Future Development: Keep an Eye on These Prospects This Season
We took a retrospective look at the class of 2024 now that they are preparing for their junior season in college and re-ranked a (current) top 15. We heavily considered these players below and believe they could all stake a claim at the top of the class before their college career is over. Let's take a quick look:
Arianna Roberson, Forward, Duke
2024 SC Next Ranking: 17
6-4 with a 6-8 wingspan with mobility defensively as well as the ability to operate away from the rim offensively. Roberson missed her freshman year due to a knee injury, but we expect a major jump in her play this season – just look at the uptick in production in ACC play last season. Must improve from the free throw line.
Berry Wallace, Forward, Illinois
2024 SC Next Ranking: 22
Wallace has a credible prospect foundation because she’s 6-1, and she can score, shoot, and rebound efficiently in the Big Ten. The next step is proving she can slide over and do those things more from a wing than from a forward spot – although in the mold of a Maddie Siegrist and/or Bridget Carleton (both listed at 6-2), we see comparisons; Wallace’s size being the difference.
Taj Roberts, Guard, Louisville
2024 SC Next Ranking: 24
Roberts has demonstrated that she can score from the perimeter, be a playmaker for others, and shows decent defensive activity. Her strength as a point of attack defender must improve as well as her overall shooting, especially inside the arc. She has had some big games against name opponents, something that puts her on the radar. Can she be a full time point guard? Role and positional definition can be a strength as players look to elevate a level.
Kiyomi McMiller, Guard, Florida
2024 SC Next Ranking: 27
Immensely talented with the ball in her hands and can create a shot anytime she wants but has now been at three programs in three years (.400 winning % in games she played). Must prove she can run a team with some solidarity from the lead guard role. She had an incredible six-game run for Penn State in 25-26 Big 10 play: 34.3 points, 6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.8 steals on 54.2% from the field and 62.1% from the three – most importantly for a point guard: they won 4 of 6.
Me’Arah O’Neal, Forward, Kentucky
2024 SC Next Ranking: 31
At 6-4, O’Neal offers a size and skill package that teases the next level prospect talk. As someone who can stretch the defense and also protect the rim, she is legitimate in that sense. It is everything in between and her overall motor that will determine if this is a reality or not. She has transferred to Kentucky – known for forward development and their usage of the three-ball.
Katie Fiso, Point Guard, Oregon
2024 SC Next Ranking: 34
She is a floor general in the full sense of the word. Fiso is a confrontational and fiery competitor but must prove she can shoot the three better as well as fully trust her left hand as she creates versus pressure. Adding strength to her frame at 5-11 will benefit her. Look for her to continue to emerge in this sense at Oregon this season – just as she did from her freshman to sophomore campaigns.