Serena Sundell had every reason to believe she’d be a first- or early second-round pick. She even got the WNBA Draft invite, which is typically reserved for top prospects. But Sundell sat through 25 names before finally hearing hers called by the Seattle Storm at No. 26.
That’s a massive slide for a 6’2’’ guard who averaged over seven assists per game and led Kansas State to the Sweet 16. The Los Angeles Sparks had the No. 9 pick, and Sundell was the most likely candidate, but they instead picked Sarah Ashlee Barker. So why didn’t the Sparks make the move for Sundell?
Why Sparks Went With Sarah Ashlee Barker Instead of Serena Sundell
LA’s backcourt already features Kelsey Plum and Odyssey Sims — both experienced, dynamic, and confident shot-makers. But both are also small, score-first guards. On paper, that left room for someone like Sundell, a tall, traditional point guard with a high basketball IQ.
At 6’2’’, Sundell has size, vision, and the kind of passing that keeps an offense humming. She averaged 14.1 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in her final college season — not flashy numbers, but rock-solid for a guard.
Yet, the Sparks chose Alabama’s Barker at No. 9. Barker is also a guard, but she brings more scoring upside. She averaged 18.2 points on 51.4% shooting, hit nearly 38% from deep, and dropped a tournament-high 45 points against the Maryland Terrapins.
That kind of scoring punch likely stood out, especially in a league where offensive efficiency and spacing are top priorities. It’s also worth noting that head coach Lynne Roberts is known for her analytics-driven style, and Barker’s numbers might have made more sense for that system.
Depth at Forward Seemed a Priority for the Sparks
Beyond their first-round pick, the Sparks doubled down on frontcourt depth by selecting versatile forwards Sania Feagin at No. 21 and Liatu King at No. 28.
With Cameron Brink and Azurá Stevens as core pieces, LA is clearly focused on building size and versatility around the rim. That shift in roster balance may have left little room to draft another developmental guard.
Sundell’s style isn’t flashy, but it’s effective. She’s a floor general who sees plays develop before they happen. But in this draft, LA leaned into offense and positional depth. It’s a calculated move—but one they may revisit if Sundell shines in Seattle.
To conclude, sometimes, the best point guards don’t go early. They just quietly prove people wrong, possession by possession, which could be the case for Sundell.
In any case, Barker is a force herself and full of potential to shine in LA. With the 2025 WNBA Draft, two of the best college guards are about to kickstart their professional careers, and only time will tell who emerges as the bigger name.