As the WNBA season wraps up in just a week, the focus on women’s basketball may shift with the NBA season kicking off. However, women’s basketball enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Next January, the highly anticipated 3×3 Unrivaled League will make its debut. But there are still a few spots left to fill for the league’s roster and Napheesa Collier, one of the league’s founders, recently dropped some hints about potential final picks participating in the league.

Amid her preparations for the WNBA Finals, Napheesa Collier took a moment to join the Run It Back on FanDuel TV to chat about the upcoming Unrivaled League, especially now that it has secured a broadcasting deal with TNT Sports. During the interview, the Lynx forward was asked who about the potential next players to join the league. Though Phee kept her cards close to her chest, she offered a tantalizing hint and said, “Um I think we might have a couple more rookies in there. That might be a hint.”

With 26 signings already confirmed, there are still four coveted spots left on the 30-player roster. Among the 26 signings, only two are rookies from the 2024 draft—Angel Reese, the No. 7 pick, and Rickea Jackson, selected at No. 4. Both have been fantastic additions, considering Reese’s standout season and Jackson’s consistent performance.

However, Collier’s comments hint that more surprises could be in store. Only natural one speculates that the reigning ROTY and No. 1 pick to be one of the next four players to join. More so, as the reports of Unrivalled looking to lure in Caitlin Clark surface.

Collier would love to have Caitlin Clark on board

According to the latest updates from senior reporter Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, the Unrivaled League is keen on bringing Caitlin Clark on board, with discussions set to begin in the coming weeks. However, it’s worth noting that the Indiana Fever star has already expressed her disinterest in the 3×3 basketball format, making it clear that she favors the traditional 5×5 style of play instead.

However, during her appearance on FanDuel TV, Collier also spoke glowingly about Caitlin Clark, emphasizing the Unrivaled League’s eagerness to be part of the transformation she’s bringing to women’s basketball. “It’s just so crazy because the growth that Caitlin has brought to the game—the sheer amount of money that she’s making these teams, people are having to move their venues for when she comes to play. She’s getting paid like $75,000 a year so uh definitely we want to be a part of that change,” stated Collier.

While it’s still unclear whether Collier’s admiration will sway Clark to reconsider her plans and commit to 3×3 basketball, one thing is certain: more rookies are likely to join the Unrivaled League, especially following Collier’s recent hints. So, who could fill the remaining spots?

Rookies on the radar

One of the first and definite names to watch is second-round pick Kate Martin. The Las Vegas Aces rookie had limited playing time in her debut season and has dropped hints that she might be open to continuing her basketball journey during the offseason. In a past chat on her former Iowa teammate Jada Gyamfi’s podcast, Kate Martin shared her offseason plans, saying, “Here’s the thing… I’m not going to be getting another job, but I will be doing another basketball job.”

Another potential addition could be No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink. However, her chances seem slim as she’s currently recovering from an ACL tear she suffered in June. Given the typical 6-9 month recovery time for ACL, it’s likely she’ll opt for more rest and focus on returning for the next WNBA season instead. However, Jacy Sheldon, who had a decent season with Dallas Wing but didn’t make the playoffs, could be a probable candidate.

Celeste Taylor is also a potential addition, especially since she faced challenges in her rookie year, bouncing between three teams and starting just four games. With limited opportunities to shine on a larger stage, she may be eager to display her talents in 3×3 basketball during the offseason. Additionally, New York Liberty’s Marquesha Davis and Minnesota Lynx’s Alissa Pili, who are teammates of league founders Breanna Stewart and Collier, might also join the venture.

While Angel Reese is set to participate, her Chicago Sky teammate Kamilla Cardoso likely won’t join the list of potential additions because she has already committed to play for the Shanghai Swordfishes in the Chinese League (WNCBA). Similarly, Nika Muhl will also be absent from the Unrivaled League, opting instead to play in the Turkish league.

Aaliyah Edwards could have been a potential addition as well, but like Caitlin Clark, she has decided to prioritize rest during the offseason after her extensive playing time, which included competing in the Olympics for Canada. So while the league might miss out on a few of the young talents, the already star-studded roster is certainly something to be toes for. A couple months more before we catch the complete team in action in Miami.