The Los Angeles Sparks selected Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker with the ninth overall pick in the WNBA Draft, making her the third Crimson Tide player to be chosen in the first round. Barker, a 6-foot-0 guard, closed her collegiate career with a school-record 45 points in Alabama’s NCAA tournament loss to Maryland. She averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.0 steals during the 2024-25 season.
Barker played two seasons with Georgia before transferring to Alabama, where she averaged 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 steals in 147 games. She won Alabama’s Miss Basketball Award in 2019-20 after leading Spain Park High School to back-to-back state championships.
The WNBA Draft kicked off with the selection of Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers by the Dallas Wings. The league is set to begin its 29th season on May 16 with 13 teams, including newcomers the Golden State Valkyries.
Alabama Media Group’s sports reporter Mark Inabinett covered Barker’s draft selection, highlighting her impressive college career and contributions to the Crimson Tide. Barker’s selection continues Alabama’s growing presence in the WNBA, with nine players chosen in the league’s history. Follow Inabinett for more updates on Alabama sports on X at @AMarkG1.
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