LOS ANGELES -- A new season is about to start in the WNBA. It’s a new chapter for each team. And that is no exception with the Los Angeles Sparks.
In November of last year, the Dallas Wings won the draft lottery while the Sparks settled with the second pick. But the Sparks swung for the fences and traded the 2025 draft pick to the Seattle Storm as part of their acquisition of three-time all-star guard Kelsey Plum.
The Sparks did get the ninth pick from the Storm as part of the deal and they used that selection on Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker. As for the rest of the 2025 Draft, they got Sania Feagin from South Carolina with the 21st pick and then Liatu King of Notre Dame with the 28th selection.
Both Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley and head coach Lynne Roberts talked about how well they fit into the culture.
“Who we have matters; it’s not just what they can do,” Roberts said. “Whether that’s me or an assistant coach or a player development or the players on the team. We want people that are bought into… it’s about the franchise, it’s about us winning. That’s why we were so excited to get who we got because we really feel confident that these three are total culture fits. And that really really does matter.”
Pebley and Roberts went into this further about Barker.
“You know her humility was definitely something. To find people who are humble while still remaining confident and assertive and aggressive, it’s sometimes harder than you think. And we love that about her,” Pebley said.
“With Sarah Ashlee, she’s just very grounded on who she is and what she’s about,” Coach Roberts added. “When you find young people like that, that’s hard when you’re 21/22. When you’re that way, when you’re grounded and you know who you are and you know what you stand for, you handle adversity a lot better. It’s a maturing process through life and she’s ahead of that curve in that regard.”
As for on the court, Pebley had no problem highlighting Barker’s strengths. Barker was best known for having a scintillating 45-point performance in a thrilling double overtime game against Maryland in the second round of the NCAA Tournament a few weeks ago. She averaged 18.2 points to lead the Crimson Tide last season.
"Sarah Ashlee is an elite competitor,” Pebley said. “Her mental makeup, ability to stretch the floor beyond the arc, commitment to defense, willingness to rebound and passing instincts make her the total package. We’re thrilled to add her poise and leadership.”
Sania Feagin was selected in the middle of the second round. A bit of a surprise especially after a stellar run in South Carolina. The 6’3” forward made the All-SEC Defensive Team last season. Feagin averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 boards, and 1.5 blocks in that campaign.
“She won 144 games (in college). That’s insane when you think about that,” Coach Roberts said. “And this year, she took on a very central specific role and did a great job. Her footwork has improved, her finishing with both hands, she’s able to do that. And what she really worked on, obviously, was that ability to hit that high post, stretch the defense a little bit, and knock down that jumper. I think that changed her game.”
Feagin won two championships with the Gamecocks and went to three Final Fours in four years.
“Sania has shown a commitment to doing what it takes to contribute to a championship culture,” Pebley said. “She is a strong defender who brings toughness to both sides of the floor. We love what she has accomplished thus far and are excited about her future.”
Liatu King was picked in the third round and 28th overall. She was certainly no slouch as she averaged a double-double (11.5 points, 10.4 boards per game) for the Fighting Irish in 2025.
“Liatu is just scratching the surface of what she can accomplish at the professional level,” Pebley mused. “She is an efficient shooter, excellent rebounder and a tenacious defender. Her motor and explosiveness fit the identity of our team.”
It’s an exciting time to be a Sparks fan. Plum gets to have a reunion with Dearica Hamby, who she won a championship with in Las Vegas in 2022. Rickea Jackson had a banner rookie year and when her fellow 2024 Draft classmate Cameron Brink returns, their defense in the paint will be solidified. Mix in these draft picks along with young veterans such as Azura Stevens, Aari McDonald, and Rae Burrell and there could be something interesting brewing in Los Angeles.
The great thing about sports is that when a season doesn’t go to plan, there’s always next season. And for the Sparks, that next season is now.
