HBCU Athletes Gaining WNBA Draft Momentum Ahead of April 14

DALLAS, Texas — With the WNBA draft approaching on April 14, several women’s basketball players with roots in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are garnering attention from professional teams, as reported by their coaches.

After experiencing a 20-year drought where no HBCU players were chosen in the WNBA draft, the landscape is shifting. Two players have been drafted in the last four years, indicating a renewed interest in HBCU talent. Newly appointed Norfolk State head coach, who believes this trend will continue, stated, “I am convinced that HBCUs are receiving increased attention. With opportunity, success is achievable.”

Diamond Johnson of Norfolk State University is one player to watch. The point guard led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) this season while ranking second in total assists, third in field goal percentage, and fourth in 3-point shooting. Johnson, a former five-star recruit who previously played for Rutgers and NC State, helped Norfolk secure significant victories and impressed WNBA scouts this past weekend.

Another player on the radar is Zaay Green, a former five-star recruit who currently plays for Alabama after transferring from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Despite enduring two ACL tears during her collegiate career, Green finished her senior season averaging 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). “I’m hoping that she’s able to stick on a roster and be a real acclimated part of whatever program she’s picked up by,” said her father and trainer, former University of Central Oklahoma standout.

Ti’lan “Tilly” Boler, a former Jackson State guard, is also drawing attention after spending her final collegiate season at Memphis. Boler averaged 16.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while earning All-Conference First Team honors in her first year in the American Athletic Conference.

Laila Lawrence of Coppin State University is recognized as a top two-way player in her conference, finishing her senior season with strong rebounding averages and ranking nationally in double-doubles. The 6-foot-2 forward played a pivotal role in leading her team to victory against tough competition.

Taleah Dilworth, who transferred from Kentucky State to Jackson State, earned conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors in Division I basketball. As a 5-foot-8 guard, she has been a key contributor for her team, averaging 16.1 points per game while leading in multiple statistical categories.

Mia Berry, HBCU writer for Andscape, highlights the journey of players like Green, who has hosted a watch party for the upcoming WNBA draft. Green, who was Alabama’s second-leading scorer, credits her time at Arkansas-Pine Bluff for her development. After navigating a tumultuous collegiate path, including multiple transfers and injuries, she is eager for the opportunity to showcase her talent at the next level.

“Honestly, those are my best basketball years that I had there on the court, and I think that helped a lot with my draft stock,” Green said. She noted how the pace of play at Alabama allowed her to exhibit her versatility on the court.

If drafted, Green, along with her peers, will have a chance to prove that talent from HBCUs can thrive in the WNBA, a sentiment echoed by her coach, Kristy Curry. “Zaay is gonna contribute wherever she goes,” Gregg stated. “She’s a winner, and it’s really hard to teach people how to win.”