The Indiana Fever found themselves in a unique spot on Sunday, as the results of the WNBA Draft lottery held little significance for the second straight year. Having secured the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 draft as of April 13, the Fever are poised to enter the 2026 season as strong championship contenders. Their roster is set to be further strengthened by a top-tier wing player, currently ranked third among NCAA women’s teams.
According to a recent mock draft by Sabrina Merchant for The Athletic, Indiana is expected to pick UCLA Bruins wing Gabriela Jaquez with their 10th selection. Jaquez stands out as an ideal fit for the Fever, known for her versatility and defensive ability across multiple positions. She emerged as a key starter for UCLA in the 2024-25 season, bringing toughness, reliable three-point shooting, vigorous rebounding, and smart off-ball movement. Merchant even likens her style and impact to Lexi Hull, who had a breakout year for Indiana in 2025. Jaquez’s impressive 47.4% three-point shooting reflects her skill beyond just volume scoring.
With stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell (if she re-signs) expected to lead the offense, an unselfish and competitive shooter like Jaquez could be exactly what the Fever needs to boost their championship aspirations. General manager Amber Cox appears ready to add valuable depth to the team’s offensive threats this coming April.
Fan Take: This draft projection highlights Indiana’s strategic focus on building a versatile, championship-ready squad that blends star power with role players who excel in all facets of the game. For WNBA fans, it signals an exciting future filled with intense competition and rising talent that could elevate the league’s overall quality and visibility.
