January's Women's Basketball Buzz: Draftees, Rising Stars, and Conference Showdowns Await

As the women's basketball landscape heats up in January, discussions about the future of prominent players like Paige Bueckers and Kiki Iriafen are gaining traction, especially with the 2025 WNBA Draft looming. The collegiate scene is bustling as conference play intensifies, while the buzz around WNBA free agency is also starting to build. One of the key questions swirling among analysts and fans is whether top prospects will declare for the draft or hold off for potentially better opportunities in 2026 under a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Paige Bueckers, the UConn star whose talent has captivated audiences, is facing a critical decision. Sabreena Merchant, a fellow analyst, recently suggested on a podcast that Bueckers might choose not to declare for the 2025 draft. Her argument points toward the financial implications of the new CBA, which could offer Bueckers a more lucrative rookie-scale deal in 2026. Despite this perspective, there remains a strong sentiment that Bueckers will enter the draft. Her competitive nature and desire for new challenges could propel her to make the leap, regardless of UConn's performance in the NCAA Tournament. The collegiate experience, as Caitlin Clark noted, can differ significantly from the professional game, and Bueckers may well be ready for a new level of competition. Meanwhile, Kiki Iriafen's situation is different. The USC forward does not have the option to return for an extra year, which places her in a pressing position as the draft approaches. Questions linger about her draft stock, especially with other strong candidates like Notre Dame's Olivia Miles potentially entering the fray. Miles has been a standout, averaging 16.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game while leading the ACC in assists. This kind of performance could elevate her in the eyes of WNBA teams, potentially overshadowing Iriafen, who has faced her share of ups and downs in the season. As the excitement of the college basketball season unfolds, there is a palpable concern that momentum from previous years is stalling. Despite an influx of talent and compelling matchups, viewership numbers for the college regular season indicate a slight dip in interest. The average viewership of just under 500,000 across ESPN and ABC broadcasts marks a dwindling engagement compared to the NCAA Tournament ratings, though it's worth noting that this still represents the highest average since 2017-18. Key matchups—such as UConn's game against Notre Dame—are drawing significant attention, but overall, the season has yet to recapture the robust buzz that propelled women's basketball into the spotlight last year. The Big 12 conference is emerging as a sleeper this season, with teams like Kansas State and Ohio State showcasing impressive performances. The Wildcats, currently ranked No. 12, have made a name for themselves with a balanced offense and defense, while Ohio State's undefeated start and explosive players signal their potential to upset higher-ranked teams as the season progresses. With WNBA free agency on the horizon, speculation is rife about potential player movements. Nneka Ogwumike's future with the Seattle Storm is uncertain, especially with the shifting dynamics within the team. A potential move to the Golden State Valkyries has been suggested as a fitting conclusion to her illustrious career in a new and ambitious franchise. As the Unrivaled 3x3 league prepares for its debut, excitement is building around how this new format will shape the landscape of women's basketball. With seasoned players like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier at the forefront, the league aims to offer a fast-paced and engaging experience that could attract a different segment of basketball fans. As January progresses, the women's basketball scene promises to deliver thrilling developments, from the decisions of promising draftees to the evolving dynamics of college teams and the impending shifts in the professional landscape. With so much at stake, the coming weeks are sure to be pivotal for players, teams, and fans alike.