Alabama Star Sarah Ashlee Barker Concludes College Career, Declares for WNBA Draft
TUSCALOOSA, AL – The final buzzer has sounded on Sarah Ashlee Barker’s impressive college basketball career. Following the Alabama Crimson Tide’s heartbreaking double-overtime loss to the Maryland Terrapins in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament last week, Barker concluded her collegiate journey with a stellar performance, scoring 45 points in a memorable final game.
Barker’s collegiate career spanned time at both Georgia and Alabama, culminating in a dominant SEC career. Her 45-point outburst served as a fitting conclusion to her impressive collegiate run, showcasing her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. The performance further solidified her status as a top prospect for the upcoming WNBA Draft.
On Tuesday, Barker took to Instagram to express her gratitude to her teammates, family, and friends, acknowledging their significant impact on her life and career. In the same post, she announced her intention to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft, signaling the next chapter in her basketball journey.
Barker’s strong performance in the NCAA tournament significantly boosted her draft stock. She is currently projected as a late first-round pick, a testament to her consistent excellence throughout the season. Barker led the Crimson Tide in both points (17.2 per game) and steals (2.0 per game), showcasing her all-around contributions to the team.
Several WNBA teams could benefit from acquiring Barker’s talents. The Seattle Storm, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks, and Dallas Wings all have needs in the backcourt and could be interested in adding her to their rosters. The Storm, Sky, Lynx, and Mercury hold the final four selections of the first round, while the Sparks, Wings, and Lynx hold the top three picks of the second round.
Barker’s transition to the professional level is highly anticipated, with many expecting her to make an immediate impact in the WNBA. Her combination of scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership qualities make her a highly sought-after prospect. The upcoming WNBA Draft promises to be an exciting event, with Barker poised to begin her professional career.
