Why Flau’jae Johnson, Azzi Fudd, Raven Johnson And Olivia Miles Are Tonight’s Must-Watch Stars

A legendary collegiate chapter closes tonight as the next generation of stars prepares to hear their names called on WNBA draft night.

The WNBA Draft stage is set for tonight, and the 2026 class is bringing a serious level of star power to the professional ranks. This group of invitees isn’t just deep—it’s championship-tested, featuring names that have spent the last few years dominating the college headlines and rewriting record books.

At the top of the list is Azzi Fudd, who has spent five years at UConn perfecting a jumper that is arguably the smoothest in the country. While her 42% clip from deep is impressive, it’s her  quick release, footwork, and confidence that make her a nightmare for defenders. Standing at 5-foot-11, Fudd is more than just a shooter; she’s a versatile defender who can switch across five positions and disrupt passing lanes, evidenced by her 2.5 steals per game. Coming off a 2025 national title where she was named Most Outstanding Player, she heads into tonight as a polished two-way threat.

If you’re looking for pure playmaking, Olivia Miles is the name to watch. After finishing her career at TCU, Miles enters the draft as a triple-double machine, the first NCAA player to average 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a single season. Whether it’s a no-look pass in transition or a slithery finish at the rim, Miles has a level of creativity that separates her from every other guard in this class. Her vision is razor-sharp, and whichever team lands her  gets  a floor general who can dismantle a defense the second she touches the ball.

Then there is Flau’jae Johnson, who has been a walking highlight reel since she stepped foot on LSU’s campus. Johnson won a ring as a freshman and never looked back, eventually captaining the nation’s highest-scoring offense this past season. She’s developed a lethal midrange game and improved her shot selection, but her "swagger" remains her calling card. Between her hangtime at the rim and her massive presence in the NIL and music spaces, Johnson is a pioneer who brings genuine star power to whichever city she lands in.

The talent doesn't stop there. South Carolina is sending a powerhouse trio to the draft, led by Raven Johnson. A three-time Final Four starter and a key piece of the Gamecocks’ 38-0 championship run, she’s one of the most reliable ball-handlers in the nation. She’s joined by 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot, a double-double specialist who anchored the paint during South Carolina’s most recent championship game appearance, and Ta’Niya Latson, an elite scorer who averaged over 21 points per game for three straight seasons before bringing her talents to Columbia.

Rounding out the elite invitees is Kiki Rice, who just led UCLA to a 2026 national championship. Rice is the type of guard who thrives in the big moments, ranking eighth in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio while putting up career-highs in scoring and rebounding. As these names prepare to walk across the stage tonight, the league is getting an infusion of talent that is ready to produce from Day 1.

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