When Aaliyah Nye and Zaay Green fouled out of the Crimson Tide’s second-round matchup, it was once again time for Barker to put the team on her back, and she did just that. Her 45-point performance in their double-overtime loss to the Terrapins marked the most points ever scored by an SEC player in an NCAA Tournament game as the Alabama senior refused to be put down, doing everything she could to keep her team afloat.
While, ultimately, she might have had to bow out of the NCAA Tournament fairly early, Barker’s skill set can hardly lead anybody to believe the curtains on her pro career are drawing anytime soon. Barker is a multi-level scoring wing with great size, strength, and headiness. She can get downhill and attack the rim, where she finishes through contact well. She can stretch the floor and does not hesitate in shooting from deep, averaging a career-high 38 percent from three-point land. Barker put up career highs in nearly every statistical category this season at 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, matching it on the other end of the floor using her length and athleticism to a good effect.
With all the tools to impress present in her arsenal, other facets of her game show just why she continues to rise. “I think she’s a really smart player,” McLean said. “And just her basketball IQ in general is very high level. She also has that fearlessness. I knew she wanted to win.” As her ticket to the WNBA appears just about stamped, find out which destinations make for a likely landing spot.
What are the top landing spots for Sarah Ashlee Barker in the 2025 WNBA Draft?
Dallas Wings
Holding multiple picks, including the 12th and 14th, the Wings are reportedly interested in Barker to bolster their backcourt depth. Also holding the 1st pick in the draft, Paige Bueckers is already on the road to Dallas. So, their draft can’t go wrong from here, making them more likely to take a risk on potential. And Barker has all the potential to be a versatile backup guard for any WNBA side, but her success in the league fairly depends on developing a more consistent outside shot. Playing backup to Paige, she would have less pressure and more time to develop and adjust to the pace of the WNBA.
Atlanta Dream
Barker, who played two seasons of college basketball with the Georgia Bulldogs, could see a move to Atlanta as a “dream” come true. The same goes for the team, which is dreaming of putting together a competitive roster and could use a player of Barker’s caliber to offer regular offensive production. The team is also the closest to Barker’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, and if Sarah does hold the superstar potential we see flashes of, it would make for a hometown hero story that can cause a surge in the Dream fans. However, Atlanta holds the 18th pick in the draft, and it would be surprising to see Sarah Barker fall to their turn.
Is Sarah Ashlee Barker related to former NFL star Jay Barker?
When you notice Sarah Ashlee Barker move on the basketball court, there is no doubt about her athletic genes. Thirty-three years after her father, Jay Barker, brought a national championship to Tuscaloosa as the starting quarterback of the legendary 1992 football team, senior forward Sarah Ashlee Barker emerged as the face of Alabama women’s basketball, taking the country by storm. While Sarah’s dad played in the NFL briefly, including stints for the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers, his career continued overseas, first in the Canadian Football League with Toronto and then in the XFL with Birmingham.
Understanding the importance of paving your own path as an athlete, Jay Barker knew he mustn’t push the weight of his legacy onto his daughter. “He completely loved my decision and he completely trusted that that was the plan that God had for my life,” Sarah said, speaking of her father’s reaction to her choosing Georgia over his alma mater. Jay was the star quarterback at Alabama, leading them to the 1992 national championship under coach Gene Stallings, which came after 13 long years for the Alabama football program that had a taste of success. He became a legend with ice-in-his-veins performances that helped him gather accolades like the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in his senior season and finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Jay now works as a sports radio talk show host, specifically hosting “The Jay Barker Radio Network”. As a former NFL player, he has invested part of his hefty contracts into business ventures, including ownership of “Moe’s Southwest Grill” franchises and a HomeVestors real estate franchise. Additionally, Barker is also an analyst for ESPN Radio.
While the noise around Sarah won’t quiet down anytime before the Draft, one thing is for sure. She will be a valuable addition to any organization. And, now, you don’t have to wonder about where she gets it from.
The post Sarah Ashlee Barker WNBA Draft: Top Teams Where Former NFL Star’s Daughter Is Expected To Land appeared first on EssentiallySports.
