Just months ago, Janiah Barker was being mentioned as a surefire first-round pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. In fact, some early mock drafts had her going as high as No. 2 overall. At 6’4” with elite length, athleticism, and flashes of shot-making and defensive versatility, Barker looked like the prototype of the modern forward.

But now?
She’s pulled out of the WNBA Draft and instead entered the transfer portal — and it has the women’s basketball world asking:

What went wrong?

 From Texas A&M Star to WNBA Hopeful

In her time at Texas A&M, Barker showed why she was once a top recruit. She averaged 12.7 points, 7 rebounds, and posted solid shooting splits — around 47% from the field, 35–40% from three, and had the physical tools to be a two-way threat.

She was explosive, confident, and projected to only get better.

 The UCLA Experiment That Didn’t Work

After transferring to UCLA this past season, the trajectory shifted.

She averaged just 7.4 points and 6 rebounds

Her three-point shooting plummeted to 18%

She shot just 65% from the free throw line

In the NCAA tournament, she scored only 3 points in a key loss to UConn

Her only double-digit scoring performance came in a 40-point blowout win

It’s safe to say: her stock took a major hit.

Once viewed as a top-5 pick, she started to fall off first-round projections entirely. Many assumed she’d stay another year in college — and now, that’s exactly what’s happening.

 From WNBA Bound to Transfer Portal

While Barker was initially expected to declare for the draft after her junior year, she’s now decided to re-enter the college system via the transfer portal, signaling that she’s not ready — or not positioned — to jump to the next level just yet.

This move echoes a similar path taken by Haley Van Lith, another star whose transfer didn’t pan out the way she or fans expected. Both entered high-profile programs, took a step back statistically, and are now looking for a reset.

 So… What’s Next for Barker?

Despite the down year, Barker still holds immense potential:

True 6’4 frame with guard-like skills

Versatile defender capable of switching onto guards and bigs

At her best, she can shoot the three, defend, and rebound at a high level

But she needs a system where she’s allowed to grow, not get buried on the bench or stuck in a rotation that doesn’t suit her strengths. If she finds that fit — LSU, South Carolina, or even a return to Texas A&M — she could rebuild her stock and become a top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, especially in a class that’s projected to be guard-heavy.

Draft Analysts React

Even as recently as October, respected analysts like Hunter Cruse had Barker at #2 overall in early mock drafts. She was once projected to go to Indiana or Minnesota — both in need of long, athletic forwards.

But as the season progressed, and Barker’s production faded, her name quietly disappeared from draft boards.

Her potential, however, never disappeared.

 High-Risk, High-Reward Prospect

Janiah Barker may now be the ultimate wild card for 2025. She could:

Regain confidence and become a top-3 pick, or

Struggle again and fall entirely out of the first round

That’s the gamble teams will face next year.

“She’s still the highest-upside forward in next year’s class,” said one analyst.
“But upside is only worth something if you show signs of growth.”

Final Thoughts

Barker’s journey is far from over — but it’s no longer straightforward. She’s passed up on a guaranteed WNBA opportunity to take another shot at college basketball. For some, it’s a risk. For others, it’s a smart reset.

Either way, all eyes are on where she lands next — because the right program could turn her into the WNBA star she was always meant to be.

 What Do You Think?

Was pulling out of the WNBA Draft the right call?

Can Barker bounce back and reclaim her top-pick status?

Where should she transfer next?

Let us know in the comments below