Hey Portland Fire fans! Here are 8 players you’ll want to watch in the NCAA Tournament

PORTLAND, Ore. — The women’s NCAA Tournament, set to tip off Friday, will give Portland Fire fans a chance to watch some players who could suit up for the WNBA’s newest expansion franchise when the season tips off May 9 at Moda Center.

The WNBA Draft is set for April 13, about one week after the NCAA Tournament ends. Whether the Fire will have the beginnings of a roster in place by then is unknown. The WNBA and the players’ union reached an agreement on a new CBA earlier this week, but a date for the expansion draft and WNBA free agency has yet to be set.

This year’s draft presents a pivotal opportunity for the Fire to shape the franchise’s future with a top draft selection. The team holds either the sixth or seventh overall pick — that will be determined before the draft by a coin flip with the Toronto Tempo. The Fire will also have selections in the second round (either No. 21 or 22) and third round (No. 36 or 37), giving them additional chances to build a competitive roster.

But we’re going to focus on the first-round talent performing in the NCAA Tournament, players who might be available when the Fire make their first selection. Here are the players to watch, and when their teams are scheduled to play — hint: you’ll want to watch UCLA, which could have four Top-10 selections this year — as the tournament gets underway this weekend.

When she plays: No. 3 TCU plays No. 14 Charleston at 9 a.m. on ESPNBy the numbers: 5-foot-10 senior averages 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists.Current projected draft range: 2-4

Flau’jae Johnson, guard, LSU

When she plays: No. 2 LSU plays No. 15 Jacksonville at 3 p.m. on ESPNBy the numbers: 5-10 senior averages 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 40.2% from 3Current projected draft range:  4-7

Ta’Niya Latson, guard, South Carolina

When she plays: No. 1 South Carolina plays at 10 a.m. on ABCBy the numbers: 5-8 senior averages 14.3 points, 3.5 assists, 2.7 reboundsCurrent projected draft range: 4-9

When she plays: No. 1 UConn faces No. 16 UTSA at noon on ABCBy the numbers: 5-11 senior averages 17.7 points, 3.0 assists, 2.6 rebounds, shoots 44.6% from 3Current projected draft range: 1-3

Lauren Betts, center, UCLA

When she plays: No. 1 UCLA plays No. 16 California Baptist at 7 p.m.By the numbers: 6-7 senior averages 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 blocksCurrent projected draft range: 1-5

When she plays: No. 1 UCLA plays No. 16 California Baptist at 7 p.m.By the numbers: 5-11 senior averages 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, shoots 38.1% from 3Current projected draft range: 4-9

Gabriela Jaquez, guard, UCLA

When she plays: No. 1 UCLA plays No. 16 California Baptist at 7 p.m.By the numbers: 6-0 senior averages 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, shoots 41.1% from 3Current projected draft range: 7-12

Gianna Kneepkens, guard, UCLA

When she plays: No. 1 UCLA plays No. 16 California Baptist at 7 p.m.By the numbers: 6-0 senior averages 13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, shoots 44.2% from 3Current projected draft range: 7-12