Will Ole Miss Women's Basketball Star Cotie McMahon Be a First-Round Pick in 2026 WNBA Draft? Less than a month after the Ole Miss women’s basketball season concluded in the NCAA Tournament, Cotie McMahon is shifting her focus to the 2026 WNBA Draft. The standout player, who led her team with stellar performances, will attend the draft on April 13 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York. The event, broadcast live on ESPN at 6 p.m. CT, will feature 15 prospects, including McMahon, marking her third consecutive year as an Ole Miss player selected in the draft. If drafted, McMahon would join a select group of Ole Miss athletes chosen during coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s tenure, becoming the program’s ninth overall draft pick. McMahon’s draft projections have positioned her as a strong contender for a first-round selection. ESPN’s latest mock draft places her as the No. 9 pick, with the Washington Mystics expected to select her. The Athletic projects her as the No. 14 pick for the Seattle Storm, while USA TODAY and CBS Sports both anticipate the Connecticut Sun taking her with the No. 15 pick, the final selection of the first round. This projection aligns with predictions from The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated, which also place her at No. 15 for the Sun. However, Bleacher Report’s mock draft diverges slightly, projecting McMahon as a second-round pick, though she would still end up with the Sun at No. 18. McMahon’s season performance has solidified her status as a top prospect. She averaged career-highs in points and assists, scoring 19.5 points per game—ranking third in the SEC—and dishing out 3.0 assists per game, a team-leading stat for Ole Miss. Her contributions extended beyond scoring and playmaking, as she also recorded 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.#ole_miss #seattle_storm #wnba_draft #cotie_mcmahon #the_shed_at_hudson_yards
Marta Suarez Projected to Seattle Storm in Final WNBA Mock Draft at No. 14 The 2026 WNBA Draft, a highly anticipated event in the basketball calendar, is set to take place on Monday, April 13, at The Shed in New York. This year’s draft has generated significant buzz, particularly around the first overall pick, which has remained uncertain despite the league’s competitive landscape. After a dynamic first week of WNBA free agency, the Dallas Wings have emerged as the clear frontrunner to select UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd at No. 1. Other names in the mix for the top spot include Spanish forward Awa Fam, UCLA center Lauren Betts, and TCU guard Olivia Miles. However, the focus of USA TODAY’s final mock draft centers on TCU standout Marta Suarez, who is projected to be selected by the Seattle Storm at No. 14 overall. The draft order, which factors in potential trades and protections, has been meticulously analyzed by USA TODAY’s sports team. According to their projections, the Seattle Storm will use their No. 14 pick (acquired from the Las Vegas Aces) to select Marta Suarez. The Storm’s strategy for this selection highlights their long-term development approach. While the team is not seeking an immediate star, they aim to acquire a player who can contribute meaningfully to their roster. The Storm’s head coach, Karl Smesko, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Suarez’s growth, particularly in refining her defensive skills and expanding her shooting range from beyond the arc. Marta Suarez, a standout guard from TCU, has been a dominant force in college basketball this season. As of April 9, her statistical contributions include an average of 17.1 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and 2.3 assists per game. Her shooting efficiency is also notable, with a 45.3% field goal percentage and a 37.#tcu #las_vegas_aces #dallas_wings #seattle_storm #marta_suarez
WNBA’s Offseason Intensifies as Free Agency Unfolds The WNBA’s free agency period has entered its fourth day, with significant movements shaping the league’s landscape. Free agent forward Satou Sabally confirmed she is not returning to the Phoenix Mercury after a single season with the franchise, leaving her future uncertain. Meanwhile, Nneka Ogwumike’s tenure with the Seattle Storm has concluded after two seasons, marking the end of a transformative chapter for the team. Ogwumike, a 10-time All-Star, revitalized the Storm, leading them to playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025 despite a first-round exit in the latter. Her departure follows the firing of head coach Noelle Quinn after the 2025 season. The Las Vegas Aces have solidified their roster by re-signing defending champion Kierstan Bell, who averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 35 games last season. Bell expressed excitement about returning to the team, emphasizing her commitment to the franchise’s success. Meanwhile, Aces superstar A’ja Wilson has confirmed her intent to stay in Las Vegas, with reports indicating she will re-sign on a $1.4 million supermax contract. Wilson’s decision underscores her role in the Aces’ recent dynasty, including their 2025 championship run. Other notable signings include free agent guard Breanna Stewart, who has chosen to remain with the New York Liberty, and Jackie Young, who is expected to return to the Aces on a one-year $1.19 million deal. Young’s return is critical to the Aces’ continued dominance, as she played a pivotal role in their 2025 championship series against the Phoenix Mercury. Trade activity has also intensified. The Dallas Wings traded forward Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for center/forward Rayah Marshall.#las_vegas_aces #nneka_ogwumike #wnba #satou_sabally #seattle_storm
