Stepping into Caitlin Clark’s shoes was never going to be easy. In fact, it was one of the most daunting tasks in women’s college basketball. But Lucy Olsen, the Villanova transfer and Collegeville, Pennsylvania native, embraced that challenge with grace, grit, and a whole lot of skill.
In her lone season at Iowa, Olsen proved that the Hawkeyes’ backcourt was still in good hands, even after the departure of one of the game’s biggest icons.
Averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 assists, and nearly 7 rebounds per game, Olsen showed she’s more than just a scorer. She brought poise, maturity, and a quiet confidence that anchored Iowa’s 23-win season and second-round NCAA tournament appearance.
Despite being one of the nation’s most well-rounded guards, Olsen’s draft stock hasn’t seen the same buzz as some of her peers, and that could make her one of the biggest steals in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Scouting Iowa Guard Lucy Olsen
Size: 5’10”
Key Stat: 17.9 PPG, 5.1 APG, 6.9 RPG
Projected Role: Versatile combo guard with scoring and playmaking upside
Strengths
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High basketball IQ: Olsen consistently made the right reads and showcased strong decision-making under pressure.
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Three-level scorer: Can hit from deep, pull up in the midrange, or attack the rim with craftiness and control.
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Rebounding guard: Averaged nearly 7 rebounds per game, showing toughness and awareness on the boards.
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Floor general capabilities: Transitioned to primary ball-handler at Iowa and averaged 5.1 assists with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio.
Areas of Concern
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Lack of elite athleticism: Doesn’t have top-tier burst or quickness to create space against the WNBA’s fastest defenders.
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Defensive consistency: Solid on-ball defender, but can struggle when defending quicker guards laterally.
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Limited elevation: Below-average vertical may affect her finishing around the rim and defensive closeouts.
Ceiling: Long-term WNBA starter and high-level secondary playmaker
Floor: Reliable second-unit contributor who can spark the offense off the bench
Lucy Olsen WNBA Draft Outlook
Olsen’s drawn comparisons to players like Sabrina Ionescu in terms of her all-around game, albeit without the same level of flash or top-five projection. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Olsen’s ability to blend into a system, keep the ball moving, and chip in points from all three levels will be coveted by WNBA teams that value basketball IQ and steadiness off the bench.
One intriguing possibility? The Minnesota Lynx at No. 24. Minnesota could use another dependable guard to back up players like Kayla McBride and Tiffany Mitchell. Olsen would fit perfectly in Cheryl Reeve’s system, one that values ball movement, smart shot selection, and gritty defense.
GET READY! IT’S DRAFT DAY: 2-Round 2025 WNBA Mock Draft 2.0
If she continues developing her deep-range consistency and tightens up defensively, Olsen has the tools to become a valuable two-way guard who contributes to winning basketball.
Bottom Line:
Olsen may not bring viral highlights or top-tier explosiveness, but she’s one of the most well-rounded, polished guards in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She quietly racked up over 2,000 career points and proved she could adapt to different systems and roles.
In a draft full of flash, Olsen offers substance, and a team that’s paying attention will get a first-round caliber player at a second-round price.
Draft Projection: Potential No. 24 Overall Selection (2nd Round) – Minnesota Lynx
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