As the Indiana Fever continue their rebuild, the focus on building a competitive team through the WNBA Draft becomes more crucial. With a promising young core and Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s first overall pick in the 2024 draft, they’re looking to complement their existing talent and build for long-term success. The 2025 NCAA Tournament presents an excellent opportunity for the Fever’s front office and coaching staff to scout top talent, and several players could fit their needs for both the immediate future and beyond.
This article will break down the top four prospects from the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament that the Indiana Fever should consider as potential selections in the upcoming WNBA Draft. These players represent the ideal mix of talent, potential, and positional needs that could elevate the Fever and help them reach their championship aspirations.
1. Hailey Van Lith (Louisville)
One of the most electrifying players in college basketball, Hailey Van Lith of Louisville has been a standout guard for several seasons. Known for her scoring ability, leadership, and fierce competitive spirit, Van Lith is a player who thrives in big moments. She was a key contributor to Louisville’s deep tournament runs and has built a reputation as one of the best offensive players in the NCAA.
Strengths:
- Scoring Prowess: Van Lith is an elite scorer who can create her own shot, both on and off the dribble. She’s adept at driving to the basket, has a reliable pull-up jumper, and is capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc. This ability to score in multiple ways is vital in today’s WNBA.
- Clutch Performance: Throughout her career, Van Lith has shown the ability to perform in clutch situations. This is an invaluable trait, especially for a team like the Fever that may rely on a guard who can take over games when needed.
- Defensive Tenacity: While known primarily for her offensive skill set, Van Lith is also an excellent perimeter defender. She’s quick, strong, and capable of shutting down opposing guards while also being able to play passing lanes effectively.
Fit with the Fever:
The Indiana Fever have a strong backcourt with players like Caitlin Clark and Destiny Henderson, but Van Lith would provide an added layer of depth and versatility. With her ability to create her own offense and be a secondary ball handler, she would complement Clark’s role as a primary scorer and playmaker, creating a dynamic backcourt duo that could be the future of the Fever. Van Lith’s defensive prowess would also help fortify the Fever’s perimeter defense, which remains a point of emphasis for their coaching staff.
2. Aliyah Boston (South Carolina)
While Aliyah Boston of South Carolina is currently considered a top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, her skills and potential make her a player to keep an eye on for the 2025 WNBA Draft, as her impact on the game can still resonate across seasons. However, the Fever are already heavily invested in a younger core with positions that would be bolstered with a strong post presence.
Strengths:
- Elite Post Play: Boston is known for her ability to dominate in the paint. She’s one of the best post players in college basketball, with excellent footwork, a variety of scoring moves around the basket, and the ability to finish in tight spaces. Her size, strength, and basketball IQ make her nearly unstoppable in the paint.
- Defensive Presence: On defense, Boston is an absolute force. She is a shot-blocker, a rebounder, and can switch onto smaller players when needed. Her versatility on the defensive end allows her to protect the rim while also being able to guard multiple positions.
- Leadership: A true leader for South Carolina, Boston excels at motivating her teammates and bringing a winning mentality to her team. She is the kind of player that not only improves the talent around her but also elevates the collective effort of her squad.
Fit with the Fever:
For a team like the Indiana Fever, who are still looking for dominant forces in the post, a player like Aliyah Boston would be a game-changer. While the Fever have solid post players like NaLyssa Smith, they could use a player like Boston to give them an even stronger inside presence. Her leadership would also be crucial in the Fever’s rebuild as they continue to develop their younger players. Boston would help balance out the Fever’s offense and defense, creating a well-rounded team that can compete on both ends of the floor.
3. Cameron Brink (Stanford)
Another name that should be on the Fever’s radar is Cameron Brink, a standout forward from Stanford. Brink has shown remarkable versatility over her college career, combining scoring, defense, and leadership to become one of the premier players in women’s college basketball.
Strengths:
- Versatile Scorer: Brink is an excellent scorer both inside and outside. Her ability to shoot from three-point range, as well as score in the post, makes her an incredibly versatile offensive weapon. She can stretch the floor while also being a presence in the paint.
- Defensive Dominance: Like Aliyah Boston, Brink is also a force on defense. She has great timing as a shot-blocker and is one of the top rebounders in the nation. Her ability to defend at a high level, particularly in the post, would instantly elevate the Fever’s defensive capabilities.
- Leadership and IQ: Brink has the basketball IQ and leadership qualities that are highly valued at the professional level. She’s known for her composure on the floor, making smart decisions, and guiding her team with poise in critical moments.
Fit with the Fever:
Brink would give the Indiana Fever a unique dual-threat option in the frontcourt. Her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting while also being a dominant presence in the paint would create matchup problems for opposing teams. Pairing her with NaLyssa Smith would give the Fever a very dynamic frontcourt duo capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Brink’s leadership would also be invaluable as the Fever continue to develop young talent.
4. Angel Reese (LSU)
Angel Reese of LSU is another player who could significantly impact the Fever’s future. Known for her tenacity, rebounding ability, and offensive prowess, Reese has been one of the top players in women’s college basketball throughout her career.
Strengths:
- Elite Rebounding: Reese is one of the best rebounders in the NCAA. She has a knack for tracking down both offensive and defensive rebounds, which would add a much-needed element to the Fever’s game.
- Post Scoring: Reese has a very strong post game, where she can score with a combination of finesse and power. She’s also a skilled passer out of the post, making her a dual-threat when she has the ball in the paint.
- Defensive Ability: While not as well known for her defense as some other players on this list, Reese is still an exceptional defender, particularly on the boards and in her ability to disrupt passing lanes.
Fit with the Fever:
Reese’s rebounding and inside scoring would greatly complement NaLyssa Smith in the post. Her ability to dominate the glass would provide the Fever with another strong presence inside, and her offensive versatility would make her a great fit alongside other offensive threats like Caitlin Clark. While the Fever have already built up their backcourt, adding a player like Reese could help balance out their roster and give them a much stronger presence inside. Her toughness and leadership would also benefit a team that is in the midst of rebuilding.