With the WNBA season officially in hibernation, it’s time to turn our attention to the drama, excitement, and inevitable court-storming of college basketball. This year’s NCAA women’s season is bursting with talent, and while the rest of the world scrolls aimlessly through TikTok, we’re scouting the next batch of hardwood heroes. These 10 players are about to make the jump to the WNBA, and spoiler alert: they’re not here to mess around.
10. Saniya Rivers (NC State) – The Swiss Army Knife of the ACC
Versatility? Check. Leadership? Double check. Rivers can play anywhere, and we mean anywhere. Need a clutch bucket? She’s got you. Someone to lock down an opponent? Done. If the Wolfpack asked her to coach, drive the team bus, and DJ the locker room playlist, she’d probably nail that too. Rivers is the ultimate utility player—and the opposing team’s worst nightmare.
9. Rori Harmon (Texas) – The Comeback Queen
Forget ACL tears. Harmon is back and better than ever, ready to carry the Longhorns on her surgically repaired knee like it’s a designer bag. Her court vision? Elite. Her leadership? Even better. If Harmon were a GPS, she’d always know the fastest route to victory. Expect the Longhorns to make some serious noise, with Harmon orchestrating their offense like a maestro.
8. Emily Ryan (Iowa State) – The Cyclone Cyclone
Not a typo—Ryan is the Cyclone. A sleeper pick? Maybe. But if you snooze on Ryan, she’ll carve you up like a Thanksgiving turkey. She can defend, facilitate, and score. And let’s not forget, Iowa State is eyeing a Big 12 crown. If Ryan keeps doing her thing, they might just pull it off. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
7. Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina) – The Champion’s Blueprint
What’s better than winning a national title? Winning another one. Paopao is back with the Gamecocks, and she’s not resting on her laurels. With her silky handles, sharp shooting, and killer instincts, she’s the heart of one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball. She’ll be in the WNBA faster than you can say “Dawn Staley.”
6. Georgia Amoore (Kentucky) – The Mighty Mouse
At 5-foot-6, Amoore might be the smallest player on this list, but good things come in small packages. She’s a three-point sniper with a basketball IQ that makes Mensa members jealous. Some scouts worry about her size in the WNBA, but hey, they said the same about Allen Iverson, and look how that turned out. Amoore isn’t here to hear your doubts—she’s too busy splashing threes and breaking ankles.
5. Aneesah Morrow (LSU) – The Bayou’s Big Deal
With Angel Reese off to the pros, Morrow has the keys to LSU’s offense. And trust us, she knows how to drive. Whether she’s bullying defenders in the paint or knocking down mid-range jumpers, Morrow is a scoring machine. If you’re looking for this year’s must-watch player, circle her name. She’s the future of Kim Mulkey’s program—and possibly a top-3 draft pick.
4. Kiki Iriafen (USC) – The Silent Assassin
Iriafen doesn’t just play basketball; she makes it look easy. After three years at Stanford, she’s teaming up with Juju Watkins at USC to form a dynamic duo that would make Batman and Robin jealous. Iriafen’s defense is as airtight as your favorite conspiracy theory, and her offensive game is just as deadly. Trust us, the Trojans are coming.
3. Hailey Van Lith (TCU) – The Redemption Arc
After a “meh” season with LSU, Van Lith is on a mission. Now with TCU, she’s ready to prove she’s not just good—she’s great. Whether it’s lighting it up from deep or breaking down defenses with her slick handles, Van Lith’s game is as flashy as her social media. She’s got something to prove, and we’re here for the ride.
2. Olivia Miles (Notre Dame) – Triple-Double Threat
Miss a year? Who cares? Miles made her return with a triple-double, like it was no big deal. She’s got more tools in her arsenal than a Swiss watchmaker. From jaw-dropping passes to relentless drives, Miles is a force of nature. She’s not just playing basketball; she’s orchestrating masterpieces. A top-10 draft lock? Absolutely.
1. Paige Bueckers (UConn) – The Franchise Savior
The queen has returned. Bueckers could’ve gone to the WNBA and cashed in, but she’s back for one last ride at UConn. Why? To win a national title, of course. She’s got the shooting touch of Steph Curry, the passing of Magic Johnson, and the swagger of…well, Paige Bueckers. She’s the total package, and if you’re not watching, you’re missing out on greatness.
This season’s college hoops lineup is stacked. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the highlight reels, these 10 stars are about to make waves. Don’t blink—or you might miss their rise to WNBA superstardom.
