Sparks select Sarah Ashlee Barker with No. 9 pick

The Sparks went with wing Sarah Ashlee Barker from Alabama in the first round of the WNBA Draft.

The Sparks added wing depth to their roster in Monday’s 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Sarah Ashlee Barker of Alabama with the No. 9 pick.

Barker will be part of a backcourt featuring Kelsey Plum, acquired in the offseason thanks to a three-team trade.

Jack Maloney of CBS Sports had Barker going to the Sparks and spoke glowingly about the wing.

Barker’s 45-point outing against Maryland was arguably the most impressive individual effort in the NCAA Tournament. She’s a big, versatile wing who has turned herself into a reliable shooter, particularly off the catch, and you’ll never doubt her effort or toughness. All of those traits would make her a good fit for the Sparks and new coach Lynne Roberts’ analytics-driven approach.

Blake Silverman of Sports Illustrated also had Barker as a first round pick, complimenting her shooting and outside touch, which should be a big help for the Sparks this season.

Barker declared for the draft following an incredible 45-point tournament performance during a second-round loss to Maryland. She spent three seasons at Alabama after starting her collegiate career at Georgia for two seasons. A 6’ 0” guard with plenty of scoring power, Barker has the combination of shooting skills and defensive instincts and effort that can help round out a WNBA team’s rotation.

She spent the last three seasons at Alabama and averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds 3.9 assists per game during her senior year. Her dynamic multi-level scoring gives SpSpaarks head coach Lynne Roberts another offensive player added to her arsenal.

As a member of the Crimson Tide, Barker was a two-time First Team All-SEC selection and was named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team.

Before Barker played for Alabama, she was a player at Georgia for two years. She averaged 13.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists for the Bulldogs.

In Barker’s last collegiate game, she exploded for 45 points against Maryland in their double overtime loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Sparks draft Sania Feagin with the No. 21 pick

With their second selection, Los Angeles went with a forward, drafting Feagin of the South Carolina Gamecocks.

She spent all four seasons under head coach Dawn Staley’s tutelage, winning the national title in 2022 and 2024. Feagin averaged 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists during her final year at SC.

Charlie Creme of ESPN provided some insight into the selection

Pre-Draft Analysis

A 6-foot-5 wingspan and a high basketball IQ has made Feagin into a good prospect as a defender. Her offensive game began to show promise late this season, but value there will come as a screener and offensive rebounder.

Post-Draft Analysis

With Carmeron Brink out until at least June as she recovers from last season’s ACL injury, Feagin supplies some insurance in the post. She can defend, and grew considerably as an offensive player in her final college year.

Sparks draft Liatu King with the No. 27 pick

With their final pick of the Draft, the L.A. Sparks went with Notre Dame forward King.

During her sole season with the Fighting Irish, she averaged 11.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists per game.

Before King played for Notre Dame, she spent three seasons as a Pittsburgh Panther. In her three years at Pittsburgh, she averaged 10.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

Charlie Creme of ESPN shared their analysis on the pick.

Pre-Draft Analysis

Her scoring opportunities took a hit in her one year with the Irish, but King remained a relentless rebounder, and the experience of playing with better teammates helped her preparation. King’s game is strictly in the lane, which might be difficult for a 6-footer at this level.

Post-Draft Analysis

After blossoming in 2023-24 at Pittsburgh, King went to Notre Dame and learned to be a role player. Her willingness to attack the defensive glass will give her a chance to make the Sparks’ roster.

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