Three UConn alumni land in ESPN's top-10 WNBA rankings
ESPN's midseason WNBA player rankings placed three former UConn stars in the top 10. Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart all earned high marks before the league's World Cup break.
ESPN’s midseason evaluation of the WNBA’s top 50 players, released ahead of the league’s World Cup break, highlighted the continued dominance of the University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball program. Three former Huskies—Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart—secured spots within the top 10, underscoring the program’s sustained pipeline of elite professional talent. The rankings arrive at a notable juncture, with the season paused for international competition.
The recognition also reflects the players’ individual performances during the first half of the campaign. Bueckers, currently with the Dallas Wings, was photographed in action during a Commissioner’s Cup matchup against the Golden State Valkyries, illustrating the competitive context in which these evaluations were made. Collier and Stewart, both established veterans, continue to anchor their respective franchises, reinforcing UConn’s legacy at the highest level of the sport.
These rankings could reinforce UConn’s recruiting appeal and brand prestige, as young athletes may see a clear pathway to professional success. For the WNBA, featuring multiple recognizable stars in top-10 lists may boost fan engagement and media coverage during the break. Casual viewers might be drawn to follow these players’ post-break performances, potentially expanding the league’s audience. However, the focus on a single program could also invite debate about parity across college basketball, though that remains a secondary consideration to the players’ individual achievements.