Rising Stars Kiki Rice and Raven Johnson Highlight WNBA Draft Prospects to Watch in March Madness

The upcoming March Madness tournament provides the ultimate stage for WNBA draft prospects to elevate their stock, with UCLA guard Kiki Rice and South Carolina defensive specialist Raven Johnson emerging as the most compelling storylines heading into the 2026 WNBA Draft scheduled for April 13.

Rice has perhaps elevated her draft position more dramatically than any prospect this season, averaging career-high numbers across multiple categories while establishing herself as a legitimate first-round selection. The UCLA guard is posting 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds per game while shooting an exceptional 50.4 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range.

Her remarkable efficiency and improved perimeter shooting have caught the attention of WNBA scouts, with the Chicago Sky emerging as a potential landing spot at fifth overall. Rice could provide immediate guard depth and potential starting capability as the Sky navigate Courtney Vandersloot recovery from a torn ACL.

Meanwhile, Raven Johnson has transformed her final collegiate season into a showcase of two-way excellence, earning recognition as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year while dramatically improving her offensive production. The South Carolina senior has enhanced her scoring, efficiency, and three-point shooting while maintaining the lockdown defensive intensity that defines her game.

Johnson emergence has pushed her into top-10 consideration, with the Indiana Fever at tenth overall representing a logical destination. The Fever struggled with guard stability last season due to injuries, making Johnson versatility and defensive prowess particularly attractive for a franchise seeking reliable backcourt options.

Spains Awa Fam headlines the international prospects as the projected number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings, bringing impressive size at 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan to address interior needs. The Wings ranked fourth in points in the paint last season but allowed the seventh-most, making Fams defensive presence and scoring versatility ideal fits.

The draft process continues operating under uncertainty regarding the new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations ongoing for more than 15 months. These discussions have impacted free agency timing and expansion draft procedures for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, creating additional variables in predicting team selections.

TCU guard Olivia Miles represents another compelling storyline, ranking seventh nationally in assists per game at 6.4 while averaging 19.6 points. Her court vision stands among the nations best, with Minnesota at second overall emerging as a potential destination seeking enhanced playmaking alongside their established core.

UConn shooting guard Azzi Fudd continues demonstrating remarkable shooting efficiency while approaching 50-40-90 percentages as the tournament begins. Her ability to score consistently while providing defensive intensity makes her an attractive option for Seattle at third overall, particularly if veteran Brittany Sykes departs.

UCLAs Lauren Betts brings interior presence and near double-double production at 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, with career-high 1.1 steals showcasing improved defensive awareness. Washington at fourth overall could benefit from her immediate impact and potential future development.

South Carolina Ta Niya Latson has thrived since transferring from Florida State, providing crucial scoring efficiency at 49.3 percent from the field while demonstrating timely offensive contributions during SEC competition. Her shot selection and decision-making have improved dramatically within the Gamecocks system.

LSU guard Flau jae Johnson represents dynamic scoring ability with career-high 40.2 percent three-point shooting, crucial for teams emphasizing perimeter offense. Her aggressive mentality and shot-hunting capability often dictate LSU performance in critical matchups.

As March Madness unfolds, these prospects face the ultimate evaluation under intense tournament pressure. Strong performances could solidify first-round selections while struggles might create opportunities for other players to climb draft boards through impressive tournament displays.

The combination of established stars and emerging talents ensures compelling storylines throughout the tournament, with WNBA executives closely monitoring player development and competitive performance during college basketballs most demanding stretch.