The WNBA and WNBPA may still be negotiating the CBA deal, and the teams are preparing their draft boards, keeping themselves ready for the upcoming events. According to reports, the WNBA and WNBPA have reached an agreement on a free agency moratorium, but that won’t directly affect the future of college stars like Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts, and Olivia Miles.
The college games showcased huge potential in the current draft class, making it difficult for analysts and teams to lock in on certain players in the draft. But a WNBA analyst puts Lauren Betts at the top position, handing the Wings’ chance to strengthen their forward line-up.
Dallas Wings’ First Pick Could Be Lauren Betts
The UCLA star was under scrutiny for her offensive play as she scored in single digits, which was not expected from a ‘top pick’. Many critics saw it as a flaw in her game and declared her ‘imperfect’ fit at the first pick holder, the Wings. But the star recorded multiple double-double games in recent outings.
Looking at her improvement, the Hoppers HQ analyst put her back at the top in the draft projections and said, “Her footwork is extraordinary, her passing out of double-teams has become one of her most underrated skills, and Betts has much better foot speed than people realize.”
Lauren Betts tonight 🔥
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) January 12, 2026
• 18 points
• 10 rebounds
• 5 steals
• 4 blocks
• 8/14 FGpic.twitter.com/1jggj3Glm3
“She’s good at running the floor and can slide with smaller posts when they try to play the perimeter. Dallas is going to be building for the next few seasons, and I can’t think of a better duo to anchor the team than Betts and Paige Bueckers,” He added.
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While many fans and analysts see Azzi Fudd as a possible top pick considering her UConn connection and current form, the Wings certainly need a strong forward to pair with PB and control the game.
Lauren Betts Gets Advice From Her Idol Aliyah Boston
The sudden change in the offensive play was due to her selection in the USA senior basketball training camp, where she met her idol, Aliyah Boston.
The Indiana Fever forward came ahead to help the star with her cool advice. Betts said, “She’s telling me ― she’s like, ‘Lauren, I don’t care what happens in the game. If you miss 10 layups, if you’re open to run that midrange, shoot the ball …Trust yourself. So I think to hear it from her, that was really, really cool because she’s obviously an amazing post [player]. She’s had such a great college career.”
UCLA's Lauren Betts reveals 'cool' advice she received from Fever star https://t.co/KldQr2XX6w
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 2, 2026
With the CBA discussions still going on, fans must wait for the free agency signings and expansion drafts to get a clear picture of the WNBA draft.