March Madness often serves as the proving ground for collegiate stars chasing WNBA dreams, but for Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers, the 2025 tournament raised difficult questions.
The event, heavily scouted by WNBA executives, is known to shift draft projections in a single play. Sellers’ injury during Maryland’s postseason run and the team’s early elimination triggered widespread concern.
Shyanne Sellers’ March Madness Moment Fuels Doubts About Pro Future in the WNBA
Once viewed as a lock for the first round of the WNBA draft, Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers saw her stock tumble in the wake of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. A 6-foot-2 guard lauded for her versatility, Sellers had delivered a standout season, averaging 4.1 assists per game, compiling 523 career assists, and shooting a career-best 41% from three-point range.
But a midseason injury, compounded by her gritty 28-point effort in a double-overtime win against Alabama, ultimately raised concerns about her long-term durability.
Though Maryland survived that thriller, 111–108, fans on Reddit questioned whether the cost was too high.
Maryland may have won the battle but Alabama won the war.
byu/goofyhalo inNCAAW
“That game and that run heading into the tourney might’ve cost Sellers a career in the WNBA,” wrote one user.
Another added, “She was playing injured throughout the run and it led to her dropping out of the first round and then being cut by two WNBA teams.”
In stark contrast, Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker scored 45 points in that game and soon after was drafted ahead of Sellers. Along with teammate Aaliyah Nye, both now hold roster spots with the Sparks and Aces, respectively.
As one Reddit commenter put it, “Alabama won the war,” despite Maryland advancing to the Sweet 16.
Another fan noted, “It’s more accurate that game put Barker in the WNBA. Forty-five points and 8 rebounds is gnarly work.”
Others acknowledged Barker’s draft trajectory was already strong, but the performance “moved her draft stock up for sure.”
Sellers, meanwhile, was waived by both the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream. While there’s still belief in her talent—“She’s a good player,” one user wrote—the injury narrative lingers.
“It really felt like she did more damage on her knee in that overtime win at the end of the regular season over OSU,” a commenter added. “It was sooo painful to watch her hobble around out there.”
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Now, with WNBA rosters limited and younger players continually entering the league, Sellers’ future remains uncertain. One fan concluded,
“She can come back… but if you flame out early, teams will pass on you.”
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