WNBA Media Answers Draft Questions - Part 2

WNBA media answers my questions on the upcoming WNBA Draft.

Earlier this week, I reached out to several WNBA Media members from across the country to gather their unfiltered input on the 2026 WNBA Draft. If you missed it, you can read Part 1 here.

I received such a positive response from the participants and the readers that I was able to put together enough feedback to warrant more than one article.

Ahead of the college/amateur WNBA Draft, read what the media thinks about these prospects and what might happen on April 13th.

WNBA Media Draft Questions

1. Who should the Dallas Wings draft #1 overall and why?

“Azzi Fudd. While Awa Fam’s potential is off the charts, Azzi is more pro-ready right now, and you need to maximize being competitive through the length of Paige’s rookie contract, and bringing in another no. 1 pick that she’s already incredibly familiar with (and a shooter that complements her game so well) goes a long way there. On top of that, the timing of having everyone as a free agent also allows you to build up that front court right away and jump start that growth window. I don’t think Azzi’s popularity in terms of marketing/ticket sales would factor in if there was a sizable gap in terms of talent here, but in tipping the scales if you’re already leaning? I could see it.”

“I would be a little shocked if Dallas didn’t draft Azzi Fudd with the top pick. Provide some extra scoring punch, there’s the obvious familiarity with Bueckers, and you never know if Paige could have some impact on that.”

“Don’t overthink this one - it’s Azzi Fudd. She has elite scoring potential & is the perfect complimentary piece to her former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers on that side of the ball thanks to her ability to stretch the floor and create her own shot. I understand Fudd’s injury history is a factor, but her ceiling is too high to pass up. Don’t sleep on her defense, either.”

“Awa Fam. The highest upside prospect in the class who profiles as a perfect PnR partner with Paige Bueckers.”

“Other than point guard, it would be fair to say that the Dallas Wings need substantial upgrades at every other position. So the question becomes: What set of skills can help establish or solidify the team’s foundation while also elevating the ceiling of this rebuilding club? As tempting as it would be to select a wing or center, the Dallas Wings should look to draft UConn SG Azzi Fudd with the #1 overall pick. The elevator pitch for Fudd is fairly straightforward: the UConn sharpshooter is the best movement shooter the game has seen in the last two decades (and to be honest, that’s a conservative timeframe). As of this writing, Fudd has started in all 36 of UConn’s games this season. In that time, she has separated herself as the most explosive and efficient long-range volume shooter in the nation. For the season, Fudd is shooting 47.5% from 3P in transition, 46.9% from 3P when spotting up, 46.0% from 3P when coming off screens, and 48.1% from 3P when receiving a handoff. Fudd’s shooting splits combined with her 3P rate (50.3%) is enough to pique the interest of any GM, but those that question her candidacy for being selected with the #1 overall pick will point to her low rim frequency and her modest on-ball shot creation as potentially limiting factors with regards to being a foundational piece. But several coaches would take exception to that line of thinking; in an era that strives for pace and space on offense while emphasizing “possession-maxing” execution, off-ball shot creation is a necessary (and game-changing) component for any multi-layered offense that seeks to create constant countermoves upon countermoves. Fans are fixated on the made or missed shots (the result), but the manner in which Fudd gets these looks (the off-ball shot creation) is what is special. V-cuts, backdoor cuts, ghost screens, flare screens - there isn’t a single off-ball action that Fudd hasn’t already mastered. And because of her proficiency in off-ball shot creation, Fudd offers the Wings high portability; in other words, there isn’t a lineup or overall system that Fudd can’t immediately fit into. It might be presumptuous to assume that Wings Head Coach Jose Fernandez will run the same type of offense he ran at the University of South Florida, but if he incorporates some of his go-to sets in Dallas, fans should expect to see a low to moderate amount of pick and rolls, and a heavy dose of 4-High stack sets. And if he’s implementing those types of sets, then he would need an elite movement shooter who can create the staggered lifts that create separation above the break and below the nail. That’s the type of space created that a pull-up maestro like Paige Bueckers would both capitalize and thrive in. And I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that Fudd is a high-level defender who is capable of defending at the point of attack as well as off the ball. Given her defensive efficiency while consistently demonstrating the ability to switch onto bigger players in the post, deny entry passes into the lane, cut off dribble penetration from ball handlers, and contest perimeter shooters, Azzi Fudd could very well become the defensive linchpin of the Dallas Wings. There is no one way to build a roster, but Fudd gives the Wings multiple ways to win games.”

2. What is the Minnesota Lynx’s biggest need? Which player do they draft?

“Centers Awa Fam or Lauren Betts to complement the Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman backcourt / Napheesa Collier combo.”

“One can make the argument that the Lynx could use upgrades at both the point guard and center positions. However, because of Minnesota’s fast-paced, five-out motion offense, the Lynx have rarely had to rely on a single ball-handler to create dribble penetration or isolate on the perimeter. In contrast, a series of drag screens, re-screens, and swing-passes have allowed the Lynx’s primary scorers (Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride) to get downhill and/or attack a mismatch against a shifting defense. But even if Minnesota wanted to add a “pure point guard” who can create off the dribble and manage the game in the half court, I’m skeptical that Cheryl Reeve would trust a rookie point guard to lead her veteran-laden team. Having said that, I think Minnesota would be wise to target a traditional rim-protecting center who can allow the Lynx veterans to slide down to their natural positions (McBride to SG, Collier to SF, Alanna Smith to PF). And if this is Minnesota’s prerogative, they should select UCLA C Lauren Betts. Betts’ discipline as a rim protector would amplify Collier’s and Smith’s defensive versatility as front court roamers and “ free safeties” outside of the paint. Minnesota could immediately take advantage of Betts’ mastery of drop coverage (low or high drop) which would essentially force opponents into one-dimensional scoring profiles. In addition, Betts has become increasingly more proficient at switching and containing smaller and/or faster guards and wings. If Betts were to find herself switched out onto the perimeter and defending in space, she can continue to be aggressive given that Collier and Smith would be behind her as the second level and backline defenders. As for the offensive side, Betts’ comfortability passing out of the high post would fit the Lynx’s motion offense. And with her ability to crash the offensive glass, Betts could have a consistent offensive impact even if she isn’t initially given a high usage rate.”

“They were pretty elite at everything, but one area is rebounding. Olivia Miles is an elite guard rebounder with all-time playmaking chops and some shot creation.”

“It’s a good question, especially considering they only have bench players under contract and that’s it. The pick that seems to be popular here is Awa Fam, and I wouldn’t doubt that. If they can bring back Collier, that would be a fun pairing regardless of who else is around them. And if Phee doesn’t come back, Fam could be a tantalizing restart point.”

“Building around Phee gives you the optionality to truly go in whatever direction. But I think they try and re-sign Lan first, and then go Olivia Miles.”

3. What player is the best fit for the Seattle Storm?

“Olivia Miles. Adding a young, playmaking floor general to a veteran Storm backcourt is just what Seattle needs. She’ll learn from greats like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins as she helps lead the Storm into the future.”

“In order to answer this question, we have to make an educated guess with regards to what the Seattle Storm want do with their roster moving forward. Over the last few seasons, the Storm have structured the contracts of their veteran players to create the ability to move off of their veterans in the event that they wanted to hit the reset button on their roster at any inflection point (Offseason Free Agency, WNBA Draft, the Trade Deadline). In my opinion, we’ve reached the point where it may be in the franchise’s best interest to hit the reset button and engage in a “soft rebuild.” The team should aim to rebuild around Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga, but beyond that, the Storm should be looking to find young players who can potentially be long-term starters for the team. If that’s the case, the team should look to draft UCLA PG Kiki Rice. Rice arguably has the highest floor of any PG prospect in this draft class. Her ability to facilitate and game manage a team’s offense provides the stability that Head Coach Sonia Raman would be looking for in her floor general. However, Rice has considerable upside as a scorer and playmaker because of her ability to be effective on and off the ball without the use of ball screens. Her ability to create off the dribble and get downhill without a ball screen completely changes the way defenses have to play her. When she’s consistently beating defenders off the bounce, defenses will inevitably have to help on her drives. And when that happens...her teammates will get the opportunity to cash in on some of the most open catch-and-shoot looks they could ever hope for. On the defensive end, Rice has the ability to pick up ball-handlers at the point of attack and defend off-ball wings. She isn’t just a part of her team’s perimeter defense; she has the ability to be her team’s defensive catalyst - someone who prevents gaps from opening and ensures that opposing ball-handlers can’t generate any consistent and/or direct dribble penetration. Rice is the embodiment of fundamentals over flash. But her consistency in executing the fundamentals results in her team’s ceiling elevating further and further up.”

“Azzi Fudd would be the best fit, for a Storm team that was ninth in both three-point makes and attempts, the lowest of any of the playoff teams. Olivia Miles makes sense as well, as a PG of the future, but the (lack of) shooting and spacing would still be a major concern in 2026.”

“Currently, I’d say Azzi Fudd. As has been well documented, the Storm lacked a true producer at the two this past season and really the last few seasons since Jewell Loyd’s MVP-bid season. If Skylar Diggins returns, which I have to think she will be giving my impressions, that’s a fun backcourt. If there’s no Skylar, you restart at the PG position with Olivia Miles.”

“Azzi Fudd or Olivia Miles, either would fit perfectly.”

4. If Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles are drafted in the Top 2 picks, who should the Storm select?

“If Fudd and Miles are gone by the time that the Storm are on the clock, I have to think that Seattle would go with Flau’jae Johnson. I don’t think that the Storm want to use that pick on another big (Betts or Fam) to pair alongside Malonga, and especially not if they bring Ezi Magbegor back.”

“You just take Awa Fam. Fam has the athleticism to play the 4, shooting upside & we’ve never seen a frontcourt as young as that duo — it’d be scary.”

“That’s where it gets messy (trade).”

“In this scenario, the Storm select Awa Fam and they don’t think twice about it. Some fans will question whether this creates a logjam in the front court or if it’s a redundant move given that the Storm just drafted Dominique Malonga last year. But if you really look at Fam’s offensive and defensive profile, she’s the complete opposite of Malonga. All of Fam’s shooting indicators (FT% and year-to-year midrange and 3PT improvement) suggest she can continue to develop into an average or above-average 3PT shooter. If you believe in Fam’s potential to become a consistent stretch-4/5, then she would be the perfect complement to Malonga’s interior scoring and post presence. On the defensive end, Fam is already one of the best bigs at defending in space and switching onto smaller and quicker guards. In contrast, Malonga (who definitely has a ways to go with regards to being a consistent defender) is more comfortable patrolling the paint and serving as a last-line-of-defense rim protector. When you add Gabby Williams into the equation, the Storm could field one of the most versatile and suffocating defensive front courts in the WNBA . The combination of length, size, agility, and lateral quickness would immediately pose a problem for any opposing offense.”

“Even though the Storm have talented young bigs with high ceiling potential already on the roster, Lauren Betts or Awa Fam are too good to pass up. Best available over position decision.”

5. In what order will UCLA’s starting 5 be drafted?

“Betts, Rice, Kneepkens, Jaquez, Leger-Walker”

“Rice-Betts-Kneepkens-Jaquez-CLW”

“Lauren Betts, Gianna Kneepkens, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Charlisse Leger-Walker”

“Lauren Betts, Gianna Kneepkens, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Charlisse Leger-Walker”

“Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens, Charlisse Leger-Walker, BONUS: Angela Dugalic”

6. Predict the biggest shock of the draft.

“I have spent far too much time trying to concoct a situation where the Storm move the third pick, if Fam and Betts are atop the consensus draft boards and the best players available. A year removed from selecting Dom Malonga, and if they decide to try and run it back with Nneka Ogwumike and/or Ezi Magbegor, neither of those players makes much sense in the short-term. So I started thinking about trade opportunities, but those aren’t really good either, with the lack of players under contract. Came up with three possibilities, from worst to first:

3. Some sort of creative pick swap and sign-and-trade with the Toronto Tempo. Seattle sends out Ezi Magbegor (a Sandy Brondello/Opals reunion) and no. 3 in exchange for pick no. 6 and a 2027 first rounder (likely in the lottery). I don’t love this for Toronto, because they might run into the same size/skill set redundancies with whomever they take.

2. The New York Liberty trade Betnjiah Laney-Hamilton and their 2027 first for the no. 3 pick. Laney-Hamilton’s under a reserved contract after last year’s injury kept her out all year, so a potentially tradable asset. She fits in with the current window, if Seattle wants to run back some/all of the Ogwumike/Diggins/Williams/Sykes core, while providing hard-nosed defense and perimeter scoring ability. The pick next year will likely be back third of the first round, but if you’re confident in Betnijah’s health, this could be a contender move for 2026. For New York, this frees up some cap space for re-signing their big three, while also getting a high-ceiling frontcourt talent that can develop behind several MVPs. To me, Seattle says no here.

1. In exchange for no. 3, the Golden State Valkyries trade no. 8 and Janelle Salaün. Here’s another rangy athletic wing that can help with the current title window, if they want to run it back, but she’s also just 24 years old and can develop alongside her French countrywoman in Malonga (and Williams). Plus, this would be *fun*. Salaün’s definitely a player the Valkyries will be looking to protect, so this is not someone they’ll want to part with easily. Still, just a year into existence, could a potential star big like Betts or Fam be a ceiling-raiser that you can build around going forward? With trade potential limited severely by this strange free agency, this could be a win-win.”

“Connecticut trades up to draft in the top 10.”

“The Chicago Sky move up into the top three to select Fudd/Miles. The Sky cannot buy any positive PR the last few years despite having some of the brighter young stars in the game, and they attempt to change that by going in and getting one of those two.”

“I don’t think Cheryl Reeve would immediately trust a rookie point guard to lead her team’s offense. And given the cap hit for the second overall pick ($466,913), I doubt Cheryl is keen on committing that large of a portion of the 2026 salary cap to a player who may top out as a middle rotation or situational player in their rookie year. So if the Lynx do not draft a potential defensive anchor in Lauren Betts, I think there is a good chance that Minnesota will entertain the idea of trading OUT of the 2nd overall pick and would target a veteran player who can potentially step into a starting role with the Lynx. I could see Minnesota engaging in a trade that would send the 2nd overall pick to the Golden State Valkyries in exchange for PG Veronica Burton. The Lynx would add a true game-managing point guard who can also defend at the point of attack at an elite level. Given that Burton’s natural mindset is to playmake and create for others, she would have a massive and immediate impact for the Lynx without having to command a high usage rate. For the Valkyries, they would get to move up high enough in the draft where they would have the opportunity to draft one of Awa Fam or Azzi Fudd. Although the Valkyries overachieved in their inaugural season, they have never wavered in their stated goal of building a sustainable contender that can compete for championships for years to come. But as it stands right now, the Valkyries would be selecting outside of the lottery in their first two years of their franchise’s existence. This trade would allow them to make a move for a young prospect who can serve as a potential franchise building-block.”

7. Who is your favorite International prospect after Awa Fam, and why?

“The most common answer to this question will be France’s Nell Angloma, and for good reason. A 5-11 versatile wing who’s averaging 16 points per game in the top French league at just 19 years old. Pair that along with her defensive prowess, and you have quite the prospect. Also a fan of Iyana Martín-Carrión - could see Toronto or Portland reaching & taking her at the 6th or 7th slot. Any new franchise can use a strong point guard to get all the new faces on the same page in year one.”

“Nell Angloma. Strength, explosiveness combination with elite foul-drawing and production at just 19 years old. Shot is a long ways away but if you tap into that, you have a serious player.”

“Iyana Martín isn’t just one of the most exciting international prospects in this draft class; she’s one of this year’s most electric prospects regardless of age or domestic/international status. Despite just having turned 20 years old, Martín has proven she can lead a professional club. In this past season while playing for Perfumerías Avenida, Martín established herself as one of the best pick-and-roll (PNR) point guards in LF Endesa, EuroCup, and Euroleague play. Time and again, Martín has exhibited the type of mindset and execution that front offices and coaches would want from their floor general - constantly shifting the defense and ensuring that a possession never dies or goes stagnant after the initial pass is made. At 5’9”, Martín utilizes her low center of gravity and notable core strength to literally put defenders on her hip and/or her back, and takes defenders out of the play as she breaks the paint on her drives. If Martín passes early in the shot clock, it’s almost certain that she will look to execute a flare screen, cross screen, backdoor cut, pick play - or a combination of any of those actions - in order to ensure that the defense can’t key in on any one of her teammates. The scary part is that Martín’s jump shot is still a work in progress. If (when?) she becomes a more consistent outside shooter, the extent of her PNR geometry will seemingly grow exponentially as well. But as we recently saw at the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers when Martín competed for the Spanish National Team, Martín is quickly becoming more confident in her pull-up jumper, especially in transition. If a pull-up 3-pointer is something Martín can tap into with regularity, she will become one of the best PNR maestros who is capable of cracking most zone defenses...”

“Nell Angloma. She’ll be a few months shy of her 20th birthday at the time of the draft (if she decides to come over), and has been impressive in her time with EuroCup. Quick first step, decisive driver, good fluid footwork in traffic – potential is there, even if a little undersized for the 3/4.”

“Iyana Martín Carrión seems may be the obvious choice for many after Fam, but she’s certainly very intriguing so I believe that’s fair. There’s a unique range in where mock drafts have her going in this draft, so there is some disagreement in her potential. It does feel like there’s the occasional surprise from the international prospects, and I think Carrión can be that.”

8. What player could you see being a steal in the 2nd round?

“Janiah Barker, if she falls, there’s always a chance. Highest upside non-top 10 prospect by a wide margin.”

“Yarden Garzon”

“Given the number of high-profile players who are in this draft class, it seems more than likely that Vanderbilt F Justine Pissott will be selected in the 2nd round. While a deep tournament run can boost her stock a little, I think her draft ceiling is early to middle of the 2nd round. With that said, I think Justine Pissott has a shot at exceeding the expectations of her draft slot and playing her way into a team’s main rotation sooner than later. It’s not an exaggeration or hyperbole to say that Justine Pissott is one of the best high-volume shooting big (stretch-4/5) prospects that we’ve seen in the last 10 years. At 6’4”, Pissott can move off the ball like a guard/wing and make herself available for catch-and-shoot 3P opportunities. In her Senior season at Vanderbilt, Pissott is shooting 43.2% on C&S 3s (89/206). What’s even more impressive is that she is shooting 42.5% on contested 3s (defender within 5 ft of Pissott) and 43.7% on open 3s. Her quick and high-arching release and compact shooting mechanics - combined with her long frame - allow her to get shots off accurately despite defenders aggressively closing out on her. If you break down her shooting profile a bit further, you’ll find out that Pissott is shooting 50% on transition 3s (19/38). Her ability to step into her shots and fire away makes her one of the most deadly trail shooters in this draft class. If she’s playing minutes at the 4 or 5, she’ll have the opportunity to pitch the ball ahead after securing a defensive rebound, and walk into open 3P shots as she trails the play. Her lack of rim protection may limit her to a 6th-player role, but she could become one of the best change-of-pace bigs in the W.”

“South Carolina’s Raven Johnson has “second round steal” written all over her. A National Champion point guard & 2026 SEC Defensive Player of the Year - her defensive ability is ready to be showcased against the world’s best and her offensive game has steadily improved. Always helps to have been coached by the legendary Dawn Staley. If Iyana Martín-Carrión slides to the second round, whoever ends up with her will likely have a steal on their hands.”

“If she declares, Madina Okot from South Carolina (she could try and get another year of college eligibility). There’s a possibility she climbs into the first, but her rebounding is stellar, especially for an SC team that is strangely not as dominant on the glass as we’re used to. That skill will translate in the W very quickly, and she’s got the size and motor to back it up.”

9. List the Top 3 players from this draft in order based on highest upside/potential.

“1. Azzi Fudd, 2. Olivia Miles, 3. Awa Fam”

“1. Azzi Fudd, 2. Olivia Miles, 3. Flau’Jae Johnson”

“Awa Fam, Azzi Fudd, Iyana Martín”

“Fam, Miles, Betts”

“Miles, Fam, Fudd”

Notes:
Once again, thanks to all the other WNBA Media members that participated.

Thanks to my readers for the great support! Please tell other WNBA fans about my coverage. Please share, retweet, repost, etc., if you enjoy my articles.

Thanks to Her Hoop Stats and Across the Timeline for being great resources.

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