Sparks draft pick Sarah Ashlee Barker checks all the boxes

By selecting Sarah Ashlee Barker with the No. 9 pick, the Sparks believe they drafted the player they need for a successful rebuild.

The Sparks have added another top young prospect to their roster, drafting Sarah Ashlee Barker with the No. 9 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Barker averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists for Alabama during her senior season. She’s also elite from deep, shooting 37.5% from 3-point range. In the modern game, the ability to be versatile and a perimeter threat is vital, and Barker is exactly that.

“One of the things that we really knew that this team needed was a 3-and-D player, and we looked in all positions for that,” general manager Raegan Pebley said after the draft. “We weren’t just narrowed in on a wing or a guard. We stayed really open to where that could come from. And in every way, Sarah Ashley Barker, and honestly, all three of our draftees, had checks in the eyes, the ears and the numbers.”

Barker played for Alabama for three years and established herself as a leader. Her final collegiate game against Maryland perfectly exemplifies her leadership and ability.

Alabama wasn’t able to win, losing 111-108 in double overtime in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but she was stupendous. She scored 45 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and shot 66% from deep.

Los Angeles is rebuilding and has failed to make the playoffs for the last four years. This is the longest time the Sparks have been without postseason play. With the team being so young, the players they bring can’t just be talented; they must fit a culture the franchise is trying to establish.

Barker’s maturity and quality as a player made the option to draft her an alluring proposition for the Sparks.

“She’s just very grounded and knows who she is, and to that humility piece, she knows that she’s got work to do and to improve her game and all those things,” head coach Lynne Roberts said after the draft. “And so there’s a confidence, humility, but just a real sense of self with her that I think is going to be a huge advantage for her in this league.”

On the court, the Sparks have to decide where Barker will be slotted. It’s early, and these things can change, but coach Roberts talked about what her role will likely be in the WNBA.

“I think she can play the three or the two and that was the biggest need we had coming into the draft,” Roberts said.

Now that the draft is over, the real work begins. The Sparks will begin training camp on April 27 and we’ll soon see Barker and the other draft picks, Sania Feagin and Liatu King, playing in Los Angeles.

Hopefully, these new additions, along with the acquisition of superstar Kelsey Plum and the development of Rae Burrell and Rickea Jackson, can bring the Sparks back to relevancy and make them postseason participants.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.