Hailey Van Lith and Paige Bueckers to avoid a rare March Madness fate and solidify their rising WNBA draft stock

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The women’s March Madness tournament is heating up, and this year’s Final Four could feature a rare sight: all four No. 1 seeds advancing, a feat that could be replicated on the men’s side. To derail this perfect storm, however, TCU – led by the electrifying Hailey Van Lith – would have to upset the powerhouse Texas Longhorns. At the same time, No. 2 UConn, anchored by Paige Bueckers (a near lock for the WNBA’s top pick), would have to outlast a USC team missing star JuJu Watkins, who suffered a season-ending injury in the second round. These games aren’t just about crowning a champion; they’re a proving ground where players like Van Lith can turn heads and reshape their futures ahead of the WNBA Draft. With the stakes so high, every dribble and jumper carries extra weight in the final week of college basketball before the new season begins in November.

Van Lith’s Unforgettable Final Season

Hailey Van Lith turned her senior season into a compelling case for a first-round pick in the WNBA. After a rocky year at LSU that left some questioning her pro potential, she transferred to TCU and flipped the script. She averaged 17.9 points and 5.5 assists while leading the Horned Frogs to their first-ever Elite Eight. Her defining moment came against Notre Dame, where she scored 26 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 4 assists in a 71-62 victory that showcased her knack for shining when it matters most.

What’s wilder? She’s now the first player, male or female, in NCAA history to reach the Elite Eight with three different teams: Louisville (x3), LSU and now TCU. That kind of versatility and winning aura is rare, and it’s why she’s no longer an afterthought in draft conversations. Beyond the stats, her grit – forged through a tough stretch at LSU and personal struggles – makes her the kind of leader WNBA teams crave.

TCU Elite Eight Clash Against Texas

The women’s tournament has become a massive stage for players to boost their WNBA stock, and Van Lith is riding the wave. Thanks to the explosion of interest in women’s hoops – sparked in part by Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise – the spotlight is brighter than ever.

For Van Lith, it’s a chance to show that she’s more than just numbers; she’s a playmaker who thrives in chaos. Her next test is a blockbuster matchup with Texas, a team that is coming off a Sweet 16 triumph and a program-record 34 wins. TCU, meanwhile, is living a fairy tale of its own, reaching the Elite Eight for the first time. Expect fireworks: TCU’s spread pick-and-roll attack, fueled by Van Lith’s synergy with center Sedona Prince, will go up against Texas’ brick-wall defense. Van Lith’s ability to carve up defenses – evident in her 26-point outburst against Notre Dame – could be the difference. A big game here doesn’t just mean a Final Four berth; it could cement her as a top-10 pick.

March Madness: A Launchpad to the WNBA

Van Lith should (and probably will) be selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft, and her size will not be an obstacle for her to shine in the league. At 5’7″, she may look shorter than average, but there are plenty of undersized point guards who have excelled in the WNBA, such as Kelsey Plum and Arike Ogunbowale, both 5’8″, who have turned their height into an advantage thanks to their quickness and skill.

According to ESPN’s latest mock draft, Van Lith would be selected ninth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks, where she could learn from Plum and play alongside Cameron Brink, a combination that could accelerate her development as a professional. On the other hand, Yahoo Sports projects her at 10th overall with the Chicago Sky, which would reunite her with college rival Angel Reese.

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