WNBA mock draft 2023: Picks and player projections

Just 16 teams are left in the 2023 women’s NCAA tournament, and after 48 games in four days and dozens of prospects taking center court, it’s time to again project the first round of the WNBA draft, which will be held April 10. That’s just eight days after the national title game in Dallas, and the draft has something in common with the NCAA tournament: The South Carolina Gamecocks are at the top.

The Gamecocks and Virginia Tech Hokies are the two No. 1 seeds still alive in the Sweet 16, and South Carolina is favored to repeat as national champion. But South Carolina post player Aliyah Boston is likely an even surer bet to hear her name called first on draft night.

Since our last mock draft, one very big name announced she won’t enter the draft and will instead return for a fifth season of college: Tennessee Lady Volunteers post player Rickea Jackson.

We will see throughout the rest of the NCAA tournament how many other players make the same decision to use the COVID-19 waiver from the 2020-21 season to return. That’s one of the things that makes this draft so fluid even less than a month before the Indiana Fever will be on the clock with the first pick.

As one WNBA team executive said in regard to everyone’s draft boards: “We are all going to be all over the place.” For now, here’s a shot at how it could go.

First round

South Carolina Gamecocks | F | 6-foot-5 | senior

She continues her march toward a second NCAA title, and there seems no doubt she can bring the same excellence and stabilizing force to the Fever. Boston is ready to embrace the responsibilities of a No. 1 pick.

play

Diamond Miller gets the and-1 layup after steal

Diamond Miller makes a nice steal, then finishes the play with a transition and-1 layup.

Maryland Terrapins | G | 6-foot-3 | senior

Miller’s performance in the Terps’ second-round win — 24 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals — is what makes her so enticing to WNBA scouts. At her best, Miller is a game-changer. One question might be if the Lynx are interested in a true post player instead.

Tennessee Lady Vols | G | 6-foot-2 | senior

Horston has helped the Lady Vols reach the Sweet 16, and she has a heck of a motor. New Wings coach Latricia Trammell loves defense and could put Horston’s skills to use, along with her ability to rebound.

Iowa State Cyclones | C | 6-foot-6 | senior

Iowa State has petitioned for Soares, who was lost for this season with an ACL injury on Jan. 8, to get another year of eligibility. It seems a long shot. The former NAIA player of the year adapted quickly to Division I with great footwork and hands as a true center. Her high ceiling is why she’s a possible lottery pick now despite being hurt.

Villanova Wildcats | F | 6-foot-2 | senior

Siegrist has…