WNBA talent evaluators have finalized their assessments after months of scouting, with college prospects making their final impressions during the NCAA tournament. While teams emphasize players' overall body of work, strong postseason performances have historically boosted draft stock.
TCU point guard Olivia Miles has climbed to the top of draft boards after her exceptional tournament showing. The senior averaged 19 points, 9.8 rebounds and 9.0 assists during the Horned Frogs' run to the Elite Eight, where they fell to South Carolina.
Miles, who projected as a lottery pick last season when age-eligible, transferred from Notre Dame to TCU for her final college season to refine her professional readiness. She averaged a career-best 19.6 points this season while leading the Horned Frogs to a 32-6 record and Big 12 regular-season title.
"Her court vision is excellent," noted one talent evaluator familiar with Miles' development. "She made 73 3-pointers this season at TCU and last season at Notre Dame. With that kind of offensive arsenal, Miles could work well with Bueckers."
The Dallas Wings face strategic considerations with the top selection, particularly regarding how Miles would complement last season's WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers. Both guards handle the ball extensively, but their complementary skills could create a dynamic backcourt partnership.
WNBA free agency remains ongoing, and signings before draft day could alter first-round projections as team needs evolve. The mock draft includes four players from UCLA's NCAA championship roster, reflecting the Bruins' dominant season.
At No. 2, the Minnesota Lynx are projected to select Spanish center Awa Fam, who averages 9.2 points and 5.0 rebounds for Valencia. "It comes down to how quickly and how well coach Cheryl Reeve and the Lynx believe Fam can adjust to the WNBA and how high they believe her ceiling is," explained one scout familiar with international prospects.
UConn shooting guard Azzi Fudd, previously projected as the top pick in two earlier mock drafts, now lands at No. 3 with the Seattle Storm. Fudd earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the 2025 Final Four but experienced shooting struggles in this year's tournament, totaling 31 points on 12-of-39 shooting in her final three games.
UCLA center Lauren Betts, fresh off winning the national championship, is projected to Washington at No. 4. Betts shot at least 60% from the field in all six NCAA tournament games, averaging 68.8% while putting up 21 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.8 blocks per game.
LSU shooting guard Flau'jae Johnson rounds out the top five projections to Chicago. Johnson averaged 19.0 points while shooting 52.4% in the Tigers' three tournament games and set career highs with 39.3% shooting from three-point range and 89 assists.
The 2026 WNBA Draft will be held Monday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, with team strategies potentially shifting based on last-minute free agency developments and trade possibilities.