The WNBA season received the green light following the CBA’s confirmation. While it was encouraging news for the basketball fans, nothing can beat the March Madness fever, and the players and games are delivering at the highest level, living up to the hype.
Day 1 of the March Madness didn’t bring any surprises, but the exciting games certainly put everyone on their toes. A few top draft prospects were in action too, and here’s how their performances impacted their stocks in the upcoming WNBA draft.
March Madness Week 1: Big Gains For WNBA Draft Prospects
The first week of the March Madness is over, with the 16 teams ready to compete for the title. Here are the top draft prospects who shone in the first two rounds, sparkling their draft stocks. There would be further scrutiny over their players before the actual draft night, but the young stars made a mark with their gameplay.
Azzi Fudd
Azzi Fudd was on a Gampel burner last night 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IEVq9tSUSj
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 24, 2026
The team and player need no introduction or even scouting, as she had been one of the dependable and safest picks from the class from the start. Diana Taurasi already praised her UConn star and put her in the Wings’ rotation in her recent interview.
Azzi Fudd was a top prospect before the draft, and her performance against No. 9 Syracuse strengthened her status. In her final game for No. 1 UConn, she scored 34 points in 27 minutes, shooting 72.2% and making eight 3-pointers.
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Olivia Miles
TRIPLE-DOUBLE FOR OLIVIA MILES!
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 20, 2026
She's the first person in tournament history to have a triple double for multiple teams 🙌 pic.twitter.com/zjnySLLYnu
The former Notre Dame star was already a top prospect in the league and even rose to the top selection with her gameplay for the TCU. During the March Madness games, she already reached her best phase and delivered some memorable performances.
No. 3 TCU faced challenges in reaching the Sweet 16, needing overtime to defeat No. 6 Washington. Olivia Miles excelled in both her games, scoring 18 points and collecting 10 rebounds against Washington, and achieving a triple-double with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists in the first round.
Lauren Betts
Lauren Betts vs Cal Baptist: 22 PTS | 10 RBS | 3 AST
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) March 22, 2026
Sienna Betts vs Cal Baptist: 10 PTS | 12 RBS
No. 1 UCLA wins, 96-43! ✨ pic.twitter.com/MjF8rxWlZ8
Already a top pick for the WNBA draft, Betts had the toughest job to hold on to her reputation. Every now and then, she kept herself in discussions or the top selection, and the March Madness was another occasion where she proved herself on the court.
During UCLA’s 96-43 victory over Cal-Baptist, Betts showcased her skills, making a key pass to Kiki Rice and setting a pick for her. After Rice missed her shot, Betts was quick to score with a putback. Her ability to support teammates and score makes her a valuable WNBA prospect.
Flau’jae Johnson
The LSU star was emotional during her final game of the season, but it will be LSU’s biggest loss to see her move to the WNBA, considering her impact on the franchise and influence on the fanbase.
Flau’jae Johnson impressed WNBA scouts with her joyful play during her final games in Baton Rouge. She creatively scored and involved her teammates, notably scoring 24 points and making two steals against No. 7 Texas Tech, highlighting her potential as a guard.
Raven Johnson
Coach Dawn Staley spoke about Raven Johnson’s fun side and how she remains calm and composed on the floor. While the coach was spot on with her assessment, the player tried to be the best version of herself on the floor.
Raven Johnson’s performance in recent games may affect her WNBA scouting prospects, as she scored only 12 points and made eight assists. Despite strong defence, her playing time was short due to her team’s victories. However, she has a chance to shine in the upcoming Sweet 16 game against Oklahoma.
Kiki Rice
The buzzer-beater puts her in the spotlight. But the player had been more effective than the one shot. Rice averaged 27.5 minutes per game over the weekend, scoring 18 points in the first round and 10 in the second. Notably, she made all 16 free throw attempts, showcasing her consistency and ability to get to the line, which could help her draft prospects.