Preview: Sarah Ashlee Barker 2025 WNBA Draft Outlook

NEW YORK CITY - Alabama star guard Sarah Ashlee Barker is taking her talents to the next level - and she'll do it on one of the basketball's biggest nights. Barker is one of just 15 women invited to attend the 2025 WNBA Draft in New York City, where she's expected to hear her name called in the first round.

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Barker was a fierce competitor and emotional leader for the Crimson Tide, and her rise has been nothing short of relentless. Projected as the No. 12 overall pick, she enters the draft with a reputation for toughness, versatility, and a motor that never quits.

"She gets downhill. She's very long, has a good size, and is an aggressive shot hunter and I think that's one of the things that stands out about her," said ESPN analyst Andraya Carter during a pre-draft conference call. "Sarah Ashlee Barker is just tough. She's tough. She's physical. She's such a competitor. She has a big strong frame. I think the competitive edge that she plays with will be appealing; she has a chip on her shoulder, is physical, not afraid to take contact, not afraid to hit the ground, and led Alabama in a lot of different ways."

Barker averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this past season, while taking on the role of both playmaker and enforcer. She played with an edge that resonated through the Southeastern Conference - diving for loose balls, battling in the paint, and scoring in high-pressure moments.

Draft analysts rave about her pro-ready frame and fearless style of play. At 6-foot-0 with long arms and a physical presence, she's tailor-made for the WNBA's up-tempo, physical brand of basketball. Her ability to finish through contact, defend multiple positions, and create her own shot make her a valuable asset for any team looking to add grit and leadership.

Monday night's WNBA Draft will air at 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.