Zaay Green: From HBCU Standout to WNBA Prospect

The 2025 WNBA Draft, held in New York City, showcased the talent emerging from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Among the players hoping to make their mark in the professional league was Zaay Green, a versatile guard with a unique journey through college basketball. The event was broadcast on ESPN from The Shed at Hudson Yards.

HBCU Representation in the WNBA: A Growing Legacy

Zaay Green, along with Diamond Johnson from Norfolk State, were considered for a spot on a WNBA team, potentially joining the ranks of seven other HBCU women’s basketball athletes who have previously been drafted into the league. These players represent essential milestones in the history of women's basketball at HBCUs.

Here's a look at the HBCU-WNBA Draft history:

Denique Graves (Howard University) - 15th overall pick, 1997 (highest draft position for an HBCU player).
Karen Wilkins (Howard University) - Phoenix Mercury, 1998.
Andrea Gardner (Howard University) - Utah Starzz, 2002.
Jacklyn Winfield (Southern University and A&M College) - Utah Starzz, 2002.
Amba Kongolo (North Carolina Central University) - Phoenix Mercury, 2002.
Ameshya Williams-Holliday (Jackson State University) - 25th overall pick, Indiana Fever, 2022.
Angel Jackson (Jackson State University) - 36th overall pick, Las Vegas Aces, 2024.

Most recently, Angel Jackson and Ameshya Williams-Holliday from Jackson State were the latest players drafted. Should Diamond Johnson and Zaay Green join the league, it would further demonstrate the growing recognition and respect for the HBCU talent.

Zaay Green: A Profile of Versatility and Determination

At 6-2, Zaay Green is a guard who projects for a third-round selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The Duncanville, Texas native has a size and length of 6-2 with long arms. For speed, Green is quick and can create plays with and away from the basketball.

Collegiate Career

Green's journey began at Tennessee. After transferring from UAPB, she finished her collegiate career at Alabama. Prior to UAPB, she spent time at Tennessee, showcasing her adaptability and drive. Green, a graduate student from Duncanville, Texas, averaged 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 steals, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 64 percent from the field in helping lead the Golden Lions to a 2-0 record last week. In the Golden Lions’ victory over Alcorn State (2/5), she scored 18 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, handed out four assists, recorded three steals and two blocks, and made 7-of-13 shots from the field.

Performance at Alabama

She has had a solid season, averaging 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. She played at Alabama against mainly Power 4 schools, averaging 31.6 minutes, led the Crimson Tide in scoring with 519 points (15.7 PPG), posted double-digit scoring in 29-33 contests, and led in team assists with 4.5 PPG.

Strengths and Potential

Green, like Johnson, is fearless. Green, 25, provides versatility and decisive off the dribble, creating her shots, which is an asset in the pros. Some mock drafts place Zaay Green as high as the late second going into the third, but she could project well for teams like the Dallas and Seattle Storm.

Draft Intangibles: Size and School

For example, Zaay Green fits the mold that WNBA draft evaluators most likely used in selecting her for Monday night's draft. The Duncanville, Texas native has a size and length of 6-2 with long arms. For speed, Green is quick and can create plays with and away from the basketball. She played at Alabama against mainly Power 4 schools, averaging 31.6 minutes, led the Crimson Tide in scoring with 519 points (15.7 PPG), posted double-digit scoring in 29-33 contests, and led in team assists with 4.5 PPG.

Contrasting Draft Prospects: Zaay Green vs. Diamond Johnson

The business side of sports was evident when the WNBA drafted Zaay Green but did not select Diamond Johnson. With only 38 WNBA draft slots available, both were draftable. Unfortunately, Johnson became a victim due to two draft intangibles - SIZE and SCHOOL. Diamond Johnson's statistics were above Green's and other draftees by averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per game during the 2024-25 season. Size matters for the WNBA, with Johnson standing at 5-5. It's not about "body shaming." Facing a perimeter defender with substantial height will affect a shooter's performance.

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The "Size, Speed, Length, and School" Factor

All is fair in a professional draft. What's unfair for most in our sports society is the inclination to draft potential players based on "Size, Length, Speed, and School." After covering the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton and Dennis Allen used the criteria as the measurables for each of their top draft choices. Money, benefits, job security, and other factors also play into the decision-making for a draft pick. When the former New Orleans Saints coach, Dennis Allen, stated that they focused on the school and the level of competition that said school faced when drafting wide receiver Chris Olave out of Ohio State, it made sense for that franchise. Do other professional teams duplicate decision criteria? Yes. Zaay left the HBCU sports world, joined Alabama, and improved her draft stock. As we observe how the HBCU talent are entering the NCAA transfer portal at a record pace, don't expect the trend to taper off in the upcoming seasons.

The Importance of Optics

Since size matters, optics as well. WNBA, NFL, NBA, and other professional talent evaluators face the pressure of "getting it right" for the picks they suggest for their respective clubs. Should a general manager make the wrong call on draft night, it could have staggering consequences that owners and fans won't ever let them forget. CYA - you get the picture.

Diamond Johnson: A Standout Despite Draft Disappointment

Diamond Johnson, a standout guard from Norfolk State, is projected to be a mid-to-late second-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Her outstanding 2024-25 season included 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. She captured the attention of scouts unaware of her court prowess during the NCAA Tournament versus Maryland, where she started the contest with 16 points in the first half. She also showcased her talent by earning MVP honors at the 2025 Libby's Women's College All-Star Game, where she scored 21 points (17 in the second half) and hit the game-winning shot.

Overcoming Size Disadvantages

Don't let Johnson's 5-5 frame fool you. She's a scorer, facilitator, stoute defender, and a great leader on and off the court. Mia Berry told HBCU Legends, "Diamond actually improved under [Larry] Vickers. A lot of elements of her game; her mid-range is so fluid now. She's become a little more consistent from beyond the arc." Berry continued, "She's learning how to feed her teammates… you can see the development. I believe people are going to take note of that." Berry predicts Johnson should not fall past the middle-to-late second round. Several WNBA mock drafts place her as a late second-round or early third-round pick. Teams like the Golden State Valkyries and Chicago Sky could use a talent like Johnson.

Fearlessness and Scoring Ability

Diamond Johnson has the innate talent every scoring threat should have - FEARLESSNESS. The Libby's Women's College Basketball All-Star Game MVP proved she belongs on the big stage as a professional ball player. She only had four points going into halftime before taking over the game for Team Miller with 17 points in the second half. 13-of-17 second-half points were in the 4th quarter by the 2025 HBCU Legends Women's Basketball Player of the Year. Diamond Johnson hits the game winner!!! The two-time MEAC Player of the Year also contributed four rebounds and two steals in just fifteen minutes of play.

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Potential for Growth

One of the key attributes of many rookies is that they are still raw. Diamond Johnson will likely come in and focus on improving her game like any other newcomer. So, don't expect her to impact her team immediately; give it some time. However, for many of her HBCU sports fans, Diamond is already legendary. If an owner, general manager, or scout decides to reach out to her this Monday, it could be one of their wisest choices.

Expert Opinions on Johnson

Berry remarked about Johnson, "Someone asked me, what is your unbiased and biased opinion about Diamond? They're like, unbiased? I really feel like she should go no later than the middle-to-late second round. I'm looking at her talent. Diamond actually improved under [Larry] Vickers. A lot of elements of her game; her mid-range is so fluid now. She's become a little more consistent from beyond the arc." Berry continued, "She's learning how to feed her teammates… you can see the development. I believe people are going to take note of that." Former WNBA All-Star Chasity Melvin and current assistant coach at UNC-Ashville pointed out the following on the WNBA's assessment of Johnson:"Diamond Johnson is the most notable that didn't get drafted to me -and let's be real, it's because of her size and the last college she played for . She's right there with [Georgia] Amoore. Shifty, fearless, can create her own shot, and sees the floor." The Mystics also selected Amoore with the 6th overall pick. The Kentucky 5-6 guard averaged 19.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game. The argument could be made that Amoore had a higher caliber of competition and more assists, but last season, Johnson did not run point all the time and shared in the scoring with Kierra Miller (headed to W. Virginia).

Tilly Boler: Another HBCU Hopeful

Former Jackson State and Memphis standout Tilly Boler could also get the nod tonight. Some project her as an undrafted free agent.

The Influence of HBCU Programs

It's safe to say Mia Berry knows sports, especially HBCU women's basketball. Andscape's HBCU journalist believes "multiple names" could be called during Monday's 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. "The WNBA has shown over the last few years that they are willing to look at these HBCU players," Berry said. "I think this year we get two. I think we get Diamond Johnson out of Norfolk State," and later, she mentioned "Zaay Green" as a potential draftee.

The Future of HBCU Talent in the WNBA

As we observe how the HBCU talent are entering the NCAA transfer portal at a record pace, don't expect the trend to taper off in the upcoming seasons. Diamond Johnson will get her opportunity as vertically challenged stars Mougsey Bowles and Avery Johnson proved themselves in the NBA. Will it be in 2025? According to the team, personnel needs, and the coach, Johnson must show she's worth the money for a franchise to invest in her this season. HBCU schools must continue to defeat Power 4 schools while proving they are matchup nightmares. The Curious Case of Coach Larry Vickers accentuates the hypothesis. When Norfolk State defeated Auburn and Missouri and lost by 10 points to then-No. 22 Alabama on Nov.

Fan Reactions and Discussions

Online forums and social media platforms buzzed with discussions about Zaay Green and her potential in the WNBA. Some fans compared her stats to those of other players, while others focused on her size and versatility. There were debates about whether she would get drafted and how she would perform against WNBA competition. Some fans expressed disappointment that she didn't stay at Tennessee, while others wished her continued success in her future endeavors. Many acknowledged her scoring ability and unselfish playmaking.

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