Kaitlyn Chen’s rise has been anything but conventional. After three brilliant seasons at Princeton, the crafty 5’9″ guard transferred to UConn for her graduate year and stepped into the national spotlight. Though she wasn’t the most talked-about name on a loaded roster, she proved she belonged, providing poise, leadership, and a steady hand.
As the 2025 WNBA Draft approaches, Chen is no longer flying under the radar. Coaches and scouts have taken notice of her maturity, basketball IQ, and reliability. While she may not project as a franchise cornerstone, she could very well become one of the smartest second-round picks in the draft.
UConn G Kaitlyn Chen Scouting Report
Size: 5’9”
Key Stat: 51.4% FG, 3.4 assists per game (2024 season)
Projected Role: Reliable backup point guard and floor leader with long-term potential
Strengths
-
Basketball IQ and smart decision-making: Chen is a floor general in every sense. She reads defenses, makes calculated decisions, and rarely forces bad shots or unnecessary plays.
-
Versatility and adaptability: From the Ivy League to the Big East, Chen proved she could thrive in any system. Her seamless transition to UConn highlights her coachability and high learning curve.
-
Leadership and poise: Whether it was calming her teammates or making the right play down the stretch, Chen brought veteran presence and maturity to a young championship team.
Areas of Concern
-
Size and physical tools: At 5’9”, Chen will face an uphill battle against longer, more athletic WNBA guards. She lacks elite burst and length, which could affect her ability to finish through contact.
-
One-on-one defense at the next level: While she’s a scrappy defender, Chen may struggle against quick isolation scorers and taller ball-handlers.
-
Limited offensive volume: Chen isn’t a high-usage scorer. Her value comes more from efficiency and facilitation than pure offensive production, which could limit her upside in some systems.
Ceiling: Reliable rotation guard who contributes as a backup PG or steady second-unit leader
Floor: End-of-bench contributor or practice squad guard who carves out a niche with intelligence and work ethic
Kaitlyn Chen WNBA Draft Outlook
Chen may not be the flashiest prospect, but there’s real value in her steadiness and polish. She shot 51.4% from the field, 35.4% from deep, and over 84% from the free-throw line, all while maintaining one of the lowest turnover rates on a fast-paced UConn offense.
In 23.5 minutes per game, she averaged 6.9 points, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals and brought a sense of control whenever she was on the floor. Her role in the Huskies’ national championship run can’t be overstated.
GET READY! IT’S DRAFT DAY: 2-Round 2025 WNBA Mock Draft 2.0
Chen’s ability to step into a leadership role on one of the nation’s most high-profile programs and do so without missing a beat speaks volumes about her readiness for the next level.
She also joins a long list of UConn guards who’ve successfully transitioned into the WNBA. While she may not reach the level of Sue Bird or Diana Taurasi, Chen’s game mirrors that of dependable floor generals who’ve stuck in the league through smarts, composure, and adaptability.
Kaitlyn Chen isn’t a volume scorer or explosive athlete, but she does everything else at a high level. She’s the kind of guard who holds a locker room together, runs the offense without drama, and always knows what the team needs.
In a league where roster spots are tight, and coaches value consistency, Chen has the potential to become a long-term contributor.
Draft Projection: Potential No. 18 Overall Selection (2nd Round) by Atlanta Dream
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
