basketball

Justine Pissott of Vanderbilt Breaks Through in Indiana Fever's Draft Class

Yahoo Sports

Vanderbilt's Justine Pissott Drafted by Indiana Fever in WNBA Class of 2026

In a thrilling development for the Indiana Fever’s draft class, Justine Pissott, who played her last season at Vanderbilt University and Tennessee before transferring to play under Shea Ralph, was selected in the second round with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The choice marks an important milestone as it is Vanderbilt's first player drafted since 2014. Pissott brings excellent shooting skills with her plus-size frame, particularly excelling in three-point shooting—she had a 42.

2% career 3-point percentage despite having only attempted 95 of 225 attempts (a larger sample than usual). She also offers versatile abilities that can benefit most teams due to her ability to rebound and pass effectively. Pissott's journey was marked by overcoming adversity, particularly after the passing of her grandfather.

Despite playing minimal minutes in her junior season, she emerged as a standout senior, contributing significantly to Vanderbilt’s Sweet 16 run in 2026. She stands out not just for her skills but also for her strong defensive presence with 29 blocks throughout her three years at the Commodores. While Pissott is primarily positioned as a stretch-4, her versatility makes her an attractive addition to any team looking for capable ball handlers and rebounders.

Her draft comes with high expectations from teams seeking reliable role players who can improve upon their defense and offense.