Fever fans are buzzing ahead of the season, eager to see how the team will build on last year’s achievements.
Last season marked the Indiana Fever's first playoff appearance since 2016, largely thanks to standout performances from Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, alongside Aaliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. Unfortunately, their journey ended in the first round against the Connecticut Sun, led by coach Stephanie White, who took her team almost to the Finals.
Stephanie White: The New Vision for the Fever
With the offseason bringing changes, the Fever appointed Stephanie White, a coach with deep ties to Indiana. Known for her innovative coaching style and focus on offensive creativity, White aims to cultivate an up-tempo style of play focused on versatility.
"I think offensively, we can be more creative. I think we can utilize more versatility, utilize certain players in different ways," White stated. She highlights the need to build around the foundational talents of Clark, Boston, and Mitchell, emphasizing that they need more support around these core players. The addition of Mitchell for her eighth season is a crucial step to ensure their leadership on the court.
Preparing for the Draft
As the Fever’s focus shifts to the upcoming draft, the team faces a unique challenge—they have no first-round pick. Strategic thinking and creativity will be essential in navigating the draft process to bolster the roster effectively. Here are four potential prospects the Fever should consider targeting:
1. Emily Ryan (Iowa State)
Emily Ryan has emerged as a key player during her time at Iowa State. Standing at 5’11”, she boasts impressive size for a guard, along with exceptional leadership skills and basketball IQ. Last season, she averaged 9.7 PPG and 6.2 APG, showcasing her shooting and playmaking abilities. Ryan is known for her tenacity on defense, making her a versatile player that could fit well under White's system. However, if the Fever prioritize strengthening their frontcourt, they may overlook Ryan this time.
2. Caroline Ducharme (UConn)
Another standout candidate is Caroline Ducharme, from UConn, praised for her scoring versatility. At 6’2”, her size makes her an attractive asset for the Fever. Having the experience of playing alongside elite talents, like projected No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers, has honed her ability to create space on the floor. Ducharme can shoot from all three levels, a capability that could translate well into the WNBA game. However, her previous head and neck injuries raise some concerns that might give the Fever pause in their decision-making.
3. Rayah Marshall (USC)
Rayah Marshall, a center from USC, presents a physical presence at 6'4. Known for her strength and athleticism, Marshall excels at crashing the boards, bringing valuable rebounding skills to the table, averaging 7.9 PPG and 8.4 RPG last season. With the mentorship of Aaliyah Boston, she could flourish into a significant contributor for the Fever. Her ability to attack the rim could complement Clark’s playmaking abilities well, making her an intriguing option.
4. Sedona Prince (TCU)
Finally, Sedona Prince from TCU would bring an imposing factor to the Fever's lineup, standing at 6’7” and showcasing impressive stats such as 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. As a traditional center, she possesses the skill set that might be hard to find elsewhere in the modern game. However, her past injuries and personal issues may pose a risk that Indiana would need to assess thoroughly. Securing Prince alongside Clark would give coach White the opportunity to create mismatches and depth in the frontcourt.
Draft Challenge
With only two second-round picks and one third-round pick in the 2025 Draft, Indiana's options for star talent may be limited compared to previous years. Nevertheless, with strategic thinking—as they demonstrated when picking up Sophie Cunningham, for example—they can still identify complementary players to enhance their existing strong core. Despite the challenges presented by a rising salary cap and potential competitiveness, Kelly Krauskopf has laid the groundwork for a successful roster.
Finding impactful players who can add to the team’s dynamic without disrupting their current chemistry will be pivotal moving into the season. Whether they unearth another hidden gem or their offseason moves suffice is a question that will soon be answered on April 14.