Preseason Women’s College Basketball Players Rankings – Class by Class!

Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
~ Aneela Khan ~ Leave a comment

It is that time of year again! This is now my fifth(!) season of compiling these players rankings and this season will be prove to be unlike any other before due to COVID-19. It will be interesting to watch moving forward on how teams adapt to the different type of schedule this season.

The pre season rankings are a combination of what happened the previous year and as well as the expectations of what might occur this year. With that in mind, the pre season women’s college basketball player rankings for the 2020-2021 season which has the top 36 seniors, the top 27 juniors, the top 18 sophomores and the top 9 freshmen are listed below.

Curious to see previous years pre-season lists? Click the links below to view previous years since the rankings began!

2019 – Preseason Women’s College Basketball Players Rankings – Class by Class!

2018 – Preseason Women’s College Basketball Players Rankings – Class by Class!

2017 – Preseason Women’s College Basketball Players Rankings – Class by Class!

2016 – Introducing the FIRST ever Women’s College Basketball Players Rankings!

Here’s to a safe and healthy season to those involved in women’s college basketball this year!

SENIORS

  1. Michaela Onyenwere – UCLA
  2. Rennia Davis – Tennessee
  3. Aari McDonald – Arizona
  4. Janelle Bailey – North Carolina
  5. Destiny Slocum – Arkansas
  6. Chelsea Dungee – Arkansas
  7. Dana Evans – Louisville
  8. Vivian Gray – Texas Tech
  9. Jaelynn Penn – Indiana
  10. Kysre Gondrezick – West Virginia
  11. Lauren Heard – TCU
  12. Ali Patberg – Indiana
  13. Arella Guirantes – Rutgers
  14. Lindsey Pulliam – Northwestern
  15. Erin Boley – Oregon
  16. N’dea Jones – Texas A&M
  17. Destiny Pitts – Texas A&M
  18. Kiana Williams – Stanford
  19. Kayla Wells – Texas A&M
  20. Nancy Mulkey – Rice
  21. Lorela Cubaj – Georgia Tech
  22. Jenn Wirth – Gonzaga
  23. Kayla Jones – NC State
  24. Jill Townsend – Gonzaga
  25. Ciera Johnson – Texas A&M
  26. Hailey Brown – Michigan
  27. Selena Lott – Marquette
  28. Micaela Kelly – Central Michigan
  29. Kiara Lewis – Syracuse
  30. Maddi Utti – Fresno State
  31. India Pagan – Stony Brook
  32. Brice Calip – Missouri State
  33. Victoria Morris – Old Dominion
  34. Chelsea Perry – UT Martin
  35. Hannah Sjerven – South Dakota
  36. Macee Williams – IUPUI

JUNIORS

  1. Rhyne Howard – Kentucky
  2. Christyn Williams – Connecticut
  3. Elissa Cunane – NC State
  4. Jessika Carter – Mississippi State
  5. NaLyssa Smith – Baylor
  6. Cate Reese – Arizona
  7. Lexi Hull – Stanford
  8. Charli Collier – Texas
  9. Olivia Nelson-Ododa – Connecticut
  10. Evina Westbrook – Connecticut
  11. Ashley Joens – Iowa State
  12. Shakira Austin – Ole Miss
  13. Naz Hillmon – Michigan
  14. Jasmine Franklin – Missouri State
  15. Lexi Held – DePaul
  16. Monika Czinano – Iowa
  17. Sonya Morris – DePaul
  18. Queen Egbo – Baylor
  19. Grace Berger – Indiana
  20. Taylor Mikesell – Oregon
  21. Destanni Henderson – South Carolina
  22. Erica Johnson – Ohio
  23. Elizabeth Balogun – Louisville
  24. Beatriz Jordao – South Florida
  25. Zarielle Green – Texas A&M
  26. Dorka Juhasz – Ohio State
  27. Destiny Littleton – South Carolina

SOPHOMORES

  1. Aliyah Boston – South Carolina
  2. Haley Jones – Stanford
  3. Taylor Jones – Oregon State
  4. Rickea Jackson – Mississippi State
  5. Zia Cooke – South Carolina
  6. Ashley Owusu – Maryland
  7. Alissa Pili – Southern California
  8. Jakia Brown – Turner – NC State
  9. Aliyah Matharu – Mississippi State
  10. Jordan Horston – Tennessee
  11. Ashten Prechtel – Stanford
  12. Samantha Brunelle – Notre Dame
  13. Aijha Blackwell – Missouri
  14. Shaylee Gonzales – BYU
  15. Maddy Siegrist – Villanova
  16. Charisma Osborne – UCLA
  17. Ayoka Lee – Kansas State
  18. Elizabeth Kitley – Virginia Tech

FRESHMEN

  1. Paige Bueckers – Connecticut
  2. Caitlin Clark – Iowa
  3. Angel Reese – Maryland
  4. Hailey Van Lith – Louisville
  5. Sydney Parrish – Oregon
  6. Diamond Johnson – Rutgers
  7. Kamilla Cardoso – Syracuse
  8. Cameron Brink – Stanford
  9. Deja Kelly – North Carolina

WNBA Rookie Report: Final week updates of Satou Sabally, Chennedy Carter, Crystal Dangerfield, etc.

Seattle Storm rookie Ezi Magbegor
~ Aneela Khan ~ Leave a comment

The WNBA season is over and WNBA semifinal games are being played but we just have to wrap up the final rookie update for the season. The rookie report committee members Teylor Haines, Blake O’Tain and myself (Aneela Khan). The rookies are reported on by their draft order.

Satou Sabally

Satou Sabally finished the season strong and had 25 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in her last game of the regular season. Dallas did not qualify for the playoffs, but Sabally showed great promise throughout her entire rookie season. There is a lot to look forward to in Year 2. – Aneela

Chennedy Carter

Chennedy Carter had an amazing first year where in most cases she’d win Rookie of the Year. However, a deep draft class and nursing an injury dimmed her chances at winning the award. Carter showed glimpses of being a good facilitator and solid defender to add to her already explosive offensive game. Carter made it clear that she is the player that the organization needs to build around. If Atlanta does well with retooling next season, Carter is sure to have an even better sophomore season. Carter averaged 17.4 points on 47.3 percent shooting along with 3.4 assists. – Teylor

Mikiah Herbert – Harrigan

Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan didn’t get much floor time due to a loaded Minnesota Lynx roster. The 2020 sixth overall pick averaged just over 11 minutes a game, but with a good season abroad she could raise her usage tremendously in her second season. Herbert-Harrigan’s game is perfectly suited for the future of the W with her secure handles, outside shot, and inside presence on both sides of the ball. – Teylor

Tyasha Harris

Ty Harris had a solid rookie season. The young floor general did well with running the Wings offense when given the opportunity. Harris would be considered a pass-first point, but their were handful of instances where she’d call her own number. That confidence to make plays down the stretch so early in her career is good to see and should be a highlight in this season for Agler’s staff. With a season overseas under her belt, Harris is poised to elevate her game next season. – Teylor

Ruthy Hebard

Ruthy Hebard’s rookie season ended better than it started. Hebard began the season with minimal minutes, but as the Sky’s season progressed so did her playing time. Hebard started six games and led the league in field goal percentage at 68.2. With that type of output, I’d expect Ruthy elevate. With a developments of a consistent jumper and some adjustments made to her defensive abilities, Hebard could play a solid role in the Sky’s front court. – Teylor

Kylee Shook

Kylee Shook’s rookie season was less than stellar as was New York’s record, but she had moments. Shook showed that she was a capable shooter. However, her efficiency on both ends of the floor weren’t the greatest. If Shook can improve her shooting to fit in New York’s game plan and play anywhere near the defense we saw at Louisville than she’ll get a chance to fight for a roster spot next season. – Teylor

Leaonna Odom

Leaonna Odom had a breakout game in her final game of the season. She had a career high 20 points and 3 steals. New York also did not qualify for the playoffs but Odom showed some upside. She still has a lot of work to do and to learn before she can become a good player in the WNBA. – Aneela

Crystal Dangerfield

Crystal Dangerfield had a spectacular end to the regular season and her team, the Minnesota Lynx qualified for the playoffs. Her team is currently playing in the playoffs and in the first round, she had 17 points and 3 rebounds in the win against the Phoenix Mercury. She was named the 2020 WNBA Rookie of the Year and was one of the best and most consistent players this season. There is alot to look forward to in Year 2 for Crystal Dangerfield. – Aneela

Brittany Brewer

Brittany Brewer barely played any minutes for the Atlanta Dream and was a non factor when she did play. Ultimately, Brewer’s impact was not felt on the Dream and she may not make the roster next year. She needs time to learn and develop her skills and she may end up back in the WNBA, but probably not next year. – Aneela

Te’a Cooper

Te’a Cooper’s rookie year has been eye-opening for both new and seasoned WNBA fans. On both sides of the ball Cooper has showed that she can be a player to count on and that’s big for a rookie to be in the mix for those moments. Her play this season will leave the Sparks with more difficult decisions to make this off-season or result in another team being really happy if they move on. Cooper averaged 7 points on 45 percent shooting and 2 assists a game. – Teylor

Beatrice Mompremier

Beatrice Mompremier slowly showed improvement throughout the end of the regular season after getting off to a slow and shaky start. Her team, the Connecticut Sun, have made it in to the WNBA semifinals and she had a great Game 1 performance in the win against the Las Vegas Aces with 4 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. – Aneela

Jaylyn Agnew

Jaylyn Agnew rarely played in the last few Dream outings and that was more of the same for majority of her rookie season. Without much film on Agnew, it’ll be interesting to see if she gets another shot to make a roster spot in 2021. – Teylor

Stella Johnson

Stella Johnson was sidelined to wrap up the season, but she made the most of her opportunity in Washington. Her consistent shooting could be a great attribute going forward if she sticks around in Washington. – Teylor

Ezi Magbegor

Ezi Magbegor showed great consistency throughout the season. In limited minutes, she was able to showcase her skills and helped Seattle get the #2 seed in the playoffs. She was one of the main people off of Seattle’s bench and she should continue that in Seattle’s playoff run. – Aneela

WNBA Rookie Report: Last stretch of season updates for Satou Sabally, Te’a Cooper, Chennedy Carter, etc. Weeks 5-7

Julie Allemand of the Indiana Fever
~ Aneela Khan ~ Leave a comment

The WNBA is now nearing towards the end of the season and it is now time to update on all of the rookies from the mid season point. We have all the rookies covered for you from the WNBA Rookie Report committee members Teylor Haines, Blake O’Tain and myself (Aneela Khan). The rookies are reported on by their draft order.

Satou Sabally

Since her last rookie report update, Sabally has continued to shine for the Dallas Wings. She is now averaging 13. 1 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game and 2.5 assists per game. She has now 5 double doubles up to this point. She continues to be one of the impact players for Dallas and is still very much a candidate for Rookie of the Year. -Aneela

Lauren Cox

Cox has now played in 14 games for the Fever, and started in one game. She is
still adjusting to the faster pace in the WNBA. She’s averaging 3.6 points per game, and 3.3
rebounds per game. Cox is still adjusting but has made some promising contributions for
Indiana. – Blake

Chennedy Carter

Chennedy Carter returned from her ankle injury and quickly reminded everyone of how important she is to Atlanta’s offense. Prior to the injury it appeared that Rookie of the Year was hers to lose because she was putting on the show every night. However, the injury may have put her at a disadvantage because Sabally and Dangerfield have shined as well. Since the return, Carter has averaged nearly 16 points per game (15.7) on 46 percent shooting. – Teylor

Bella Alarie

Alarie has appeared in 19 games averaging 2.2 points per game and 2.7
rebounds per game. Bella is also averaging 0.9 blocks per game. Alarie has still been unable to drain a 3 in the WNBA. Struggles on the offensive end continue for Bella. -Blake

Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan

Mikiah Hebert-Harrigan has made the most with playing 12 minutes per game. We’ve seen glimpses of her potential as a outside threat. Though the sample size is small, Herbert-Harrigan leads the league in three-point percentage at 51.9 percent. -Teylor

Tyasha Harris

Ty Harris has shown spurts where it looks like she can be the starting point guard in Dallas, but the opportunity tends to fluctuate with her minutes given per game. Although, I’ve been on the train to have Harris on the All-Rookie for majority of the season, the last five games haven’t been the best indication of what a great she is gonna be in this league. – Teylor

Ruthy Hebard

Ruthy Hebard has already come along so well in her young career. Despite injury opening the door for Hebard to see the court in major minutes, she has made the most of them. In last five games, Ruthy is averaging just over 17 minutes per game. She’s even recorded her first double-double against Indiana with 12 points and 11 boards. -Teylor

Megan Walker

Walker has appeared in 14 games for the Liberty. She’s averaging 3.2 points and 1.6 boards per game. She has really struggled from the 3 point line, only 11% from 3.
Rough shooting for Walker but if she can approve upon that in the off-season I think she is a very promising player. -Blake

Jocelyn Willoughby

Is averaging 5.1 points, and 2.2 rebounds per game. Willoughby is shooting 34.5% from 3. Willoughby has contributed some meaningful minutes for this young team. -Blake

Jazmine Jones

Jones has continued her great play as of late. She’s averaging 10.5 points
per game, ranked 4th among rookies. Averaging 3.4 rebounds which also ranks 4th among
rookies. 1.3 steals per game, 2nd among rookies. – Blake

Kylee Shook

Kylee Shook has been sidelined due to an ankle injury suffered against Atlanta but did play recently versus the Los Angeles Sparks. – Teylor

Kathleen Doyle

Doyle has played in 15 games so far. She has 1.3 points per game, on 22% from the field, and 23% from 3. Not great for the 14th pick so far, hope to see her improve as we wrap up the season. -Blake

Leaonna Odom

Leaonna Odom has played in all of New York Liberty’s games so far and has started in 14 of them. She has had mixed results and scored a career high 12 points in the loss to Atlanta a couple of days. She has looked good in some games, not so great in other games. She is currently averaging 5.1 points per game and 2.6 rebounds per game in her limited minutes on the floor – Aneela

Crystal Dangerfield

Crystal Dangerfield has continued on from the mid season point and has continued to perform well for Minnesota. She should be the front runner for the Rookie of the Year because she has maintained her excellent play. She has helped Minnesota win close games and has been a leading scorer in some of the games played. She is currently averaging 15.9 points per game and 3.6 assists per game. – Aneela

Brittany Brewer

Brittany Brewer has continued to not get playing time for the Atlanta Dream and is one of the last players off the Dream bench. Her rookie season has been played in limited minutes and in limited games, so it’s hard to say anything about her impact. – Aneela

Te’a Cooper

Te’a Cooper has continued to show throughout this season that she’s a strong, capable defender. There’s been stretches where her or Sykes are tasked with guarding the best of the guards while Gray takes the lighter load to have energy for offense. She’s proved that she has the potential to be elite in that area. Cooper’s stats aren’t the most dazzling, but from the eye test alone I wouldn’t be surprised if she finds her way on the All-Rookie Team. – Teylor

Joyner Holmes

Holmes has played in 15 games, and averaged 3.1 points per game, and 3.1 rebounds per game. She is only shooting 8% from 3. Holmes need to try to improve her three point shot, to fit in this new Walt Hopkins system. – Blake

Beatrice Mompremier

In limited minutes on the floor, Beatrice Mompremier is averaging 2.3 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game. She still needs time to grow and develop but her play is coming on nicely. She still needs to work on her free throw shooting as she is just hitting 42.9% from the free throw line – Aneela

Kaila Charles

Charles has played in 19 games. She’s averaging 5.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. She’s now shooting 44% from the field, and 40% from 3. Her shooting percentages continue to improve, she’s blossoming into a strong rotation player for Connecticut. -Blake

Jaylyn Agnew

Jaylyn has played limited minutes for the Atlanta Dream and has not played in some of the games. She has yet to make her impact for the Dream. – Teylor

Stella Johnson

Stella Johnson has had a rough go at it with an ankle injury that is expected to keep her out for the remainder of the season. The promising guard hasn’t seen the court since August 23rd. -Teylor

Ezi Magbegor

Ezi Magbegor continues to flourish with the Seattle Storm albeit in limited minutes. She has proven that she can play and compete at the WNBA level and has played in all 19 games so far. She is averaging 6.6 points per game and 2.3 rebounds per game. – Aneela

Julie Allemand

Allemand has had an excellent rookie campaign so far. She’s averaging 5.6 assists per game which is the most by a rookie, and third in the league. Julie is shooting 44% from 3. She is getting 1.3 steals per game. Allemand is averaging 8.1 points per game Julie is keeping herself in the rookie of the year conversation. -Blake

WNBA Rookie Report: Mid season updates of Satou Sabally, Crystal Dangerfield, Julie Allemand and more. Weeks 2-4.

Crystal Dangerfield, Minnesota Lynx rookie
~ Aneela Khan ~ Leave a comment

The WNBA has now passed the mid season and it is now time to update on all of the rookies that have played and to give an update from their first week as a rookie. Some rookies have shined, others got injured, some did not get enough playing time, etc. We have it all covered for you from the WNBA Rookie Report committee members Teylor Haines, Blake O’Tain and myself (Aneela Khan). The rookies are reported on by their draft order.

Sabrina Ionescu

Sabrina Ionescu suffered an ankle injury and left the WNBA bubble a couple of weeks ago. She is officially considered out for the rest of the season which puts a sour note on her rookie year. – Aneela

Satou Sabally

Satou Sabally has shined for Dallas at the mid season point. She has played almost about 27 minutes per game and has averaged 12.3 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game and the most impressive stat is her 2.3 assists per game. Satou Sabally has only played in 11 out of 15 Dallas Wings games but she has been super productive in the games she has played. She also has 3 double doubles on the season so far. She still is one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year – Aneela

Lauren Cox

Cox has now played in 10 games for the Fever. She is still adjusting to the quicker play in the WNBA. She’s averaging 3.4 points per game, and 3.7 rebounds per game (3rd among rookies). Cox is still adjusting but has shown some bright spots so far. – Blake

Chennedy Carter

Chennedy Carter was the youngest player to score 30+ points in a game, a loss to Seattle. Carter was the clear front runner to win ROY prior to her ankle injury on August 10, but has been sidelined since. Carter’s explosiveness and playmaking ability being void from Atlanta’s offense has made them appear stagnant. She’s expected to return within this week. – Teylor

Bella Alarie

Alarie has appeared in 15 games averaging 2.3 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game. Bella is also averaging 1.1 blocks per game, 2nd among rookies. Alarie has still been unable to drain a 3 in the WNBA. She has continued to develop and provide some key minutes for Dallas. – Blake

Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan

Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan is a shooter. In the limited minutes that she touches the floor that has been the overall consensus. “Kiki McBuckets” as Napheesa Collier has recently coined her is shooting over 46 percent from behind the arc. The most impressive part is that Herbert-Harrigan has an ability to take you off the dribble and handle it well enough to what ever shot she likes. – Teylor

Tyasha Harris

Ty Harris has been one of more steady rookies even with the minutes distribution within the Wings rotation not always favoring her. The recent news of Jefferson being sidelined for the rest of the season allows for Ty to run the show for that second unit. Her vision on dribble drive sets with the intent to kick it out has fit perfectly with Mabrey and Ogunbowale’s gameplay. Harris is averaging 7 points per game and nearly 3 assists. –Teylor

Ruthy Hebard

Ruthy Hebard has found playing time in a loaded, but banged up Chicago front court averaging 14 minutes in the last five outings even snagging a start versus Atlanta. Hebard’s movement without the ball and her knack for grabbing offensive boards has been put on full display. Ruthy’s effectiveness in her short minutes on the court has make Coach Wade feel as though she’s a viable option to make plays down the stretch. Hebard is averaging 4.3 points per game along with 3.2 rebounds per game. – Teylor

Megan Walker

Walker has appeared in 12 games for the Liberty. She’s averaging  3.7 points and 1.3 boards per game. She has really struggled from the 3 point line, only 13% from 3. Walker is still a year behind all the other rookies, so look for her to come on at the end of this season, or next season. – Blake

Jocelyn Willoughby

 Is averaging 5.1 points, and 1.9 rebounds per game. Willoughby is shooting 40% from 3. Willoughby has been making very strong contributions on this very young Liberty team. – Blake

Jazmine Jones

Jones is a rookie that has really found her rhythm this season. She’s averaging 10.5 points per game, ranked 4th among rookies. Averaging 3.4 rebounds which also ranks 4th among rookies. 1.3 steals per game, 2nd among rookies. Jones has really picked up for the Liberty since Ionescu went down with an ankle injury. – Blake

Kylee Shook

Kylee Shook is surprisingly doing more on the offensive end of the ball than what she was known for, but necessarily at an efficient rate. Her mid-range game is for sure the most developed part of her game. Shook has to get better at defending in the post or she becomes liability defensively for New York when their vets rest. – Teylor

Kathleen Doyle

Doyle has played in 10 games so far. She has 1.6 points per game, on 25% from the field, and 28% from 3. It’s been a rough go for Doyle so far. In this shortened season it makes it a lot tougher for rookie, kind of thrown into the fire with no preseason. – Blake

Leaonna Odom

Leaonna Odom has played in all 14 New York Liberty games so far and she is averaging about 5.3 points per game, 2.4 rebounds per game in around 22 minutes per game. She has also been a starter for 9 games (out of 14 games played so far). She has looked good some games, not so great in others and is still feeling her way through her rookie season.-Aneela

Crystal Dangerfield

Crystal Dangerfield has excelled as a point guard for Minnesota at the halfway point. She is currently one of the top leading candidates for Rookie of the Year after some injuries to the top rookies. She has played in all 13 Lynx games and has been a starter for 11 of them. She is currently averaging 14.6 points per game and 3.2 assists per game in just under 29 minutes per game. She had a career high 29 points and 4 assists in a loss recently against the Los Angeles Sparks, a top 3 team. She just gets better and better every game. -Aneela

Brittany Brewer

Brittany Brewer has not gotten minutes for the Atlanta Dream, even as the Dream sit in 11th place out of 12th right now. She has not been able to make an impact as she has only played in 4 games so far. – Aneela

Te’a Cooper

Te’a Cooper does a lot of things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet and I believe that will either keep her on L.A.’s roster next season or she’ll get picked up elsewhere. Cooper has not scored much as of late, but her entry passes and ability to run point to rest Gray has been vital for the contending team. However, Te’a does have to improve her finishing at the basket and not just aim for creating contact. On the defensive side of the ball, Cooper continues to make life hard for opposing guards with her tenacious defense. -Teylor

Joyner Holmes

Holmes has played in 12 games, and averaged 2.7 points per game, and 2.1 rebounds per game. She is only shooting 7% from 3. I think Holmes is going to have to get that 3 pointer to go down to see more playing time. In this new Walt Hopkins system, shooting lots of 3s. -Blake

Beatrice Mompremier

Beatrice Mompremier has gotten limited playing time for the Connecticut Sun as the Sun have turned their season around after they got off to a bad start and has had some good, not so great games when she has more playing time. She’s still finding her way in the WNBA and still needs time to adjust to the WNBA. – Aneela

Kaila Charles

Charles has played in 13 games. She’s averaging 3.5 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. She’s now shooting 42% from the field, and 33% from 3. These shooting percentages are a huge improvement since our last rookie reports. She’s definitely developing into a good option off the bench for Connecticut. – Blake

Jaylyn Agnew

Jaylyn Agnew hasn’t seen much time on the court despite Atlanta being down a guard, specifically not playing at all in the last two games. Agnew is averaging nearly 7 minutes of playing time in her 10 games played. – Teylor

Stella Johnson

Stella Johnson was cut by the Chicago Sky and was quickly picked up by Washington. Johnson went from playing less than two minutes a game through eight games to starting for the Mystics in just two. Stella marked career-highs in points(25), minutes played (31), and field goals made (8) versus Atlanta. With this young Mystics team that doesn’t have a legit number one option, look for the Rider grad to make some more noise in her rookie campaign. – Teylor

Ezi Magbegor

Ezi Magbegor has played in all 15 Seattle Storm games and has looked good in her limited minutes of play. She is currently averaging 6.3 points per game and 2.5 rebounds per game in only 13 minutes per game. She is one of the future stars for the Seattle Storm and is getting better every game. – Aneela

Julie Allemand

Allemand has had an excellent rookie campaign so far. She’s averaging 5.5 assists per game which is the most by a rookie, and second in the league. Julie is shooting 48.2% from 3 which is 4th best in the WNBA. She is getting 1.5 steals per game which is first among rookies. Allemand is averaging 8.4 points per game which ranks 5th among rookies. Julie should definitely be in the rookie of the year conversation. -Blake

WNBA Rookie Report: WNBA Debuts of Sabrina Ionescu, Satou Sabally, Chennedy Carter, Tyasha Harris and more. Week 1.

Chennedy Carter, Satou Sabally, Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, WNBA
~ Aneela Khan ~ Leave a comment

Week 1 of the shortened WNBA season has come to a close and WNBA rookies have finally played a WNBA game. Some rookies had a great first week, other rookies struggled, some did not get enough playing time and some rookies got injured. We have it all covered for you from our WNBA Rookie Report comittee members Teylor Hines, Blake O’Tain and myself (Aneela Khan). The rookies are put together by their respective draft order.

Sabrina Ionescu

As one of the most anticipated WNBA rookie debuts in WNBA history, Sabrina Ionescu’s first game was against one of the top WNBA teams in the Seattle Storm. She struggled from the field and was 0-8 from three. She finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four days later, she turned it around against the Dallas Wings, another young team in the WNBA. She had 33 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. She shot 55% from the field and 60% from three. Two days later, she suffered an ankle injury and was out the rest of the game. She had 10 points in 12 minutes before the injury. Ionescu’s injury will keep her out for a month, maybe longer and so unfortunately there will be no more rookie updates of Sabrina Ionescu for a while. – Aneela

Satou Sabally

As one of the most versatile players in this draft, Satou Sabally’s WNBA rookie debut was also much anticipated. Her first game was against the Atlanta Dream in which she fouled out but had 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Her second game was against New York and fellow rookie and Oregon team mate in Sabrina Ionescu. Sabally struggled in the game and finished with 12 points and 4 rebounds. In Sabally’s third game of the season against the Indiana Fever, she showed her versatility and promise as she had a big game and scored 23 points and had 17(!) rebounds. In her final game of the week, she struggled and ended up with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Satou Sabally still has so much upside and will continue to get better as she gets used to the WNBA. She is now one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year. – Aneela

Lauren Cox

Cox has still not made her WNBA Debut and still remains in COVID protocol. -Blake

Chennedy Carter

Chennedy Carter is just as great as advertised. Her handles are great and she can create her own shot whenever she pleases. The most surprising, but, also positive observation of Carter’s game has been her willingness to distribute. We often discuss Chennedy’s focus on scoring the ball, but she has shown in spurts of games that she can shift her mindset. However, it’ll be in the Dream and Carter’s best interest if she starts to cut down on the turnovers. Most of her turnovers come from trying to do too much and not letting the game flow, but those errors can be fixed. Carter wrapped up the first week of play averaging 15.3 points per game along with 4 assists. -Teylor

Bella Alarie

Bella has had a slower start in the WNBA than I expected, only putting up 3 points per game. She is definitely still adjusting to this new level of competition in the WNBA. In her 12.5 minutes per game, she is averaging 1 block, which is 3rd best among rookies. -Teylor

Mikiah Herbert Harrigan

Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan started the season not playing in the Lynx’s opener, but unfortunate injuries opened the door for playing time. In the last three games, she’s averaging nearly 13 minutes on the floor. Herbert-Harrigan has yet to find her touch offensively and that could be due to adjusting to playing heavily on the perimeter. As the season progresses, the hope is that those open shots will start to fall. On the contrast, her defensive presence has been impressive. Herbert-Harrigan’s active hands and ability to be an effective defender without fouling, specifically, in the Chicago game makes her a viable asset to the Lynx’s rotation. -Teylor

Tyasha Harris

Ty Harris has the makings of an All-Rookie team candidate. Harris has showed a little bit of everything that she’s capable of since her debut. Noticeably, she’s great with change of pace and has displayed amazing court vision early on. Harris wrapped up the first week of play averaging 7.5 points per game and 4 assists on nearly 48 percent shooting from the field. Harris’ assist-to-turnover ratio sits at 4:1 to start the season. -Teylor

Ruthy Hebard

Ruthy Hebard’s playing time has been limited due to the depth of Chicago’s front court. However, with Dolson foot injury it has allowed Hebard to come off the bench and make a difference specifically with rebounding. Most notably, in her eight minutes of play against Washington she pulled down six rebounds. With making that kind of impact in such a short amount of time, Hebard’s confidence and growth going forward for the Sky could be major. -Teylor

Megan Walker

Megan has played in 3 games for the Liberty, after passing COVID protocol. She has struggled to begin her career, she’s only shooting 18% from the field, and 0-11 from 3. Megan has scored 2 points in each of the Liberty’s 3 games. Walker was a junior who declared for the draft early, so she is younger but having a very slow start to her career to say the least. -Blake

Jocelyn Willoughby

Willoughby has made meaningful contributions for the Liberty early in this season. She’s averaging 7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, and is shooting 55 percent from 3! Willoughby has been strong defensively too, against Atlanta she had 3 steals and 2 blocks. She has definitely put of some strong stat lines for a WNBA rookie. -Blake

Jazmine Jones

Jones has played in 3 of New York’s games. She had an outstanding performance against the Atlanta Dream. Jones scored 20 points in that game, along with 2 steals and 2 blocks. Jazmine is averaging 10.3 points per game, which is 4th among rookies. Jones has also been a good rebounder averaging 3 rebounds per game, which is 5th among rookies. -Blake

Kylee Shook

Kylee Shook got off to a rough start in her first two games, but averaged 8 points and 4.5 boards in her last two. With such a young team, Shook will get a solid amount of playing time to perfect pick and pops with Clarendon running point. The main question for Shook is if she’ll be able to adapt to the physicality of the league and make a difference on the defensive of the ball like she did in college. -Teylor

Kathleen Doyle

Doyle suffered an ankle injury in practice which delayed her WNBA debut. She did make her debut against Atlanta on Sunday. She played 7 minutes 0-1 from the field, with one assist, and one turnover. Not a lot of time on the court yet for Kathleen, after her delayed debut. -Blake

Leaonna Odom

Leaonna Odom played in all four New York Liberty games in her first week as a rookie. She played the most minutes in New York’s first game and scored 9 points and had 3 rebounds. She was held scoreless in the Liberty’s second game but had 4 rebounds. In the third game, Odom scored 3 points and had 2 rebounds. In the final game of the week, Odom scored 4 points and had 1 rebound. She has shown flashes of what she can do as rookie but still has a long way to go. – Aneela

Crystal Dangerfield

Crystal Dangerfield excelled in the point guard role for Minnesota in her first week as a rookie. She had 10 points and 2 rebounds in her first game but was held scoreless in her second game. Due to injuries, Crystal Dangerfield played heavy minutes in the final two games of the week for the Minnesota Lynx and had 9 and 17 points respectively. She has played well in starters minutes, so we will see if it will be kept that way for the rest of the season. – Aneela

Brittany Brewer

Brittany Brewer has not gotten much playing time so far in the WNBA and has only seen action in 2 games for the Atlanta Dream this week. She played just 17 minutes against the Dream and had 2 points, 2 steals and 4 blocks. She just played only 3 minutes versus Indiana and was held scoreless across the board. – Aneela

Te’a Cooper

Te’a Cooper exudes the energy that the Sparks often need from their second unit along with Sykes. Her ability to execute on the pick-and-roll with both Ogwumike and Parker will keep her on the floor. The best part of Cooper’s game thus far has been her defensive prowess with how she picks players up mid-court and causes havoc. It doesn’t always result in steals or blocks, but the disruptions make a difference. It’ll be big for the Sparks if she can knock down 3-pointers consistently going forward. Through the first week of play, Cooper averaged 7.3 points per game on 47 percent shooting. -Teylor

Joyner Holmes

Holmes has played in all 4 of New York’s games so far. She’s averaging 3.5 points per game, and 2.8 rebounds per game. She is yet to hit a 3 pointer (0-7 on three point attempt). Joyner did have an excellent game against the Dallas Wings. She scored 7 points, her career high, along with 4 rebounds. -Blake

Beatrice Mompremier

Beatrice Mompremier only got limited time and played in only 3 games out of 4 for the Connecticut Sun. The most playing time she got was on July 26th against Minnesota in which she scored 2 points and had 3 rebounds in 9 minutes. – Aneela

Kaila Charles

Kaila has played in 3 of the Sun’s games, she is averaging 5.3 minutes per game. She hasn’t made a field goal yet in her WNBA career (0-3 on field goal attempts). We will see if Charles can develop a little bit more, and if the Sun utilizes her more within these next couple of games. – Blake

Jaylyn Agnew

Agnew has seen limited minutes thus far for Atlanta. In that time, the former Creighton star hasn’t been able to find a groove with her 3-point shot until their most recent game sinking both of her attempts. – Teylor

Stella Johnson

Stella Johnson has seen the court for a total of  one minute and it came in the Sky’s decisive 96-78 victory over the Sparks. There wasn’t much to dissect at that point, but hopefully Johnson can receive minutes before the team’s backup point guard arrives. -Teylor

Ezi Magbegor

Ezi Magbegor got off to a great start in her first week as a rookie. She was a terrific finisher and a great defensive presence for the Seattle Storm. She only averaged about 14 minutes per game in the four games she played but she made the most out of her minutes scoring 7.8 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per game. – Aneela

Megan Huff

Megan Huff has only played in 2 games out of 4 for the Minnesota Lynx in her first week as a rookie and has only played 3 minutes so far. – Aneela