ESPN’s Latest Mock Draft Resolves Key Debate On Top 2026 WNBA Prospect Awa Fam’s Readiness

The debate over Awa Fam’s WNBA readiness has dominated draft chatter for months.

All in all, there has been a stark question. Can a 19-year-old EuroLeague vet translate her pro polish to the league’s physicality? 

Well, ESPN’s latest mock draft settles it, crowning the 6-foot-6 Senegalese center as the No. 1 pick and silencing skeptics with a resounding yes.

ESPN’s Mock Draft Favouring Awa Fam As Top 2026 WNBA Prospect

While there has already been much speculation about who could be the most favoured pick for the mock draft, a couple of names have become apparent. 

Recently, ESPN’s Michael Voepel ranked Fam as No. 1 overall, just edging out Lauren Betts for the top spot in a class brimming with upside. 

Awa Fam.. your future number one pick in the 2026 WNBA draft pic.twitter.com/HH9T92zBmC

— Jay Holloway 📸 🎙️ (@BlkMANjoy_) November 22, 2025

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However, the 19-year-old Valencia big, who debuted professionally at 15, tops the board thanks to her mobile frame, soft touch inside, and fluid footwork that lets her pass from the post or run pick-and-rolls like a guard. 

Voepel highlighted her athleticism and defensive tools as the key separators, projecting her to a lottery team in need of a two-way star.

Additionally, critics wondered if her youth and EuroLeague seasoning would leave her raw against WNBA vets, much like Dominique Malonga’s early struggles. 

But Voepel counters that her pro experience gives her an edge, with Fam’s agent confirming the WNBA as her top priority for 2026. Betts, the former UCLA standout, slides to No. 2, her post dominance intact but lacking Fam’s perimeter versatility.

Awa Fam Proving Her Worth With Recent Performance Surge

Fam’s mock-draft leap didn’t happen in a vacuum. Her EuroLeague tear has scouts scrambling to update boards. 

Against Fenerbahce, she torched the league’s elite for 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three, plus 7 rebounds and 3 steals in 33 minutes. 

Valencia fell short, but Fam’s poise in a 13-point comeback attempt showed why she’s lottery-bound, holding her own against vets like Monique Billings and Iliana Rupert.

Days earlier, off the bench against IDK Euskotren, Fam erupted for another 17 points on near-perfect efficiency (6-of-7 FG, 5-of-6 FT), snagging 9 boards and a steal in just 25 minutes to fuel a 69-54 rout. 

That’s the kind of impact that screams No. 1 pick, especially for a rebuild like Dallas, pairing her with Paige Bueckers.