March Madness: A Closer Look at Women’s College Basketball Stars Poised for WNBA Success
March is finally here, and with it comes the excitement of women’s college basketball heating up as the NCAA Tournament approaches. This is the time of year when future WNBA stars shine, and fantasy managers should be paying close attention to these standout players. As we dive into the madness, let’s explore some of the top talents who are not only making waves in college basketball but are also poised for a bright future in the WNBA.
From Paige Bueckers’ final run with the UConn Huskies to a dangerous Notre Dame Fighting Irish team featuring Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron, there’s no shortage of talent to watch. Let’s dive into the details of these incredible athletes and what makes them so special.
Paige Bueckers, G, UConn
Paige Bueckers is widely regarded as the best player in women’s college basketball right now and is the top prospect in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Her scoring ability is unmatched, as she can score from anywhere on the court. Bueckers has averaged 18.8 PPG while shooting an impressive 54% from the field and 40% from deep. She’s an elite three-level scorer and a dynamic playmaker who thrives with or without the ball. Her ability to elevate her teammates makes her a franchise-changing talent, much like Caitlin Clark did for the Fever last season. Many mock drafts project Bueckers to go No. 1 overall to the Dallas Wings, where she would be a great complement to Arike Ogunbowale in the backcourt.
Olivia Miles, G, Notre Dame
Olivia Miles missed the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee injury but has been outstanding this season. She is one of only four players in the country averaging 16.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 5.8 APG. Her improvement as a three-point shooter, hitting 40.9% of her shots from beyond the arc, is particularly impressive. Miles’ ability to facilitate Notre Dame’s offense is invaluable, and she elevates her teammates’ play in a way few others in this class can match. It’s no surprise that Miles is a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award, honoring the nation’s top point guard. Many mock drafts had Miles being drafted by the Seattle Storm after they acquired the No. 2 pick in the trade that sent Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks and Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces. However, given the Storm’s guard-heavy roster, Miles might land with the Washington Mystics.
Sonia Citron, G, Notre Dame
Sonia Citron is one of the most complete players in the country, averaging 13.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, and 1.0 BPG in nearly 34 MPG. She’s a true “3-and-D” prospect, knocking down 3-pointers at a 36.7% clip while locking down the opposing team’s best wing. Her elite defense, versatility, and efficient 49% shooting make her a coveted player in this draft class, with many mock drafts projecting her to the Washington Mystics, who have the No. 3 and No. 4 picks.
Te-Hina Paopao, G, South Carolina
Te-Hina Paopao brings valuable experience to the Gamecocks as a fifth-year player. Her per-game numbers (10.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, and 3.1 APG in 25.1 minutes) may not jump off the page, but stats don’t tell the full story. South Carolina has a strong track record of developing WNBA-ready talent, and Paopao fits that mold. She’s a dynamic playmaker with deep shooting range, capable of stretching the defense and creating for teammates. Her ability to play on or off the ball makes her an ideal fit for a team with high-usage stars, adding stability to any backcourt.
Kiki Iriafen, F, USC
Kiki Iriafen has thrived as USC’s No. 2 option alongside JuJu Watkins, averaging 18.5 PPG and 8.4 RPG. She’s a high-level scorer with the physical tools to make an immediate impact in the pros. Her athleticism and ability to control the paint set her apart as she uses her length to dominate on the glass. Iriafen has a reliable mid-range game and is versatile defensively as a rim protector who can also guard on the perimeter. Iriafen has been projected to go No. 2 to the Golden State Valkyries ahead of the NCAA tournament.
Aneesah Morrow, F, LSU
Aneesah Morrow is in the midst of an outstanding senior season, earning First-Team All-SEC and All-SEC Defensive Team honors while also being a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. She’s a dominant presence on the glass, averaging 13.6 RPG and 2.6 SPG, and contributes offensively with 18.5 PPG, scoring mostly inside the paint. Morrow re-aggravated a mid-foot sprain in the SEC Tournament semifinal against Texas, but the good news is she’s expected to be ready by the start of the tournament. Morrow would be a great fit for the Wings playing alongside Ogunbowale — especially if they select Bueckers at No. 1.
- Paige Bueckers: UConn’s star guard and top WNBA prospect.
- Olivia Miles: Notre Dame’s standout point guard with impressive stats.
- Sonia Citron: A complete player with strong defensive skills.
- Te-Hina Paopao: Experienced playmaker from South Carolina.
- Kiki Iriafen: USC’s high-level scorer and rebounder.
- Aneesah Morrow: LSU’s dominant presence on the glass.
Originally Written by: Eric Moody
