5 best players from UConn in the WNBA, from Napheesa Collier to Paige Bueckers

Few college basketball programs have shaped the WNBA more than UConn. Under Geno Auriemma’s leadership, the Huskies have built a pipeline of talent that continues to fuel the league year after year. As of the 2025 season, these five players stand out for their performance and potential at the professional level.

Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

Collier helped lead UConn to the Final Four in each of her four seasons (2015-2019), winning the 2016 national championship as part of an undefeated season.

The 6'1" forward was drafted sixth overall in 2019 by the Minnesota Lynx. Collier won Rookie of the Year and has continued to elevate her game each season. She is a two-time WNBA All-Star, three-time All-WNBA selection (2020, 2023, 2024), and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. She’s a scorer and defensive anchor, now considered one of the league’s best.

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Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

Stewart played at UConn from 2012–2016, where she became a four-time NCAA national champion and four-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

She was drafted first overall in 2016 by the Seattle Storm. Stewart is one of the most complete players in the league. A three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP, she became the fastest player in league history to reach 1,000 points and 500 rebounds (in 55 games) and later 3,000 points and 1,000 rebounds (in 125 games). Stewart continues to bring her elite scoring and leadership from UConn to the WNBA.

Kia Nurse, Chicago Sky

Nurse played for UConn from 2014–2018 and was known for her perimeter shooting and defensive toughness.

She was drafted 10th overall in 2018 by the New York Liberty. Nurse made her WNBA debut on May 20, 2018, scoring 17 points against her current team, the Chicago Sky. She posted a career-high 34 points during her rookie season on June 2, 2018, against the Indiana Fever.

Named a WNBA All-Star in 2019, Nurse has played important roles for different teams across her career and remains a reliable contributor in the backcourt.

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

Bueckers played at UConn from 2020–2025, winning a national championship in her final season.

She was drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft, becoming the sixth UConn player to go No. 1 overall and the first since Breanna Stewart in 2016. One of the most anticipated rookies in recent memory, Bueckers brings elite playmaking and scoring ability to the professional game.

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Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Connecticut Sun

Nelson-Ododa played at UConn from 2018–2022, where she was a defensive anchor in the paint and a steady contributor throughout her career.

She was selected 19th overall in 2022 by the Los Angeles Sparks. Now with the Connecticut Sun, she’s still in the early stages of her WNBA career but has shown promising development in her game.

From established stars like Breanna Stewart to emerging pros like Paige Bueckers, UConn’s influence in the WNBA remains as strong as ever. The program’s tradition of excellence continues to shape the league, producing players ready to contribute at the highest level.