NEW YORK ― The 2026 WNBA Draft is complete, and now it’s time to start thinking about 2027.
Many are likely buzzing about top picks from this year’s class. Names like Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles and Lauren Betts were called within the first five selections. More extraordinary talent will be found in the 2027 draft.
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USC superstar JuJu Watkins leads a stacked class that projects promise. Who else could be on the upper portion of the draft board with Watkins next year?
Here’s a way-too-early list of 10 prospects for 2027 who could hear their names called at the next WNBA draft.
1. JuJu Watkins, G, USC
Watkins is the most dynamic player in the class of 2027. The USC product is a three-level scorer and also an elite defender, who uses her 6-foot-2 frame as a larger guard to her advantage. There isn’t a matchup Watkins believes she can’t win, especially getting downhill, causing pressure or blocking shots.
2. Hannah Hidalgo, G, Notre Dame
Hidalgo, who is 5-foot-6, plays with the heart of someone who is a foot taller. She thrives on creating chaos for other teams on both ends of the floor. Hidalgo can score from anywhere on the court, and if opposing players aren’t careful, she’ll cause a turnover or steal the basketball for a score in transition.
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3. Madison Booker, F, Texas
Booker is a midrange maestro and has fully leaned into creating problems for other teams with her shot making. Still, jumpers are not the only thing Booker has mastered. She defends well, can produce baskets from anywhere and has a knack for creating separation that many players her age don’t.
4. Audi Crooks, C, Iowa State
Crooks is a nightmare matchup. The Iowa State center has a smooth release and quick finish that make her tough to guard. She also continues to add depth to her offensive skill set with each season she plays, which will help at the W level. If Crooks strengthens her defense, she would be a key piece for any team.
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5. Mikaylah Williams, G, LSU
Williams’ versatility is her biggest asset. She’s a guard who can play the forward position, and the two skill sets blend well. Her vision and speed are underrated, and she does a great job of knowing when to unlock both. Williams also rarely wastes a shot, and that goes a long way with pro-level efficiency.
6. Clara Strack, F, Kentucky
Strack only needs a small window to operate and that makes her dangerous. Though she has noteworthy patience as a post player, often letting plays develop before attacking, she can also bring the ball out to the midrange for a quick score or stretch the floor from behind the line.
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7. Talaysia Cooper, G, Ole Miss
Cooper is fluid in her movements on the offense end, and it comes in handy when she’s in transition or accelerating to the cup. The former Tennessee product is a disruptor and thrives on creating defensive pressure that opposing players struggle to dissect.
8. Taliah Scott, G, Baylor
Scott has a bevy of offensive options, but her downhill game is what makes her stand out. The Baylor guard thrives on getting to the basket, often drawing contact or taking defenders with her to the rack. She also has a sneaky burst of speed that allows her to separate herself in many situations.
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9. Kymora Johnson, G, Virginia
At 5-foot-7, Johnson is a smaller guard but don’t let her size fool you. She has formidable control with the basketball in her hands and calculated handles that help her unravel defenses. Johnson also plays with an unparalleled level of confidence that can’t be taught.
10. MiLaysia Fulwiley, G, LSU
Fulwiley arguably has the highest upside of any guard in the class of 2027. She’s an electric offensive talent that brings finesse to the court with a playground feel. The LSU guard might need time to develop defensively at the WNBA level to reduce inconsistency, but the path for her to be a starter exists.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2027 WNBA Draft preview: JuJu Watkins leads deep talent pool
