Alabama Stars Prepare for WNBA Draft Amid Controversy

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — With the 2025 WNBA Draft set for Monday at The Shed in New York City, Alabama women’s basketball players are garnering significant attention. Analysts predict Sarah Ashlee Barker stands a strong chance of being selected after an impressive season.

ESPN women’s basketball analyst Andraya Carter recently assessed Alabama’s draft prospects during a media zoom, emphasizing Barker’s noteworthy performance. The junior guard averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season, including a program-record 45-point game in the NCAA Tournament. Her upcoming attendance at the draft suggests she’s high on teams’ boards.

“I’ve known Sarah for a long time and was amazed by her physical growth since we last met,” Carter said. “She plays with a chip on her shoulder, isn’t afraid of contact, and is tenacious on the floor.”

Alongside Barker is Aaliyah Nye, who broke records by becoming Alabama’s all-time three-point leader with 293 shots made. This past season, she averaged 15.2 points per game, shooting 45.5% from three-point range. Carter labeled her a top shooter in the draft, noting her impactful performance as a runner-up in this year’s Celsius Women’s 3-Point Championship.

“Her ability to stretch the floor with her size and knock down shots makes her very appealing,” Carter said.

Another notable player is Zaay Green, who averaged 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in her seventh year of eligibility. Having started her collegiate career at Tennessee, Carter remarked on her aggressive playing style, describing Green as “long” and capable of breaking through defenses.

The WNBA Draft’s growing interest in Alabama talent coincides with the complicated situation surrounding Sedona Prince, an athlete with a controversial past. Despite being an impactful player—averaging 17.2 points and 9.4 rebounds this season and previously garnering significant media attention for advocating gender equity in sports—her draft prospects are clouded due to multiple allegations of intimate partner violence.

The unique challenges posed by Prince have left WNBA general managers in a difficult position as they evaluate her potential. With her height at 6-foot-7, she poses physical advantages but enters the draft amidst scrutiny.

“She’s one of the top prospects available, but teams must weigh the allegations against her,” a general manager noted. “We have to conduct due diligence while considering her talent and public image.”

As the draft approaches, teams are contemplating the balance between giving talented players like Barker and Nye opportunities and navigating the controversies surrounding other prospects like Prince.

The WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, will announce the draft picks live on ESPN with exclusive coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT. The results will shape the trajectory of many young athletes’ careers and the league’s future.