The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on NCAA basketball, resulting in an extra year of eligibility granted to all winter sport athletes. This led to women’s basketball players playing at least five seasons of collegiate ball before considering going pro, which in turn affected subsequent WNBA Drafts.
We are witnessing the final wave of players who took advantage of this opportunity. We have profiled several WNBA Draft prospects over the years here at Swish Appeal, and some of them chose to use their extra years of eligibility. Let’s see how they are performing now in their final season of NCAA basketball.
Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina)
Paopao is staying at South Carolina for a second season after winning a national championship with the Gamecocks in 2024. She made an immediate impact for Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks and continues to excel in her final season with impressive shooting stats and low turnovers.
Paopao’s performance this season is solidifying her status as a top prospect for the WNBA Draft, showing consistency and improvement in her game. Several teams are interested in her skillset, with the Chicago Sky having the third pick in our recent mock draft.
Georgia Amoore (Kentucky)
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Amoore’s remarkable performance at Virginia Tech led her to follow coach Kenny Brooks to Kentucky, where she continues to showcase her talents. Despite some struggles with 3-point shooting, Amoore remains a key player for the Wildcats.
Amoore’s performance at Kentucky has been impressive, with high scoring and assists numbers, although her 3-point shooting has declined. She is a player to watch as she faces tougher defenses in the SEC.
Ayoka Lee (Kansas State)
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Ayoka Lee has been a standout player for Kansas State, setting records and showcasing her skills as one of the country’s most productive centers. Despite injuries, she continues to be a dominant force on the court.
In her fifth season, Lee’s performance remains strong, with high efficiency in scoring and rebounding. How she handles the physicality of the SEC will be crucial for her draft prospects in the WNBA.
Lee’s performance in the remainder of the season and her ability to stay on the court will impact her draft position. It is essential for her to finish her collegiate career on a high note.
All statistics, team records, and rankings for the 2024-25 NCAA season are current through Saturday, December 14, 2024.
