South Carolina could once again have a major presence at the WNBA Draft.
A way-too-early 2027 mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Hunter Cruse projects three Gamecocks — Tessa Johnson, Ashlyn Watkins, and Chloe Kitts — to be selected in the first round.
The projection also includes former South Carolina standouts MiLaysia Fulwiley and Talaysia Cooper, giving the Gamecocks program five players with first-round expectations.
Tessa Johnson projected to Phoenix Mercury at No. 7
Tessa Johnson is projected to land with the Phoenix Mercury at No. 7 overall.
Cruse labeled Johnson the best off-ball shooter in college basketball thanks to her elite movement without the ball and outstanding perimeter efficiency.
Johnson owns a career 46.6% field-goal percentage and has connected on 44% of her three-point attempts.
She led the SEC in three-point shooting last season at 44.8%.
According to the evaluation, Johnson’s ability to stretch defenses and punish closeouts makes her an ideal fit for Phoenix.
Her game was compared to Azzi Fudd, although Cruse noted Johnson doesn’t provide the same level of defensive playmaking.
Ashlyn Watkins projected to Chicago Sky at No. 8
Ashlyn Watkins is projected to go one pick later, joining the Chicago Sky at No. 8 overall.
Watkins is preparing for her return after missing last season while recovering from a torn ACL.
Cruse described her as the best rim protector in the draft class and praised her rare combination of athleticism, length, speed, and shot-blocking ability.
The biggest question surrounding Watkins remains her offensive development.
If her improving jump shot translates into games, her draft stock could climb even higher.
Before her injury, Watkins averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game during her standout sophomore season.
Her projected WNBA comparison is Natasha Mack.
Chloe Kitts projected to New York Liberty at No. 9
The mock draft sends Chloe Kitts to the New York Liberty with the No. 9 overall selection.
Like Watkins, Kitts is returning after an ACL injury cost her the entire 2025-26 season.
Cruse believes her versatility gives her one of the safest floors in the class.
Her rebounding, passing, team defense, and finishing around the basket could allow her to contribute immediately for a championship contender like New York.
Kitts averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds during the 2024-25 season and earned SEC Tournament MVP honors.
Her player comparison is Naz Hillmon, with optimism that Kitts can continue expanding her shooting range.
Former Gamecocks also earn first-round projections
Former South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, now at LSU, is projected to be selected No. 6 overall by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Cruse described Fulwiley as one of the draft’s highest-upside prospects but noted her game remains “boom-or-bust.”
Another former Gamecock, Talaysia Cooper, now at Ole Miss, is projected to go No. 10 overall to the Chicago Sky.
Her athleticism, defensive ability, and improving three-point shot continue to make her an intriguing professional prospect.
Projected 2027 WNBA Mock Draft Top 15
- Houston Comets — JuJu Watkins (USC)
- Washington Mystics — Madison Booker (Texas)
- Toronto Tempo — Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)
- Seattle Storm — S’Mya Nichols (Kansas)
- Portland Fire — Mikaylah Williams (LSU)
- Los Angeles Sparks — MiLaysia Fulwiley (LSU)
- Phoenix Mercury — Tessa Johnson (South Carolina)
- Chicago Sky — Ashlyn Watkins (South Carolina)
- New York Liberty — Chloe Kitts (South Carolina)
- Chicago Sky — Talaysia Cooper (Ole Miss)
- Indiana Fever — Clara Strack (Kentucky)
- Dallas Wings — Oluchi Okananwa (Maryland)
- Dallas Wings — Sarah Cisse (France)
- Golden State Valkyries — Ainhoa Risacher (France)
- Minnesota Lynx — Kymora Johnson (Virginia)
If these projections become reality, South Carolina would once again reinforce its reputation as one of the nation’s premier producers of WNBA talent, with three current Gamecocks expected to hear their names called in the opening nine selections.
