SEC Women’s Basketball: SEC Players in the WNBA Roundup, All-Star Edition

Los Angeles Sparks (7-13)

Zia Cooke (South Carolina) – Cooke is currently averaging 4.7 PPG, 1.1 RPG, and 1.0 APG on the year while shooting 28.4% from the field. While it has not been the smoothest of all rookie seasons for Cooke, the youngster has still played every game this season for the Sparks (and has made two starts) while averaging 14.3 minutes per game. There is something to be said for this year’s No. 10 overall pick being a constant in the Sparks’ rotation this season.

Destanni Henderson (South Carolina) – As previously mentioned, Henderson was an injury hardship signing for the Sparks in mid-June and quickly began getting minutes. Henderson is averaging 5.0 PPG and 2.5 APG on the year, while shooting 36.2% from the field. The 2022 No. 20 overall pick has played in 10 games (making one start), while averaging 16.9 minutes per appearance on the year.

Rae Burrell (Tennessee) – Burrell is the other former SEC player to sign a hardship deal with the Sparks in mid-June. Burrell is averaging 4.1 PPG and 1.6 RPG across 10 games since being signed. The 2022 No. 9 overall pick is shooting 32.5% from the field and averaging 11.5 minutes per game on the year.

Indiana Fever (5-15)

Aliyah Boston (South Carolina) – The runaway Rookie of the Year and 2023 No. 1 overall pick continues to have a stellar rookie season, even if the Fever are struggling as a team. Boston is averaging 15.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 2.3 APG on the year while shooting a superb 61% from the field. Boston currently ranks third in rebounds per game and fifth in points per game for all former SEC players. Boston was also an All-Star starter this year for Team Wilson.

Victoria Vivians (Mississippi State) – Vivians has stayed pretty consistent numbers-wise since our first update. The former Bulldog is averaging 4.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 1.4 APG on 39.5% shooting this season. Vivians has played in 19 games this year, while also making three starts.

Maya Caldwell (Georgia) – Caldwell is averaging 2.3 PPG on the year while shooting 33.3% from the field for the Fever. The 24-year old has appeared in 19 games this season (with one start), while playing 11.2 minutes per game.

Victaria Saxton (South Carolina) – This year’s No. 25 overall pick has struggled to carve out a rotation spot as a rookie, but is still a young player with potential. Saxton has grabbed four rebounds total on the year across six games.

Phoenix Mercury (4-15)

Sophie Cunningham (Missouri) – The former Missouri standout is in the middle of arguably her second best year as a pro. Cunningham is averaging 10.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, and 1.9 APG. The 26-year old is shooting 40.6% from the field, 31.6% from three, and 86.7% from the line. Cunningham has played in and started 16 games on the year.

Seattle Storm (4-16)

Jordan Horston (Tennessee) – Horston has been arguably the SEC’s second best rookie this year, averaging 7.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, and 1.2 SPG across 17 games (5 starts) on the year. This year’s No. 9 overall pick is shooting 35.6% from the field, and ranks second in rebounding and fourth in scoring among all WNBA rookies.

Mercedes Russell (Tennessee) – Russell is averaging 3.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 1.4 APG on the year. The 27-year old is shooting 43.1% from the field across 17 games (11 starts). Russell is playing 16.5 minutes per game.