After a phenomenal collegiate career, Alabama guard Sarah Ashlee Barker officially declared for the 2025 WNBA Draft. The Birmingham native made the announcement on April 2, closing the chapter on one of the most storied careers in Crimson Tide women’s basketball history.
Barker’s journey began at Georgia, but it wasn’t until she transferred to Alabama in 2022 that she truly came into her own. With her toughness, clutch shooting, and competitive edge, she developed into one of the fiercest two-way guards in the country. Her 45-point performance in the NCAA Tournament proved she’s more than ready for the next level.
Scouting Alabama Guard Sarah Ashlee Barker
Size: 6’0”
Key Stat: 18.2 points per game (2024-25 season)
Projected Role: Scoring combo guard with two-way upside and floor-spacing ability
Strengths
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Clutch scoring ability: Barker showed she can perform under pressure, including a legendary 45-point performance in a double-overtime NCAA Tournament thriller against Maryland.
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Physicality and toughness: At 6’0”, she plays with strength and grit on both ends of the floor. She can body up defensively and finish through contact.
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Leadership and experience: A vocal leader and proven competitor, Barker helped carry Alabama to back-to-back strong seasons and was named First Team All-SEC twice.
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Stat-stuffing potential: One of only five players in Alabama history with over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 250 assists, showing her all-around impact.
Areas of Concern
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Efficiency under volume: As Alabama’s top scorer, Barker occasionally forced shots, leading to streaky shooting nights against top defenses.
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Positional fit at the next level: She’s not a traditional point guard, and some teams may question how she fits within a system that requires a true facilitator.
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Speed and lateral quickness: While tough defensively, she may struggle to stay in front of the league’s quickest guards without some adjustment.
Ceiling: Versatile two-way wing contributing 20-plus minutes per game and closes games with clutch scoring
Floor: Valuable rotation player who brings energy and toughness off the bench
Sarah Ashlee Barker WNBA Draft Outlook
Barker’s rise into first-round consideration is no fluke. Her offensive skill set, competitive mindset, and ability to produce in high-stakes games make her one of the most intriguing prospects in this class. Her 18.2 points per game led Alabama during her senior season, and she scored 20+ points in 10 games, showing her ability to take over.
The WNBA is increasingly valuing strong, physical guards who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, and Barker fits that mold. Her shooting mechanics, rebounding effort, and willingness to dive for loose balls all suggest she’ll thrive in a pro system that values grit and discipline.
Multiple scouts believe Barker has one of the highest “toughness” grades in this class. She’s not afraid of the moment and has proven she can carry a team when it matters most. A playoff-bound team needing depth on the wing or a late-game shot-maker could strike gold with her.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
Sarah Ashlee Barker brings the full package: leadership, toughness, and scoring. She plays with the kind of chip on her shoulder that general managers love and has proven she can battle through adversity and still shine on the national stage.
With her blend of experience, size, and competitive fire, she could be one of the most valuable additions in the mid-to-late first round.
Draft Projection: Potential No. 11 Overall Selection by Minnesota Lynx
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