Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Olivia Miles surpassed Caitlin Clark's rookie scoring mark, setting a new first-year scoring record.
- Olivia Miles averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and shot 49.2 percent overall, 38.8 percent from three.
- Olivia Miles provided leadership and poise while Napheesa Collier recovered, helping the Minnesota Lynx remain competitive.
- Azzi Fudd averaged 13.1 points, shot 39.7 percent from three and had her season cut short by knee surgery.
- Flau'jae Johnson averaged 14.9 points, 2.9 assists, recorded three double-doubles, and posted a season-high 29 for the Seattle Storm.
The Minnesota Lynx’s Olivia Miles and Dallas Wings’ Azzi Fudd led the way for the WNBA’s 2026 All-Rookie team.
Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor, Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier and Toronto Tempo guard Kiki Rice rounded out the list of honorees.
2026 WNBA All-Rookie Team
Miles had a rookie season for the record books, surpassing Caitlin Clark’s mark for the most points by a first-year player.
The 5’10” playmaker averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.3 steals. She was also an efficient scorer, shooting 49.2 percent overall and 38.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Miles’ biggest achievement is the leadership and poise she displayed while the Lynx were waiting for Napheesa Collier to return from ankle surgery. Minnesota hardly missed a beat despite missing the five-time All-Star. Rookies typically don’t impact winning in the way Miles did.
As the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, Fudd will have the misfortune of being intertwined with Miles for the duration of her career. Her production was contrasted with that of the player who went second overall in April.
Fudd averaged 13.1 points and shot 39.7 percent from the perimeter. Her season came to a premature end thanks to knee surgery, which played into one of the bigger concerns about her long-term outlook.
When healthy, Fudd at least displayed the shooting prowess that will help her carve out a productive career.
The Storm fully embraced their rebuild status, finishing with the WNBA’s worst record (8-36). Johnson and fellow rookie Awa Fam at least helped to provide some excitement about the organization’s future.
Johnson averaged 14.9 points and 2.9 assists. She had three double-doubles and finished with a season-high 29 points in a September loss to the Las Vegas Aces.
Taylor was similarly a bright spot in a frustrating season for the Sky. The 25-year-old also served as a success story for college standouts who don’t immediately find a place in the WNBA.
After playing two years overseas, Taylor signed a training camp contract with Chicago. She earned a spot on the opening-night roster and eventually assuming a bigger scoring burden than expected with Skylar Diggins and Rickea Jackson out injured. In 37 games, she averaged 13.6 points.
Miles figures to cast a big shadow over her peers in the 2026 class. Over time, she shouldn’t be the only star to emerge from this past draft.
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