In a development that has WNBA fans buzzing, the Indiana Fever appear to have their sights set on Tennessee forward Janiah Barker for the 2026 draft. Standing at 6’4”, Barker has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in women’s college basketball, and adding her to the Fever roster would be a seismic move for the franchise. Rumors intensified after Fever head coach Stephanie White was spotted at Tennessee’s narrow 65-62 victory over Stanford, sparking speculation that she was scouting Barker firsthand.
Barker, who transferred to Tennessee from UCLA, is widely projected to go in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft. While mock drafts have suggested the Atlanta Dream as a potential landing spot — only a few hours from Knoxville — a move to Indiana could be nothing short of legendary. Her combination of size, skill, and versatility has made her a top target for WNBA teams, meaning any franchise hoping to secure Barker will likely need to maneuver strategically to make it happen.
Already in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, Barker is delivering standout performances. She is averaging 14.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game on 49% shooting from the field, including a respectable 35.3% from beyond the arc. Her November 30 matchup against UCLA, her former school, was particularly memorable: Barker racked up 25 points, reminding fans of her scoring prowess. In the more recent Stanford game, she added another 10 points, further solidifying her reputation as a consistent and high-impact player.
Off the court, Barker has handled her transition with professionalism. After the UCLA game, some speculated she had snubbed her former coach Cori Close. Barker quickly addressed the rumors on X, writing, “Respect! We shook hands. I wish nothing but the best for Coach (Cori) and my UCLA fam.” Close herself praised Barker in the postgame press conference, stating, “I want to wish Janiah Barker nothing but the best. She is a spectacular player, she gave us a lot on the court, off the court, and I wish her nothing but the best for the rest of the season.”
Barker’s transfer from UCLA wasn’t entirely unexpected. Having spent significant time coming off the bench last season, she was seeking more opportunities to showcase her talent. That move has clearly paid off: she is averaging 22.5 minutes across seven games this season, demonstrating both her stamina and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
For the Indiana Fever, Barker represents more than just another draft pick. Her scoring ability, size, and versatility could immediately elevate the team’s competitiveness, while her growing star power has the potential to energize the fan base. As the 2026 WNBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Barker — and whether Indiana can make the bold move to secure one of college basketball’s most promising talents.
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