WNBA Prospectology - by Rebecca Prenevost

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Shyanne Sellers (#0) is a multifaceted guard who could go in the first round. Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics.

Previous articles focused on the
top floor generals
and some of the
elite sharpshooters
in the college game, but there is also a slew of draft-eligible combo guards who could provide a little of everything to a team’s backcourt at the next level. Below we feature several players worthy of consideration, assess their performances so far this season, and discuss what might differentiate them from the rest of the pack.

The grad transfer from Arkansas Pine-Bluff was ranked No. 10 by ESPN HoopGurlz coming out of high school and has been a major piece to the Crimson Tide’s 12-1 start this season. Having to redshirt a couple of seasons as she dealt with knee injuries, the 6-foot-2 guard is still an explosive athlete who excels at getting downhill and has no problem weaving through traffic and finding her way to the hoop. While she’s often running point and is an astute passer off the dribble-drive, Green also plays extremely well off the ball, taking advantage of gaps and spotting up from the mid-range coming off of screens.

Currently the second leading scorer on her team (16.4 ppg) and leading in assists (4.4 apg), Green also gets the job done on defense, averaging 1.6 steals per game and accruing an individual defensive rating of 77.7, with the latter ranking in the top 10% of Division I. With Alabama hoping to make a deep run come tournament time and a couple of other draft-worthy prospects as teammates, Green should increasingly earn looks from the professional ranks. And considering her skill set, size, and agility, if she continues delivering strong performances as Alabama faces the gauntlet of SEC opponents, she’ll likely hear her name called on draft night.

James’ phenomenal NCAA Tournament run last year put a number of WNBA scouts on notice. Averaging 23.5 points over a five-game stretch, the 5-foot-9 offensive menace was a huge factor in the Wolfpack making it to the Final Four. This season, the dynamic guard has continued to deliver at an impressive rate, leading her team in points (16.6 ppg) and putting up career highs in 3-point makes (2.2 per game), effective field-goal percentage (51.2%), rebounds (5.5 rpg), and steals (1.5 spg).

The silky smooth lefty is an entertaining bucket-getter who can attack the rim, shoot lights out off the bounce, and make a nimble dish when double-teamed. Scoring in double-digits every game this season, including a season-high 27 points against TCU after returning from an illness, James reads what the defense gives her and is comfortable scoring anywhere on the floor. She also brings great energy and an aggressive mindset on the other side of the ball. As NC State battles to stay near the top of the ACC, James will continue to go against some of the best opponents in the country. If she can maintain her offensive prowess while staying locked in on defense, she should earn a chance to compete in the pros.

Following in the almighty footsteps of Caitlin Clark may have been too intimidating for some to even consider, but the 5-foot-10 senior transfer from Villanova was able to see past the sky-high expectations and recognize she’d be able to carve out her own role. Handling the adjustments of a new team, increased pressure, and a brighter spotlight like a pro, Olsen quickly embraced Iowa’s system and new teammates and has made herself a key contributor from day one. Leading the team in points (18.6 ppg) and assists (5.1 apg), Olsen has an elite mid-range game, a nice step-through, and a solid floater. She also makes high-level reads and routinely sets up her teammates for easy buckets.

Although her time on the floor has decreased slightly since last season, her efficiency has improved. Her effective field-goal percentage is up from 47.7% to 48.4%, and her assist-to-turnover rate increased from 1.51 to 1.82. Her consistent production, never-ending positive energy, and willingness to take on the toughest challenges will continue to make her a strong candidate for the next level.

The 5-foot-8 tenacious guard had a stellar junior season, leading her team in scoring with an impressive 19.8 points per game while also earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. This season, the Ann Meyers Drysdale watchlist nominee continues to impress with crafty handles, a diverse collection of finishing moves, and the ability to score at all three levels (17.5 ppg). On the defensive end, she leverages her elite knowledge of the game, unrelenting ball pressure, and exceptional anticipation to stifle opponents, boasting a 70.1 individual defensive rating and generating 2.6 steals per game, both ranking in the nation’s top 2%.

While Quinerly may not garner as much national attention as some of the other draft-eligible guards, her calculated quickness, aggressive mentality, and seemingly endless motor provide her with a unique competitive edge. Her blend of scoring versatility and ability to slow down opponents on the other end will undoubtedly keep her on the radar of several WNBA teams looking for a dynamic two-way guard who can provide an offensive spark and incredible hustle.

Rivers’ length, athleticism, and craftiness make her one of the most intriguing prospects of this draft class and have several WNBA scouts captivated by her seemingly limitless ceiling. Standing 6-foot-2, with a noteworthy wingspan, quick hands, and the ability to cover significant ground in the blink of an eye, Rivers successfully defends positions 1-4 and would no doubt regularly disrupt opponents at the next level.

Offensively, Rivers thrives in an up-tempo style of play where her speed and court vision can shine in transition. While she’s also displayed flashes of potential in the mid-range and beyond, some questions remain about her consistency. Now averaging 11.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, Rivers is still a well-rounded guard who’s phenomenal on the glass and could be a worthwhile long-term gamble for any WNBA team that has a solid player development program.

As one of the few veterans on Maryland’s reloaded roster — which includes several high-caliber transfers — the 6-foot-2 guard has shown her knack for quickly developing chemistry with new teammates and helping everyone around her play to their strengths. Surrounded by more talent than in recent years, the versatile and lengthy playmaker may be on the floor fewer minutes, but she’s still contributing to her team’s success at an efficient rate, averaging 11.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in only 25.9 minutes per game.

Projected as a first-round pick by many, the Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year watchlist nominee is known for her sky-high basketball acumen and impressive balance of scoring and facilitating. With a reputation for creative finishes in traffic, a smooth mid-range pull-up, and the ability to push pace, Sellers excels in both the half-court and on the break. As she continues to anchor Maryland’s lineup as they battle to stay in the top 10, Sellers will have plenty of opportunities to prove she has the skill, insight, and physicality to make a smooth transition to the professional level.

A two-time All-Ivy League selection, the 5-foot-10 guard started turning heads this past summer as a co-captain for Team USA’s FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup team and played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal in September. Turner’s value as a WNBA prospect continued to rise early this season after back-to-back scoring performances of 41 and 38 points. Now tallying seven 20-plus-point games, Turner has established herself as a versatile three-level scorer. She’s not only increased her efficiency from beyond the arc — boasting a career-high 35.2% 3-point field-goal percentage — but she’s also added to her arsenal of moves and become a lot more comfortable drawing contact when attacking the hoop.

Ranked No. 42 by ESPN Hoopgurlz coming out of high school, Turner has steadily improved her game on both ends of the floor. On the defensive end, she’s become relentless in pressuring the ball, fighting through screens, and picking the pockets of opponents. She now ranks seventh nationally in steals per game (3.6). Offensively, she has a contagious confidence and often leverages her high basketball IQ to create scoring opportunities when her team needs them most. It’s obvious she’s embraced the work necessary to elevate her game to the next level, and it’s likely to result in folks hearing her name called earlier than expected on draft night.

Van Lith is experiencing something of a revival since transferring to TCU after last season, and her draft stock is on the rise as a result. After spending the summer on USA’s 3×3 team and winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, the 5-foot-8 guard has been on a tear, making use of her savvy hesitation, deceptive crossover, and fantastic body control as she wills her way to the basket. She’s also developed into a better playmaker and seems to have mastered pick-and-roll actions with her 6-foot-7 teammate Sedona Prince.

Always known for her competitive fire and tremendous work ethic, Van Lith’s confidence finally seems to be on par again, and it’s showing up all over the stat sheet. Now averaging 19.1 points, 6.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, the gritty guard is having one the most productive and efficient seasons of her career. Compared to when she was at LSU, her player efficiency rating and assist-to-turnover ratio have more than doubled (15.3 vs. 34.2 PER and 1.39 vs. 3.23 AST/TOV), her usage has climbed from 19.3% to 27.3%, and her effective field-goal percentage has jumped from 43.9% to 53.2%, all while her minutes per game have been comparable. If Van Lith continues to contribute at this high rate, especially when TCU faces top-ranked opponents, WNBA teams are going to have a tough time passing her up.

Each of these combo guards could provide meaningful value to a WNBA team’s backcourt. As the season progresses, it’ll be fascinating to see who can differentiate themselves even further and make their way up the draft boards.