The WNBA draft is just around the corner, taking place on April 15th in New York, and we have answers as to which key players will be available. This women's college basketball senior class will be the last to have the option to return to college for five years under the NCAA's COVID-19 exemption for the 2020-21 season.
Most of the players we projected to be in the first round of the 2024 draft have opted to go pro, including solid No. 1 pick guard Caitlin Clark of Iowa State. , announced their decision on February 29th. University of Carolina center Camila Cardoso and LSU forward Angel Reese also declared for the draft.
The one exception is guard Georgia Amoore, a former first-round pick at Virginia Tech who is now in her fifth college season in the transfer portal.
However, there are also several fifth-year seniors who have exhausted their eligibility and now hope to continue their careers in the WNBA. The league remains with 12 teams. The Bay Area franchise will begin play in 2025. Building a WNBA roster is a big challenge. The maximum roster size is 12 players, but many teams only have 11 players for salary cap reasons, so roster spots are usually fewer than 144 players.
As such, there is no guarantee that even a first-round pick will be on the 2024 roster. That said, as is often the case in the WNBA Draft, the first five picks appear to be relatively solid, although the order after No. 1 may vary.
Iowa State | PG | 6'0 | Sr.
The Fever have had a tough time the last few years, but now they have one of the most coveted draft picks in WNBA history. Clark is looking to end his Iowa career in the Final Four and will draw a lot of attention to Indiana. Not only is she the best player in the draft, she's also the best at the position that will help the Fever the most: point guard. Clark will join young post players Aliyah Boston (2023 No. 1) and Nalyssa Smith (2022 No. 2) in Indiana. If you become a Fever fan, it will be even more fun.
Stanford | PF | 6'4 | Senior
The Sparks also received the No. 4 pick in the trade, which means they will be acquiring two very good players. But which one is he? Brink seems like the likely choice here, but it's also possible that either of the players at No. 3 or No. 4 will be chosen. Brink is versatile offensively and tough defensively, leading Division I in blocked shots per game (3.74). Has she completely gotten the hang of playing in foul trouble? It wasn't as good as Stanford had hoped. It was a problem throughout her college career. But Brink will pick up six fouls in the WNBA, so that should help.
Tennessee | SF | 6 ft 2 | Senior
It's not out of the question that Jackson could go No. 2, but if she goes No. 3, she could play a key role in the Sky's rebuilding process. New coach Theresa Weatherspoon has a lot of work ahead of her as she tries to re-establish Chicago as a competitive team. Jackson, who spent her final two collegiate seasons as Tennessee's top player, should expand into a leading scorer in the WNBA. Long, fast, strong wing-type players who can defend multiple positions are extremely valuable in the league, and Jackson could fill that role.
South Carolina | C | 6'7 | Sr.
There aren't many players in women's basketball with the size, strength and agility of the 6-7 Cardoso. That's why she might come in second or third place. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said during the Albany District 1 tournament that she expects what she calls “Killa Camilla” in the Final Four. Cardoso is focused and determined, making the most of her physical advantages. The Sparks may see Cardoso and Brink as a strong one-two punch inside.
Yukon | PF | 6'3 | Senior
The Wings could probably use another 3-point shooter, but if Edwards is still available, it's hard to imagine them passing her. Edwards, who helped UConn return to the Final Four, is fundamentally sound, a hallmark of a UConn player, and appears physically suited for the professional game.
Ohio | Singapore | 5'10 | Senior
In his fifth season in college, Sheldon led Ohio State to the Big Ten regular season championship. After a disappointing postseason for Ohio State, Sheldon will move on. She is expected to be one of the top defensive guards in the draft. This is a rebuilding period for the Mystics, and Washington is looking for strong leadership qualities in Sheldon.
LSU | PF | 6'3 | Senior
Given the talent they already have, the Lynx will likely look for the best player available with this pick. The big question is, will they think it's a lease? Rebounding is her biggest strength. She's special there. The concern is whether her offensive skills can grow to the point where opposing teams think they have to guard her closely even when she's not in the paint. If the Lynx feel they can use her talent to expand her game, they may choose Reese.
8. Chicago Sky: Isobel Borlase
Australia | PG | 5'11
She's only 19 so she has plenty of time to grow her game. However, Borlase is already playing professionally in her home country, where she is with the WNBL's Adelaide Lightning this season, and she comes from a highly athletic background in her family. Beaulace has her size and skills, and she has a competitive personality. She could be a player who learns a lot from working with a former point guard like Weatherspoon in Chicago.
Utah | SF | 6'2 | Senior
Pili has shown impressive offensive skills in college, but it's unclear how that will translate to the professional game. Her 3-point shooting ability (57 this season, 121 in college) could help Dallas. But is she good enough offensively to get court time to improve her defense? Wings coach Latricia Trammell is known for developing players and coaching defense. So it's up to Wings to find a place for her in Pili and believe she'll really get better.
Syracuse | PG | 5'5 | Sr.
The Sun would want a player like Sheldon from Ohio State, but she is not expected to be available yet. So they may instead use Fair, who finished her five-season career with 3,403 points (22.2 PPG). She is very quick, decisive and is used to being underestimated due to her short stature. But for a player who has put the ball in the basket this many times, it might be worth keeping an eye on Sun.
University of California, Los Angeles | Singapore | 5'9 | Senior
Osborn is also a fifth-year player and could be a defensive contributor, something Liberty needs. That was evident in how difficult it was for New York to slow down Las Vegas' guards in last year's WNBA Finals. Osborn finished her career with averages of 14.9 points and 3.1 assists, but New York won't necessarily need much offensive power from her.
Australia | PF | 6'3
The Dream could be looking to invest in a young player with a potentially high ceiling, such as the 19-year-old Puoch. She plays for the Southside Flyers in her home country of Australia, which won the WNBL championship this season. She may not be ready to play in the WNBA this year, but perhaps this will be a “draft-and-stash” situation where she joins Atlanta in 2025.