Top WNBA Prospects Shine in NCAA Season Opener

STORRS, Connecticut (AP) — The 2025-26 NCAA women’s basketball season kicked off last week, bringing excitement for both fans and scouts. On Nov. 23, the WNBA will hold the 2026 Draft Lottery, determining who secures the top pick of upcoming talent.

As college basketball begins, players will showcase their skills for WNBA scouts over the next six months. Among the star prospects are Azzi Fudd of UConn and Lauren Betts from UCLA.

Fudd, who faced injury struggles in her earlier seasons, returned last year to help UConn clinch its national championship. In her quest for improvement, Fudd has focused on becoming a more aggressive offensive threat. She has successfully converted 8 of 12 jump shots off the dribble in the early games of the season.

Meanwhile, Betts, a favorite for Naismith Player of the Year, dominated in UCLA’s opening matches. Though she excelled near the basket, she did not take any shots outside the paint, raising questions about her versatility. Improvement in her free throw shooting is also necessary, as her performance has been underwhelming in that area so far.

Working through her transition to Maryland, Indiana transfer Abby Garzon has struggled with her shooting, posting only eight successful field goals out of 29 attempts. Although she has a solid track record as a three-point shooter, Garzon’s early performance has left something to be desired, prompting calls for improvement from her coach.

Former Notre Dame player Olivia Miles, after a troublesome previous season, showed promise with TCU. Although her recent play has included 10 turnovers, her skill set remains impressive, which makes her a candidate for a top-two draft pick.

Florida State’s leading scorer, Ta’Niya Latson, has transferred to South Carolina and faces a different role this year. Despite the reduction in her scoring opportunities, she continues to dominate at the rim and set the stage for a promising season ahead.

Lastly, Duke‘s Sydney Jackson is facing scrutiny after a disappointing performance against Baylor. As she looks to regain her momentum, her upcoming matchups will be pivotal for her draft stock.

As these players continue to evolve on the court, WNBA scouts remain eager to see who will stand out as potential future stars in the league.