The NBA Draft is taking place this week, but the conversation is already shifting toward the 2027 WNBA Draft, where the next generation of talent will be evaluated.
South Carolina enters the discussion with three players who meet the eligibility criteria, each poised to make a significant impact on the professional stage.
Eligibility for the WNBA Draft requires players to be at least 22 during the draft year or to have been four years removed from high school, while international prospects can enter a year earlier under specific conditions.
Scouting the Gamecocks
While names like Juju Watkins from Southern California dominate early chatter, the Gamecocks' own trio — Ashlyn Watkins, Chloe Kitts, and Tessa Johnson — are generating considerable buzz among analysts.
The Athletic places Ashlyn Watkins at seventh, praising her defensive versatility, and ranks Tessa Johnson eighth, highlighting her shooting touch.
Bleacher Report elevates Johnson to sixth, dubbing her the best off‑ball shooter in college basketball, and also lists Kitts at eighth and Ashlyn Watkins at tenth.
CBS Sports ranks Johnson eleventh, underscoring her elite shooting ability, whereas USA Today’s top‑10 list omitted any Gamecocks, reflecting the depth of the draft class.
Fansided projects Ashlyn Watkins as the eighth‑best prospect, with Johnson at eleventh and Kitts at twelfth, noting that Kitts’s final ranking may hinge on her performance next season.
Looking Ahead
As the draft approaches, the conversation will likely shift as players refine their games, but the early consensus suggests that South Carolina’s prospects could hear their names called earlier than many expect.
Fans are encouraged to join the discussion on the Women’s Basketball forum, where analysts and enthusiasts can exchange insights about the upcoming draft.