Janiah Barker Selected by Las Vegas Aces in 2026 WNBA Draft: A New Chapter for Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball
Tennessee Lady Vols basketball standout Janiah Barker has been chosen in the 2026 WNBA Draft, selected by the Las Vegas Aces in the second round as the 29th overall pick. Barker will now be part of the reigning WNBA champions' roster, which boasts several returning key players from the previous season. During her time at Tennessee, Barker showcased her skills by averaging 14.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, demonstrating her talent on the court.
Despite her impressive performance, Barker faced challenges during her college career, including a suspension in February and missing a crucial NCAA Tournament game due to illness. Before joining Tennessee, Barker had stints at Texas A&M and UCLA, where she played a supporting role for a top-tier team. Last season, Barker was one of three transfers to join the Lady Vols, but the team struggled towards the end of the regular season, leading to multiple players entering the transfer portal.
With all eight potential returners from the team opting to transfer, the Lady Vols have secured four transfer commitments so far, with more expected to follow. The team is undergoing significant changes, and Barker's departure marks a new chapter for the program as they look to rebuild and strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.