2026 WNBA Mock Draft: Eight South Carolina and UCLA players projected to go in first round

The Gamecocks and Bruins are meeting for the national title on Sunday, and WNBA fans should get familiar with both teams

Jack Maloney

Apr 5, 2026

10:08 am ET

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8 min read

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Championship Sunday has arrived in women's college basketball. UCLA and South Carolina are playing for the 2026 NCAA women's basketball national title on Sunday afternoon. The Bruins held off Texas in the Final Four, while the Gamecocks stunned UConn to end the Huskies perfect season and exact revenge after last year's championship game defeat.

Thanks to the coin flip between the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, the full order for the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13 is now set. The Tempo will select No. 6 overall, with the Fire right behind them at No. 7. Additionally, thanks to a pair of trades connected to the expansion draft, the Fire now have the No. 17 pick, the Chicago Sky have No. 21 and the Tempo have No. 26.

Unlike the past few years, when the No. 1 pick was set in stone for months leading up to the draft, there has been plenty of debate about what the Wings should do with the top pick. What will Curt Miller and Co. do? And how will the rest of the night shake out?

Ahead of Sunday's championship game, here's a look at how the first two rounds might go with CBS Sports' Mock Draft 3.0.

First round

1. Dallas Wings: Awa Fam -- C, Spain

The 19-year-old Fam had an excellent showing against Team USA during the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico last month, which was yet another reminder that she's already capable of holding her own against top-level WNBA competition. She's an excellent athlete and a highly skilled offensive player who could be a perfect pick-and-roll partner for Paige Bueckers.

2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles -- G, TCU

Miles is one of the best playmaking prospects we've ever seen. She can throw every pass in the book with either hand, and has an innate ability to see the floor and create opportunities out of nothing. She would give the Lynx the true point guard they've been missing the last few years, and Minnesota's defensive infrastructure would be able to cover up for some of her issues on that side of the ball.

3. Seattle Storm: Azzi Fudd -- G, UConn

Fudd is coming off a really rough showing in the Final Four and a disappointing NCAA Tournament overall. Still, her 3-point shooting ability is largely unmatched. She has impeccable form, a lightning-quick release and can shoot off the move. Fudd will be one of the league's best pure shooters from Day 1, and would be a perfect fit in Seattle. The Storm desperately need someone who can help space the floor around their frontcourt talent.

4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts -- C, UCLA

The 6-foot-7 Betts has been spectacular during the NCAA Tournament as she's led UCLA to the national championship game. As a traditional center in a rapidly evolving game, Betts is a polarizing prospect. However, she is the best rim protector in this class, and has significantly improved her defensive mobility. There are fair questions about how her offense will translate to the pros, but she's too big and talented defensively to pass on here.

5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice -- G, UCLA

Rice, who has been hot and cold in the NCAA Tournament amid UCLA's run to the title game, makes a lot of sense here for the Sky, who desperately need a point guard of the future. Rice is an excellent perimeter defender, a strong rebounder for her position and a steady facilitator who has plenty of experience playing alongside elite bigs. Plus, she's grown into a reliable catch-and-shoot 3-point threat.

6. Toronto Tempo: Raven Johnson -- G, South Carolina

The Tempo took a Valkyries-esque approach to the expansion draft and have an experienced roster that could be fairly competitive. Adding the 23-year-old Johnson, who will play in her third consecutive NCAA national championship game with South Carolina on Sunday, would give them an elite perimeter defender who could contribute right away. Plus, Johnson has improved significantly as playmaker, and the Tempo are thin at point guard.

7. Portland Fire: Nell Angloma -- F, France

The Fire's approach to the expansion draft was completely different from the Tempo's. They looked for youth and potential, and appear to be happy with a long-term project. Selecting French wing Nell Angloma would fit well with that thinking. The 19-year-old was a big riser in this class after an impressive season France. She's a big, physical, athletic wing who loves to get downhill and excels in transition.

8. Golden State Valkyries: Gianna Kneepkens -- G, UCLA

Kneepkens has had a fairly quiet NCAA Tournament, but remains one of the best shooters in this class. She is hyper-efficient from all over the floor, joined the vaunted 50/40/90 club this season and would be a great fit for a Valkyries team that desperately needs someone w