As Paige Bueckers Clinches NCAA Win, Know All About The Other WNBA Stars Who Did Too

The NCAA national championship is an incredible achievement that eludes many prospects entering professional basketball leagues. Be it the NBA or the WNBA, the top draft prospects always aim to win a national championship to solidify their status as a first round pick in their respective league. Magic Johnson in the NBA was one such player, who won the national championship before entering the league. Following this, he also became the first rookie to win the 1980 NBA Finals MVP. Paige Bueckers just created history by clinching the national championship with UConn just days before the WNBA draft.

As much as this rests the case for Bueckers to be the first overall pick this year, she isn't the only one to achieve this incredible feat. Many WNBA players, some of whom we consider as legends of the league, have made their mark both in the WNBA and NCAA by clinching championships on both levels of play. Here are some of the top WNBA players before Paige Bueckers who won the NCAA championship before getting drafted into the WNBA.

WNBA Players with NCAA Championships

Only few basketball players can claim to have achieved every bit of glory and honors in their careers. Adding league achievements isn't enough, as many players' worth is also determined from their college careers as well. March Madness is the biggest stage for college hoop stars to create a legacy that lasts them forever. While some have shined at this top stage, not all have walked home as champions in both NCAA and the WNBA. Here is a list of players to have won the national championship before Paige Bueckers before entering the WNBA draft:

Angel Reese (LSU: 2023)

Angel Reese was one of the top prospects entering the 2024 WNBA draft alongside Caitlin Clark. When she started her collegiate career with the Maryland Terrapins, her team crashed out twice in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament, shattering her championship dreams. However, after transferring to LSU in her junior year, Reese helped the Tigers clinch the coveted national championship in the 2022-23 season while earning the Most Outstanding Player title as well.

In her final season, she led the Tigers to an Elite Eight finish during March Madness. Reese was eventually selected as a seventh overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA draft.

Breanna Stewart (UConn: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)

Not many people in this list can boast winning a three-peat in college and then running another title back. Well, Breanna Stewart can. Stewie led the UConn Huskies to four consecutive national titles and won Most Outstanding Player on each of the four outings. Furthermore, Stewart ended her college career with two Naismith Player of the Year Awards as well. Finishing her college career with over 2,600 points and 1,100 rebounds, Stewie was selected as the number one pick by the Seattle Storm in the 2016 WNBA draft. Her legacy was honored by the UConn Huskies, who officially retired her No.30 jersey for her contributions to the school's women's basketball program.

Maya Moore (UConn: 2009, 2010)

Maya Moore is another UConn alumni to find a mention in this list. As a freshman, Moore helped the Huskies reach the Final Four stage of the March Madness. Following this, she led her team to two back-to-back NCAA titles in 2009 and 2010. Moore finished her final season by leading her team to the Final Four and winning two Wooden Awards. She had scored more than 3,000 points during her college career and had an impeccable 150-4 record playing college hoops. Moore was selected as the first overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2011 WNBA draft.

Sue Bird (UConn: 2000, 2002)

Sue Bird is undoubtedly one of the greatest legends to have ever graced the WNBA hardwood. However, before clinching WNBA glory, Bird had already solidified her status as a certified college hoops legend during her four years at UConn. As a freshman, Bird helped the Huskies reach the Sweet 16. Later, she helped the program win two titles as a sophomore and a senior, while finishing in the Final Four in between. During her time playing college ball, Bird was honored with the Nancy Lieberman Award thrice and had an impeccable 114-4 record playing for the Huskies. She was later drafted as the first overall pick by Seattle Storm in the 2002 WNBA draft. Bird's legacy playing for the Huskies was honored by UConn retiring her legendary No.10 jersey.

Diana Taurasi (UConn: 2002, 2003, 2004)

Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest players to ever grace the WNBA hardwood. Many even consider Taurasi to be one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. However, before becoming the winning player that she was in the league, she was setting the foundations for the same while playing college hoops. Taurasi led the Huskies to reach a Final Four finish as a freshman, but a tough loss against Notre Dame crushed all her championship hopes. However, Taurasi wasn't someone to back down from that. She went up to win three consecutive national championships with the Huskies and earned back-to-back Naismith Player of the Year Awards. Taurasi was drafted as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004 and her No.3 jersey is honored up on the rafters at UConn.