Caitlin Clark, G, Iowa
By now, even casual observers of the WNBA and people who had never watched women's basketball have become familiar with Clark's game.
The Iowa star led Division I in points (31.6) and assists (8.9) while carrying the Hawkeyes to their second straight title game. Her singular scoring ability turned her games into must-watch television.
Clark may have a big adjustment period in the WNBA. Beyond the fact the competition will get a lot tougher, her usage rate was never lower than 36.4 percent across any of her four college seasons, per Her Hoop Stats.
Considering she'll be joining a backcourt that already includes Kelsey Mitchell, the 6'0" guard will have to grow accustomed to life away from the ball a little more.
Cameron Brink, F, Stanford
Stanford's Cameron Brink represents almost the ideal two-way big for today's WNBA.
The 6'4" forward grew into an elite rim protector, winning A three-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, she was also named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year this season. According to Her Hoop Stats, she ranked in the top 10 in block percentage in each of her four seasons, and she climbed up to first in total rebounding rate (24.3 percent) as a senior.
Brink's offensive game evolved as well, particularly after Haley Jones moved on to the WNBA. Her 21 made threes and 94 assists in 2023-24 were both career highs. While not elite in either category, she's a good enough shooter and playmaker to be a multifaceted presence on that end of the floor.
Rickea Jackson, F, Tennessee
The third overall pick was probably Rickea Jackson's ceiling in the 2023 WNBA draft, so returning to Tennessee didn't change much in that respect. Staying with the Lady Vols for one more year did at least reinforce why she can be a productive WNBA player for a long time.
The 6'2" forward averaged 20.2 points on 48.5 percent shooting, including 33.8 percent from beyond the arc. She also set a career high in rebounding, hauling in 8.2 boards per game.
Consistency was a strength for Jackson throughout her Tennessee tenure. She had 20-plus points in nearly half (29) of her games with the Lady Vols and scored in single digits on just three occasions.
Kamilla Cardoso, C, South Carolina
Kamilla Cardoso couldn't have put together a better NCAA tournament. The Gamecocks center averaged 16.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in her five games, and Iowa simply had no answer for her inside in the title game.
The WNBA is catching up to the NBA in terms of how traditional centers are viewed and utilized. Conventional bigs nonetheless still have their uses, especially when they're as good at protecting the paint as Cardoso is.
Aliyah Boston's departure allowed the Brazilian to drive home something she already displayed as a freshman at Syracuse. Assuming a larger offensive role, she was the Gamecocks' leading scorer (14.4 points).
