Washington Mystics 2026 WNBA Draft Recap (4-13-26)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: ESPN
NEW YORK CITY — Yesterday, the 2026 WNBA Draft took place at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. For the Washington Mystics, it was an opportunity to add additional young talent through its six total draft picks to its current core of players, building a champion-level team that hopes to compete for years to come in the league.
It was set to be an important offseason for the future direction of the Nation’s Capital, which saw the franchise part ways with its former general manager, Jamila Wideman, last week after Wideman served only one season in the role.
The Mystics lost players Jade Melbourne and Stefanie Dolson in free agency, as both signed with the Seattle Storm. Players Sug Sutton and Emily Engstler were both selected by the Portland Fire in the Expansion Draft, leaving further roster needs to fill.
Let’s dive into yesterday’s selections by the Mystics….
Round 1 Pick # 4: Center Lauren Betts (UCLA)- Betts was a player that head coach Sydney Johnson couldn’t pass up on. Betts has improved every season in Los Angeles, and it was on full display during the Bruins’ run to the National Championship. Betts provides Washington with an essential dominant low-post presence, where they can go to for easy buckets down low. Defensively, she can help on the weak side and off the pick and roll, contesting shots, and crashing the glass with her 6’7” frame. Pairing her up with Kiki Irafen and the recently re-signed Shakira Austin will present one of the best front courts in the league.
Round 1 Pick # 9: Power Forward Angela Duagli (UCLA)-Another player drafted from the champion UCLA Bruins, Duagli will fit in nicely here in D.C. Not only does she already carry a rapport and a connection with Betts, but Duagli brings a dynamic style to the table. Not only can Duagli provide the Mystics with her steady shooting stroke, but she’s also a more than capable defender from the perimeter and inside, switching 1-5 with her size and quickness. Look for her to play that same sixth-man type of role that she was utilized in at UCLA.
Round 1 Pick # 11: Small Forward Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss)- Frequently described as one of the players who is the most WNBA-ready, McMahon is an exciting addition to this already talented draft class. McMahon already possesses the speed and strength for professional play in the W, but she’s only polished her skills throughout her four-year collegiate career. McMahon is a gifted scorer who excels at all levels, but when she gets downhill or on the fast break, you’d better watch out because stopping her is a challenge. She plays through contact well, allowing her to score tough baskets in the paint and mid-range. Her versatility to handle the ball while also being an off-the-ball scorer makes her that much more important.
Round 2 Pick # 19: Shooting Guard Cassandre Prosper (Notre Dame)- Prosper is a defensive pest who reads the floor well, anticipating what spots to be in and how to hold her ground, utilizing her size, strength, and switching ability well, which can make her an elite defender. Offensively, shooting is not her strongest trait as she fares better catching and shooting, but it’s an ability that she can develop further in her pro career. Prosper fills the wing well as a slasher who can put the ball down to score off the dribble or put her head down to take it to the rack.
Round 2 Pick # 30: Power Forward Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (Baylor)- Littlepage-Buggs is one of those players you would love to have on any team. The 6’1” forward hustles hard when on the floor playing with high energy, snagging rebounds offensively & defensively, and I like her ability and touch to score around the rim. She’ll need to try to expand her offensive game to the next level, but there is heavy potential here to become a two-way forward.
Round 3 Pick # 34: Point Guard Rori Harmon (Texas)- Harmon may only stand at 5-foot-6, but don’t let that fool you, the five-year Texas point guard was the heart-and-soul of the program. Harmon is a lockdown defensive nightmare who presses you from start to finish, playing with fiery energy that is contagious to teammates. Offensively, her IQ stands out, as she knows how to work and operate on her own, quarterbacking the floor to set up teammates first. Harmon is known for her mid-range game, where she consistently relies on her pull-up jumper. Consistently extending her shot out to the three-point line will be a key point on the next level.
Final Verdict
One special aspect of this draft is that each player brings a different element to their games that will benefit the team. They all possess the traits to be mentally tough and prepared for the next level, becoming key contributors here in D.C. It’s an exciting time for Mystics’ basketball that already features a young core of Irafen, Sonia Citron, the returning Georgia Amoore from a knee injury that sidelined her the entire 2025 season, and Lucy Olsen, now paired up with the 2026 class.
