloma has a high ceiling, and Nakase will be able to get the most out of her potential.
9. Washington
Ta’Niya Latson, Guard, 5-foot-8, South Carolina
A proven scoring guard, Latson has increased her efficiency at South Carolina while also shooting a career-best 38.8 percent from the three-point line. Defense was a question mark during her time at Florida State, but Latson has also shown her proficiency in that regard, making her an attractive, well-rounded prospect.
10. Indiana Fever
Gabriella Jaquez, Guard, 6-foot, UCLA
UCLA’s do-it-all player has improved season by season, taking her biggest jump this year. Jaquez has gone from a 34.8-percent three-point shooter to 47.1 percent. Her overall points, rebounds and steals are also up this season, quite the feat for someone playing on UCLA’s deep roster.
11. Washington Mystics
Cotie McMahon, Guard/Forward, 6-foot, Ole Miss
McMahon’s strength and ability to get to the rim will translate well to the WNBA. Washington needs players who can contribute right away, and McMahon fits the bill. She’s a relentless attacker who is averaging a career-high 19.4 points per game for the Rebels.
12. Connecticut Sun
Angela Dugalic, Guard/Forward, 6-foot-4, UCLA
Dugalic’s draft stock has risen dramatically in the last few months because of her versatility. She’s a big guard who can shoot and drive, but this season Dugalic has started to play more in the post – something that was lacking from her game. The more you can do, the better in the WNBA.
13. Atlanta Dream
Marta Suarez, Forward, 6-foot-3, TCU
Another player with versatility, Suarez can score from anywhere on the court. Her stock has fallen slightly over the past few weeks after a few mediocre performances, but Suarez still has plenty of skills and potential to have success in the WNBA.
14. Seattle Storm
Tonie Morgan, Guard, 5-foot-9, Kentucky
Morgan is an undersized guard, but it hasn’t been an issue in the SEC, the conference which is known for preparing players for the WNBA. She’s a skilled floor general who is averaging a career-high 8.6 assists per game, while also possessing the ability to create her own shot.
15. Connecticut Sun
Lani White, Guard, 6-foot, Utah
White’s stock rose after a massive performance against TCU, where she scored 25 points, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. White can score at multiple levels while bringing a high motor to the court.
Second Round
16. Seattle Storm
Yarden Garzon, Guard, 6-foot-3, Maryland
Garzon has the potential to be a lottery pick, but her play so far this season hasn’t been as solid as it was during her first three years at Indiana. She’s a big guard who can shoot and pass, so Garzon will certainly still get drafted. It’s just a matter of when.
17. Chicago Sky
Madina Okot, Center, 6-foot-6, South Carolina
Okot can also work her way back into the first round, but she’s in a bit of a slump. Her last game, a 17-point, 7-rebound, 5-steal effort against Vanderbilt is more what scouts got accustomed to seeing early in the season. Plus, she’s only been playing basketball for five years, so she can be drafted on potential.
18. Connecticut Sun
Serah Williams, Center, 6-foot-4, UConn
Williams is still struggling to find her place at UConn, but there are flashes, and after three successful seasons as a scorer, rebounder and defender at Wisconsin, she will likely still find a home in the draft.
19. Washington Mystics
Saffron Shiels, Guard, 6-foot-2, Australia
Shiels is a young Australian product who may be one of the best guards in this draft. She’s 6-foot-2, with the ability to finish at the rim through contact, while also knocking down long-range shots with a quick release.
20. Los Angeles Sparks
Raven Johnson, Guard, 5-foot-9, South Carolina
Johnson is a proven winner who guided South Carolina to a title in 2024. She is a true floor general who makes everyone around her better. Plus, Johnson is one of the country’s best on-ball defenders, something that will translate well to the WNBA.
21. Toronto Tempo
Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Forward 6-foot-1, Baylor
A walking double-double, Littlepage-Buggs boasts a high motor, athleticism and strength that could all be assets in the WNBA. She has a nose for the ball and has found ways to be successful every season at Baylor.
22. Portland Fire
Janiah Barker, Forward, 6-foot-4, Tennessee
Barker, a former top-5 recruit, has never really reached her potential as a college basketball player. But she’s strong and versatile so plenty of WNBA teams will be willing to use a pick on her as a developmental project.
23. Golden State Valkyries
Charlisse Leger-Walker, Guard, 5-foot-10, UCLA
Leger-Walker already has high-level experience after playing for the New Zealand national team. She’s a strong scorer and excellent passer with a high basketball IQ. Leger-Walker is also having one of her best seasons as a shooter, knocking down 38.3 percent of her three-point attempts.
24. Los Angeles Sparks
Rori Harmon, Guard, 5-foot-6, Texas
Harmon is undersized, so a lot of teams will be worried about selecting her with an early draft pick. But, she is an excellent on-ball defender and someone who has shown her ability to score and pass against bigger defenders.
25. Indiana Fever
Justine Pissot, Guard 6-foot-4, Vanderbilt
Pissot is really finding her groove at Vanderbilt this season. She’s one of the country’s best shooters, making 43.4 percent of her three-point attempts. WNBA teams will also like her size. At 6-foot-4, Pissot can play multiple positions.
26. Chicago Sky
Raegan Beers, Center, 6-foot-4, Oklahoma
The WNBA is moving away from back-to-the-basket posts, but there are still roster spots for true bigs. Especially if they are as skilled as Beers. She boasts above average strength, stellar footwork and has also shown glimmers of being able to extend her range.
27. Phoenix Mercury
Payton Verhulst, Guard, 6-foot-1, Oklahoma
Another Oklahoma product, Verhulst is someone who can score anywhere on the court. She’s a career 33.7-percent three-point shooter with a quick release and a great rebounder (5.9 per game) for her size.
28. Atlanta Dream
Saylor Poffenbarger, Guard, 6-foot-2, Maryland
Poffenbarger has a great WNBA build. She’s a 6-foot-2 guard with long arms and the ability to play multiple positions. This season she has developed into a three-level scorer who is also great on the glass.
29. Las Vegas Aces
Maggie Doogan, Forward, 6-foot-2, Richmond
Doogan is perhaps the country’s most underrated star. She’s a mid-major product who is averaging 23.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. Doogan may be knocked for playing in a weaker conference, but she excels against all competition. In last year’s NCAA Tournament, she had 27 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks against UCLA.
30. Washington Mystics
Teonni Key, Forward, 6-foot-5, Kentucky
Key is currently out with an injury, which makes any movement on her draft stock impossible. But, she has blossomed during her time at Kentucky, more than doubling both her scoring and rebounding averages since leaving North Carolina.
Third Round
- Dallas: Ashlon Jackson, Guard, 6-foot, Duke
- Chicago: Madison St. Rose, Guard 5-foot-10, Princeton
- Connecticut: Brooklyn Meyer, Forward, 6-foot-2, South Dakota State
- Washington: Grace Vanslooten, Forward, 6-foot-3, Michigan State
- Los Angeles: Hannah Stuelke, Forward, 6-foot-2, Iowa
- Toronto: Laila Phelia, Guard, 6-foot, Syracuse
- Portland: Shay Ciezki, Guard, 5-foot-7, Indiana
- Golden State: Jordan Harrison, Guard, 5-foot-6, West Virginia
- Seattle: Snuda Collins, Guard, 6-foot-1, Texas Tech
- Indiana: Elle Ladine: Guard, 5-foot-11, Washington
- New York: Haleigh Timmer, Guard, 5-foot-11, Oklahoma State
- Phoenix: Susie Rafiu, Forward, 6-foot-1, Columbia
- Atlanta: Micah Gray, Guard, 5-foot-8, Oklahoma State
- Las Vegas: Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Guard/Forward, 6-foot-2, Vanderbilt
- Minnesota: Indya Nivar, Guard, 5-foot-10, North Carolina
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