As we approach the 2024-25 NCAA women’s basketball season, it’s a good time to start considering which collegiate players have a strong chance of being drafted to the WNBA next spring.
While a lot can change over the season, many anticipate that UConn’s Paige Bueckers will be the top pick in the 2025 draft. However, there are other notable players to watch in this draft class, especially in the guard position. While the complete draft order is yet to be determined, there are several names likely to be drafted early.
This is not an exhaustive list, as there are many NCAA players worth following for WNBA fans. We will delve deeper into more players here on Swish Appeal throughout the season. Nonetheless, here are some names to keep an eye on before the season kicks off.
Kiki Iriafen (USC)
2023-24 stats (with Stanford): 19.4 points, 11 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game
If the 2025 WNBA Draft occurred today, Iriafen would be a strong candidate to challenge Bueckers for the top pick. Among the frontcourt players in the class, Iriafen has a polished game, featuring a quick first step and a reliable midrange jumper that makes her a tough cover near the basket. The question for Iriafen lies in how she will mesh with fellow star JuJu Watkins on her new team. If they establish chemistry early in the season, Iriafen could be a standout player by draft time.
Ja’Naiya “JJ” Quinerly (West Virginia)
2023-24 stats: 19.8 points, 2.7 assists and 2.9 steals per game
Quinerly emerged last season as a guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Known for her tenacious defense and ability to create havoc, Quinerly has also become a scoring threat. WNBA scouts will be monitoring her development as a playmaker, given her height of 5-foot-8, which might require her to take on more ball-handling responsibilities in the professional league.
Laila Phelia (Texas)
2023-24 stats (with Michigan): 16.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game
With fewer standout wing players in this class compared to lead guards, Phelia has the opportunity to rise in the draft during her first season at Texas. Initially known for her defensive prowess, Phelia has evolved into a productive offensive player leveraging her size and physicality. Playing alongside strong offensive talent at Texas, Phelia’s development in areas like 3-point shooting and off-ball movement will be key to her success in the WNBA.
Raven Johnson (South Carolina)
2023-24 stats: 8.1 points, 4.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game
Johnson is recognized for her tenacity on defense and role as a leader at South Carolina. She has shown improvement in her spot-up shooting, making her a more well-rounded player. Can Johnson continue to progress as a scorer in her fourth collegiate season?
Makayla Timpson (Florida State)
2023-24 stats: 14.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game
Timpson excels as a shot-blocker in the country, showcasing defensive prowess along with offensive skills like finishing plays in the post. Despite not being the biggest or strongest, Timpson’s abilities make her a valuable player in an aggressive defensive system.
Olivia Miles (Notre Dame)
2022-23 stats: 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game
Prior to an ACL injury, Miles was a standout player in the NCAA, displaying potential as a lottery pick in the WNBA Draft. Teaming up with Hannah Hidalgo at Notre Dame will test Miles’ ability to function off the ball and provide outside scoring threat.
Saniya Rivers (NC State)
2023-24 stats: 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game
Rivers is known for her athleticism and impact on the defensive end, showcasing exceptional skills that can make her a game-changer. While her offensive game is still developing, a team willing to invest in her development could have a valuable asset in the future.
Aneesah Morrow (LSU)
2023-24 stats: 16.4 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game
Despite her height, Morrow stands out in the paint with her physicality, scoring ability, and strength. Her transition to the pros as a smaller frontcourt player will be worth watching, as she possesses the qualities to potentially be a first-round draft pick.
Azzi Fudd (UConn)
Azzi Fudd is on the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award watch list!
The award honors the top shooting guard in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. pic.twitter.com/Qf6gyEoI4p
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) October 29, 2024
2022-23 stats: 15.1 points, 1.3 steals and 2.3 made 3-pointers per game
Fudd, known for her deadly outside shooting, has the chance to make a significant impact if she can stay healthy throughout the season. Her shooting skills and versatility in hitting 3-pointers off screens and dribble sets her apart among guards in the class.
Shyanne Sellers (Maryland)
2023-24 stats: 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game
Sellers, a versatile wing player, has been forced into a ball-handling role at Maryland. With a more balanced team this season, Sellers can showcase her scoring abilities across different levels. Expect her to improve her scoring efficiency and reduce turnovers in her senior year.
