Tennessee Lady Vols Stars Shine in 2026 WNBA Draft

Janiah Barker, Marta Suarez, and Justin Pissott projected to be second-round picks

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a women's basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the court.The WNBA draft offers a platform for college stars like the Tennessee Lady Vols to showcase their talent and take the next step in their professional careers.Seattle Today

The 2025-26 women's basketball season has come to a close, with UCLA claiming the national championship and the Lady Vols suffering an early exit. Now, the focus shifts to the transfer portal and the WNBA draft, where stars like Janiah Barker, Marta Suarez, and Justin Pissott are making waves. These players are projected to be selected in the second round of the WNBA draft, marking a significant step in their basketball careers.

Why it matters

The WNBA draft is a crucial step for these players, offering a platform to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. It also presents an opportunity for teams to acquire talent and build their rosters. The draft is a fascinating process, where the potential of these players is evaluated and their future in the professional game is shaped.

The details

Barker, a former Tennessee star, is a clear first-round talent despite her inconsistent performance throughout her college career. Her suspension and DNP (Did Not Play) due to illness in the NCAA Tournament highlight the challenges she faced. However, her potential is undeniable, and the Seattle Storm is willing to take a chance on her with their third pick. Suarez, another former Lady Vol, is projected to be selected by the Portland Fire at pick 17. Her journey is an intriguing one, having started her career at Tennessee before transferring to Cal. Pissott, a sharpshooter and former five-star recruit, is projected to be taken by the Indiana Fever at pick 25. Her time at Tennessee was a significant part of her development, but her decision to transfer to Vanderbilt for her final three seasons demonstrates her adaptability and determination to reach new heights.

  • The 2025-26 women's basketball season has come to a close.
  • The WNBA draft is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Janiah Barker

A former Tennessee star who is a clear first-round talent despite her inconsistent performance throughout her college career.

Marta Suarez

Another former Lady Vol who is projected to be selected by the Portland Fire at pick 17, having started her career at Tennessee before transferring to Cal.

Justin Pissott

A sharpshooter and former five-star recruit who is projected to be taken by the Indiana Fever at pick 25, with her time at Tennessee being a significant part of her development.

Seattle Storm

The WNBA team that is willing to take a chance on Janiah Barker with their third pick.

Portland Fire

The WNBA team that is projected to select Marta Suarez at pick 17.

Indiana Fever

The WNBA team that is projected to select Justin Pissott at pick 25.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The WNBA draft is a crucial step for these players, offering a platform to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.”

— Author

“The draft is a fascinating process, where the potential of these players is evaluated and their future in the professional game is shaped.”

— Author

What’s next

The WNBA draft is scheduled for June 2026, where these players will have the opportunity to take the next step in their basketball careers.

The takeaway

The success of these players in the WNBA will depend on their ability to adapt to the professional game and contribute to their teams' goals. The journey from college to the WNBA is a challenging one, and these players will need to embrace the opportunity and make the most of it.