Women’s March Madness: Five stars that can improve their WNBA draft stock
Women’s March Madness: Five stars that can improve their WNBA draft stock
USA TODAYMon, March 16, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTC
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When Women's March Madness begins, the stage is the biggest and the lights are the brightest.
When the Women's NCAA Tournament arrives, all eyes will be on some of the best talent in women's college basketball. However, the tournament is also a chance for players to introduce themselves on a national stage and, for some, to improve their WNBA draft stock.
Last season, a stellar regular season and a deep run to the Elite Eight helped former TCU guard Hailey Van Lith get drafted in the first round. For former Alabama guard Sarah Ashlee Barker, an electric 45-point outing during a second-round double-overtime matchup elevated her into the first round, as well.
So, the question ahead of this year's NCAA Tournament: Who will elevate their WNBA draft stock this year?
Here are five players who could move up on draft boards with a strong March Madness performance:
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1. Rori Harmon, G, Texas
During the 2023-2024 season, Harmon tore the ACL in her right derailing what was a productive year. At the time, the Longhorns guard was averaging career highs in points (14.1 points), assists (7.8), rebounds (5.6), steals (3.1) and field goal percentage (52.3%). While Harmon may not be playing at that level this season, she's still one of the best two-way guards in women's college basketball. The Longhorns guard is currently the all-time steals leader in Texas program history. She also owns the Longhorns' all-time assists record. Harmon's the only active Division I player to own both records for a women's basketball program.
2. Janiah Barker, F, Tennessee
Ahead of March Madness, Tennessee lost nine of its last 11 matchups ― including six straight. The team is struggling to find consistency and remain competitive against elite teams, which isn't exactly helpful for Barker's draft stock. Barker, too, has struggled. The Lady Vols forward hasn't remained consistent from matchup to matchup and is no longer projected in the first round of USA TODAY's WNBA mock draft, as she was closer to the beginning of the season. Still, Barker has all the tools to be good at the next level. Her athleticism, size and skill make her hard to defend and, when she gets north to south to the rim, she's nearly automatic.
3. Maggie Doogan, F, Richmond
Doogan is one of the most underrated players in college basketball, and she continues to rise to the occasion, no matter the stage. Over the last two seasons, the Richmond forward has averaged at least 50% shooting from the field and 40% from 3-point range. Doogan can score from all over the court, as evidenced by her 21 points per game, ranked 14th nationally. She's also extremely patient with her footwork, allowing her to manipulate coverages, which should translate at the next level. If Doogan stands out during March Madness, there's a good chance she'll be the first Richmond player to be drafted.
4. Serah Williams, F, UConn
Like Barker, Williams was in USA TODAY's first 2026 mock draft. However, since transferring to UConn this season, the Huskies' forward has been underwhelming. Though not expected to average the numbers she did at Wisconsin (nearly 16 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per matchup), the assumption was Williams would have formidable productivity given her talent level. Instead, she's averaging career lows in minutes, points, rebounds and blocks. Williams desperately needs to be more aggressive on the court, as she was during the Big East Tournament earlier this month, to boost her stock. If there was ever a time for at least one March Madness breakout performance, it's now.
5. Taina Mair, G, Duke
Mair's certainly had moments this season where her shooting was not as consistent as it needed to be. Still, the Duke guard is a glue player who does it all for the Blue Devils, while flying under the radar. Mair seemingly stepped into the limelight during Duke's recent ACC Tournament championship run, earning her tournament MVP honors. She was all over the floor, crashing the boards and providing defensive pressure. The senior guard also produced timely offense, including a 19-point and 12-rebound double-double in the championship game. If Mair can continue her quality play into March Madness, she has an excellent chance at elevating her stock in the later rounds.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Women’s March Madness could help five players improve their WNBA draft stock
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