Now that March Madness is behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to Monday’s WNBA Draft, when players like Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles will hear their names called as they embark on professional careers.
Here’s the final Hoops HQ mock draft before picks become official:
1. Dallas
Lauren Betts, 6-foot-7 senior center, UCLA
Betts has been the best player in this draft class all season, something that was further cemented during the NCAA Tournament. It would be foolish for any team with the chance to draft Betts to pass her up, especially a team like Dallas. The Wings are in building mode, and they already have plenty of guards, including Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. If they want a chance to win in the future, the Wings should draft a generational post.
2. Minnesota
Awa Fam, 6-foot-6 pro center, Spain
Cheryl Reeve loves a unique prospect, which is Fam to a tee. She’s a tall, long big who has guard skills and the potential to be developed in Reeve’s system. At just 19, Fam already has a high ceiling, but her ability to extend defenses alongside Napheesa Collier would allow the Lynx to play five-out or take advantage of a high-low game. Fam’s versatility makes her an appealing prospect.
3. Seattle
Olivia Miles, 5-foot-10 senior guard, TCU
With most of last year’s Storm squad either leaving or rumored to be leaving Seattle, it’s time for a rebuild. Miles will help in a variety of ways. First, she is a fun, flashy playmaker who will keep fans engaged while the team finds a new identity. Second, Miles has proven herself as a scorer, passer and rebounder, meaning she can fill a lot of gaps for Seattle while running the show at the point guard spot.
4. Washington
Azzi Fudd, 5-foot-11 senior guard, UConn
Washington is a young squad that is clearly looking to build through the draft. Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron had great success as rookies, and Fudd could be the team’s next star. Fudd has shown herself to be more than just a spot-up shooter throughout her time at UConn, but shooting is still her biggest strength. It’s also something that could elevate Washington’s offense.
5. Chicago
Kiki Rice, 5-foot-11 senior guard, UCLA
After trading Angel Reese, Chicago likely doesn’t expect to be competitive this season. But bringing in Rice as its point guard of the future would be a great move. After being injured for most of her time at UCLA, we finally got to see Rice reaching her potential this year. She looked every bit like a WNBA point guard, with the ability to score at three levels, a high IQ and all the intangibles necessary to thrive at the next level.
6. Toronto
Flau’jae Johnson, 5-foot-11 senior guard, LSU
Johnson is perfect for an expansion franchise looking to create a fanbase. She’s an established star with skills to match. Though Johnson struggled at times this season, her overall body of work at LSU — particularly her ability to create shots — proves her talent and potential at the next level. Plus, with Toronto being a new team, instant success isn’t a must, and Johnson will have the opportunity to develop.
7. Portland
Angela Duaglic, 6-foot-4 senior guard/forward, UCLA
No one improved their draft stock in March quite like Dugalic. She’s already desirable for WNBA teams due to her build as a big guard who can extend defenses. But during UCLA’s title run, Dugalic showed her willingness to play a variety of roles, while having success at every position. Portland is building, so a do-it-all player and proven team player like Dugalic would be a great selection.
8. Golden State
Nell Angloma, 6-foot-1 pro guard, France
The Valkyries love an international prospect, and Angloma is the latest in a line of talented Frenchwomen. She’s 19, with room for growth, while also bringing an established skill set. Her ability to drive to the hoop is particularly appealing, as well as her versatility at 6-foot-1.
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9. Washington
Raven Johnson, 5-foot-9 senior guard, South Carolina
Every time Johnson steps on the court, she is more and more impressive. During the college season we saw her defend every position, from fellow point guards to 6-foot-5 post Clara Strack and 6-foot-2 Sarah Strong. She’s a talented floor general who is starting to show her scoring ability as well.
10. Indiana
Gabriela Jaquez, 6-foot senior guard, UCLA
Indiana is a team with most of the necessary pieces for success, so now it becomes about filling gaps. Jaquez can do that. She’s perhaps the hardest working player in this draft class, as evidenced by her ability to do everything, from posting up to grabbing offensive rebounds despite being undersized.
11. Washington
Gianna Kneepkens, 6-foot senior guard, UCLA
As far as pure shooters go, Kneepkens is one of the best in this class. She achieved a 40/50/90 split and helped UCLA win a national title this season. Kneepkens made herself a desirable prospect by improving as a defender and showing her ability to create off the dribble.
12. Connecticut
Ta’Niya Latson, 5-foot-8 senior guard, South Carolina
Connecticut’s roster is up in the air, so bringing in a proven scorer like Latson makes sense. During her time at Florida State, Latson was one of the country’s best shot-creators. At South Carolina she learned to play within a system, something that will help her at the next level.
13. Atlanta
Marta Suarez, 6-foot-3 senior forward, TCU
Versatility is big for Atlanta and coach Karl Smesko. He loves players who can score in a variety of ways and bigs who can shoot – Suarez is both. At TCU, Suarez showed off her advanced footwork and ability to score from anywhere on the court. She was excellent in the first few rounds of the NCAA Tournament, which improved her stock.
14. Seattle
Cotie McMahon, 6-foot senior guard/forward, Ole Miss
As Seattle rebuilds, McMahon is a player that can plug in and have immediate success. The transition from college to the WNBA can be a challenge strength-wise, but that won’t be the case for McMahon, who has incredible strength and athleticism. Her ability to get to the rim and finish through contact makes McMahon stand out among her peers.
15. Connecticut
Saffron Shiels, 6-foot-2 pro guard, Australia
One of the best guards in this draft, Shiels is relatively unknown to American fans as she opted to start her career by playing professionally in her home country rather than playing college basketball. That doesn’t diminish her skills, however. Shiels is a mature guard who can score at the rim and in the midrange. She has a quick release from long range and the ability to adapt to any offense.
Meet your guide
