Pros, cons of Las Vegas Aces picking Lady Vols forward Janiah Barker in 2026 WNBA Draft

Lady Vols basketball forward Janiah Barker was selected No. 29 overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the second round of the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13. Barker was projected to be a first-round draft pick going into her senior season at Tennessee.

But she dropped in projections throughout the season and was no longer a projected first-round pick by the time the Lady Vols' season ended at 16-14 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Barker is the first WNBA draftee under Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell and the 47th WNBA draft pick in program history. The Lady Vols' last WNBA draft pick was former star forward Rickea Jackson, who was the fourth-straight first-round pick for Tennessee under former coach Kellie Harper.

Here's what Barker brings to the Aces based on her career that included three different schools. What Janiah Barker brings to Las Vegas Aces in 2026 WNBA Draft Barker's talent has never been a question since she was the No. 2 overall recruit of the 2022 class.

She's a pure three-level scorer with a beautiful shot, whether it's from midrange or on spot-up 3-pointers. One of her go-to shots is a fadeaway pull-up jumper, and when it's on, it's on. Barker also has a unique blend of size and athleticism at 6-foot-4, and she's got a pro-ready body.