WNBA Draft Watch: Top Prospects in the NCAA Tournament

By Ysa Panganiban Last updated Mar 20, 2024 Share with new partner:

The 2024 NCAA Women’s Tournament is set to kick off with a doubleheader featuring the First Four games in Columbia, S.C., showcasing a collision between No. 16 seeds Presbyterian and Sacred Heart, as well as a matchup between No. 12 seeds Columbia and Vanderbilt.

The journey to the Final Four, slated for April 5 and 7 in Cleveland, promises an exhilarating sprint through intense competition.

Following the tournament’s conclusion, the spotlight will shift to the professional realm with the 2024 WNBA Draft scheduled for April 15, followed by the season’s opening night on May 14.

While all eyes are on Iowa standout Caitlin Clark, projected to be the top overall pick by the Indiana Fever, a slew of formidable talents in the NCAA tournament are poised to make their mark.

15 Top Prospects in the NCAA Women’s Tournament

Wnba-draft-watch-top-prospects-in-the-ncaa-tournament — The 2024 NCAA Women’s Tournament is set to kick off with a doubleheader featuring the First Four games in Columbia, S.C., showcasing a collision between No. 16 seeds Presbyterian and Sacred Heart, as well as a matchup between No. 12 seeds Columbia and Vanderbilt.

Albany 1

Kamilla Cardoso (South Carolina): Despite a suspension for the opening game, Cardoso’s prowess as a game-changing center is undeniable, likely securing her a spot in the draft’s lottery.

Mackenzie Holmes (Indiana): Holmes’ efficient scoring and defensive tenacity make her a force to be reckoned with, although her transition to the next level poses challenges due to her size.

Deja Kelly (North Carolina): Kelly’s smooth playmaking abilities make her a valuable asset, though questions linger regarding her shooting consistency.

Albany 2

Caitlin Clark (Iowa): Clark’s record-breaking scoring and exceptional shooting make her a standout prospect, destined to be the coveted first overall pick.

Angel Reese (LSU): Reese’s dominance on both ends of the court makes her a formidable presence, though concerns about her offensive game persist.

Charisma Osborne (UCLA): A versatile guard, Osborne’s defensive prowess shines, but uncertainties surround her offensive efficiency.

Portland 3

Jacy Sheldon (Ohio State): Sheldon’s defensive instincts and scoring abilities position her as a mid-first-round prospect with coveted skills for the next level.

Aaliyah Edwards (UConn): Edwards’ offensive versatility and rebounding prowess make her a compelling prospect despite being overshadowed by higher-profile players.

Georgia Amoore (Virginia Tech): Amoore’s shooting prowess is matched by her flair as a playmaker, though her height poses challenges for her WNBA prospects.

Elizabeth Kitley (Virginia Tech): Kitley’s productivity as a traditional post player is undeniable, though doubts linger about her defensive adaptation to the WNBA.

Nika Muhl (UConn): Muhl’s reliability as a point guard and defensive prowess overshadow her lack of statistical dominance, suggesting a long career in the league.

Taiyanna Jackson (Kansas): Jackson’s imposing presence in the frontcourt, coupled with her shot-blocking abilities, earmarks her as a second-round prospect.

Portland 4

Cameron Brink (Stanford): Brink’s defensive dominance and mobility position her as the top frontcourt prospect in the draft, likely securing her a high pick.

Rickea Jackson (Tennessee): Jackson’s athleticism and scoring ability make her a lottery pick contender, though her three-point shooting remains a concern.

Alissa Pili (Utah): Pili’s scoring prowess and versatility make her a tantalizing prospect despite defensive uncertainties, likely landing her a first-round selection.

As the NCAA Women’s Tournament unfolds, these prospects will aim to showcase their skills, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball landscape as they prepare for the WNBA Draft and the next phase of their careers.