The 2026 women’s NCAA Tournament is down to its Final Four and we’ll have a national champion by Sunday evening. For many of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it’s one final opportunity to impress WNBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year’s draft class comes into focus.
The 2026 WNBA draft is scheduled to take place on April 13. It’s a quick turnaround after the biggest weekend in college basketball and in USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, UCLA’s Gianna Kneepkens is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard’s draft night will play out.
Our draft order factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Gianna Kneepkens 2026 WNBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 9 overall, Washington Mystics
Hall’s Analysis:
Much is made about Kneepkens’ 3-point shooting skills, but as the season has unfolded, the UCLA guard has shown even more. She can put the ball on the floor, drive and hit pull-up jumpers with no problem. Kneepkens also works well under the basket, leaning on her basketball IQ, footwork and patience to score. The UCLA guard has been quietly averaging 50-40-90. Kneepkens reuniting with Betts in Washington would be a nice addition to the Mytics’ core and help her assimilate into the WNBA.
See USA TODAY’s full WNBA mock draft here
Gianna Kneepkens player profile
(all stats as of March 15)
- Position: Guard
- Current Team: UCLA
- 13.2 points per game
- 3.2 rebounds per game
- 3 assists per game
- 50.9% field goal percentage
- 43.7% three-point field goal percentage
Washington Mystics 2026 draft picks
- No. 4, No. 9 (via SEA), No. 11 (via NY), No. 19, No. 30 (MIN) and No. 34
