Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark (Iowa/ point guard/ 6’0/ senior)
Caitlin Clark. What else is there to say? The point guard took over the college basketball world during Iowa’s national championship run in 2023 while averaging 31.8 ppg in the tournament. With multiple 40-point games, virtually unlimited range, and flashy assists, the point guard captured the nation’s attention and made herself the clear no. 1 pick. After losing two key starters, Clark will have to take on even more responsibility this season in order to help her team rebuild. Clark led the country last season in 3-pointers (140) and assists averaged (8.6) and was second in scoring average (27.8). Any team would benefit greatly from attaining Clark and the Indiana Fever looks like the lucky winner. With last year’s no. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston, the Fever look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. However, Clark still has another year of eligibility following the 2023-2024 season and it is suggested she will take it, but if she doesn’t the Fever will happily take her.
2. Phoenix Mercury: Paige Bueckers (UCONN/ point guard/ 6’0/ junior)
Coming out of high school Bueckers was the no. 1 player in the country and assumed to be the no. 1 pick whenever she declared. After suffering an ACL tear in August 2022 that forced her to miss the entirety of her junior season, Bueckers looks to bounce back this season. Bueckers has only played 46 college games, and needs to prove she can dominate for an entire season. Buecker still has two years of eligibility left, and hasn’t declared yet, so she will likely play another year at UCONN in order to become the no. 1 pick in 2025.
3. Los Angeles Sparks: Cameron Brink (Stanford/ power forward/ 6’4/ senior)
Brink, at 6 '4, is a star both offensively and defensively. She can control the paint on defense and is an excellent shot-blocker. Brink is averaging 3.33 blocks per game and is third in the nation with 30 blocks this season. Brink also dominates the boards and can outrebound almost anyone with 11.4 rebounds per game. She has a nice jumper and can even step out to the three.
4. Seattle Storm: Aaliyah Edwards ( UConn/ power forward/ 6’3/ senior)
Edwards has been ready for the pros for a while with her size and skill. Last season she led UCONN in scoring (16.6) and was second in rebounding (9.0). For a team that grew thin throughout the season, Edwards remained strong and consistent and led her team to the playoffs. Edwards is forceful and athletic and can dominate anyone in the paint. The Storm need a strong presence, and Edwards is just that.
5. Dallas Wings: Kamilla Cardoso ( South Carolina/center/ 6’7/ senior)
Kamilla Cardoso’s height is something almost no one on this list rivals. At 6 '7, the center is an undeniable force in the paint. Cardoso averaged 9.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season and proved a constant contributor in the Final Four run for the Gamecocks. Cardoso has also benefited from playing on Brazil’s national team.
6. Washington Mystics: Angel Reese ( LSU/ power forward/ 6’3/ senior)
Reese led LSU to its first NCAA championship last season and became a star both on and off the court. Reese averaged 23 points and 15.4 rebounds during the 2022-2023 season and captured the 2023 Final Four Most Outstanding Player. She is surrounded by an abundance of talent within the Tigers’ program and looks to capitalize and earn back-to-back championships. She shines on the board and with her interior scoring. She also is an elite defender.
7. Minnesota Lynx: Rickea Jackson (Tennessee/ power forward/ 6’2 /senior)
Jackson is a scoring machine; she led Tennessee in scoring with 19.2 points per game and accumulated 16 games of 20+ points. Her size and strength will also benefit any team that drafts her. If she improves from beyond the arch this season her draft stock will rise.
8. Atlanta Dream: Deja Kelly ( UNC/ guard/ 5’8/senior)
Kelly has starred for UNC as an agile guard who can blow by defenders at will. Her mid range game is unmatched and she can pull up from anywhere. Her biggest strength is her pure athleticism. Kelly is averaging 16.6 points per game and 3.3 rebounds for the Tarheels.
9. Dallas Wings: Hailey Van Lith ( LSU/shooting guard/ point guard/5’7/ senior)
Van Lith was previously ESPN’s no. 5 draft pick, but has since dropped to no. 12 due to questions from WNBA scouts surrounding her size, defense, and position change. Per ESPN, WNBA sources are questioning “ Can she score against bigger/quicker pro guards? Is she a good enough defender? How well will she adjust to playing point guard?” Van Lith starred at Louisville for three seasons before transferring for her senior year to an already stacked LSU. This season will show how well Van Lith adjusts to a new team with big personalities where she won’t be able to star as much. Van Lith is a shifty guard who can get to the basket when the ball is in her hands.
10. Connecticut Sun: Elizabeth Kitley (Virginia Tech/ center/ 6’6/ senior)
Kitley is a two-time ACC Player of the Year with the Hokies. Last season she averaged 18.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Her quickness and agility are the factors that might turn teams away from her, so she has this season to prove she is athletic enough to transition to the pros.
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