Top College Programs Producing WNBA No. 1 Draft Picks: A Historical Overview

The WNBA draft has been a cornerstone in shaping the league's roster of elite talent since its inception in 1997. Over the years, several college programs have stood out for consistently producing top-tier players who have gone on to become No. 1 draft picks. Here's a detailed look at these programs and their contributions to the WNBA.

UConn: The Powerhouse

UConn leads the pack with five No. 1 draft picks, a testament to its dominance in women's college basketball. The list includes:

Sue Bird (2002): A legendary point guard and multiple-time WNBA champion.
Diana Taurasi (2004): The league's all-time leading scorer and a three-time WNBA champion.
Tina Charles (2010): A dominant center and former MVP.
Maya Moore (2011): A four-time WNBA champion and one of the most decorated players in the league.
Breanna Stewart (2016): A versatile forward and two-time WNBA champion.

Tennessee: A Legacy of Excellence

Tennessee follows with three No. 1 picks, showcasing its rich basketball heritage:

Dena Head (1997 - elite draft): A pioneer in the early days of the WNBA.
Chamique Holdsclaw (1999): A dynamic forward and six-time WNBA All-Star.
Candace Parker (2008): A two-time MVP and two-time WNBA champion.

Notre Dame: Rising Stars

Notre Dame has produced two No. 1 picks, highlighting its growing influence in women's basketball:

Jewell Loyd (2015): A prolific scorer and two-time WNBA champion.
Jackie Young (2019): A versatile guard and rising star in the league.

Other Notable Programs

Several other programs have also made their mark with one No. 1 pick each, including:

Baylor: Brittney Griner (2013)
Duke: Lindsey Harding (2007)
Iowa: Caitlin Clark (2024)
Kentucky: Rhyne Howard (2022)
Louisville: Angel McCoughtry (2009)
LSU: Seimone Augustus (2006)
Minnesota: Janel McCarville (2005)
Mississippi State: LaToya Thomas (2003)
Oregon: Sabrina Ionescu (2020)
Texas: Charli Collier (2021)
USC: Tina Thompson (1997)
Washington: Kelsey Plum (2017)

These players have not only excelled in the WNBA but have also left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring the next generation of women basketball players. For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates on the WNBA, visit the ESPN WNBA hub page.