Who Are the Top 2026 WNBA Draft Prospects Out of College Basketball?
The WNBA draft is quickly approaching, and for these seniors, it’s now or never for them to prove themselves worthy of being selected. Consistency, leadership, and skill need to be shown in the final games of conference play and going into the NCAA tournament. Although the WNBA's future remains unclear, it’s still important for draft prospects to be prepared for anything. With the insane talent of these players, the league will be in good hands no matter what.
Fierce Competition Within the SEC
The SEC conference is the home of many WNBA draft prospects. The intense competition within this conference helps players become more prepared for the competition in the WNBA. Flau’jae Johnson, a senior guard, is thought to be a top-five draftee. Her time at LSU under coach Kim Mulkey has been nothing short of impressive. Johnson is a crafty guard who averages 14.1 points per game and has a 43.5 three-point shooting percentage this season. Her presence would be beneficial on any WNBA team as she provides a fiery spirit that motivates her teammates. Ta’Niya Latson is another guard who would thrive on the WNBA stage. Out of South Carolina, this guard averages 15 points per game and is playing under the iconic head coach Dawn Staley. Staley has a knack for preparing her players for their future basketball endeavors. Latson will be a fun one to watch come April.
Top Three Draft Prospect Is From the Big Ten
Six-foot-seven forward Lauren Betts is truly making herself known at UCLA. She has led her team to be number two in the AP Poll as they continue to dominate the conference. Betts averages 16.4 points per game and is practically unstoppable in the paint. Her talent would be useful on any WNBA team, but specifically teams like the Dallas Wings, who are looking for a solid post player to add to their lineup. If things go her way, Betts could be looking at a potential NCAA championship and a spot in the most prestigious women’s basketball pro league.
The Big East Builds WNBA Talent
It’s no secret that UConn and the other Big East teams produce talent like no other. This year, it’s been Azzi Fudd’s time to shine. After battling through injury after injury, she is finally having a consistent season where she’s able to showcase her talent to the fullest extent. Fudd would be a major asset to WNBA teams in need of a strong three-point shooter. Her quick release and speed are skills that other basketball players work their entire lives to perfect. For Azzi, it seems to just come naturally. She would be a great fit on teams such as the Dallas Wings or the Golden State Valkyries, where she could reunite with former UConn teammate Kaitlyn Chen. It will be exciting to watch Fudd join the many greats in the WNBA.
