Posts by Lincoln Shafer

Hunter Cruse covers the Atlanta Dream and the WNBA Draft for The Next.

NC State guard Aziaha James looks up to the off-camera basket while holding the ball to her chest and getting ready to shoot a free-throw

A deep dive into scouting conversations at The Next

December 15, 2024

Looking at Aziaha James’ jumper

A collage of nine pictures of top 2025 WNBA draft prospects: In the middle, UConn guard Paige Bueckers screams in celebration; surrounding her, from top-left clockwise: South Carolina guard Raven Johnson dribble around an Iowa defender; UCLA forward Janiah Barker holds the ball out in one outstreched arm at the top of a crossover; NC State guard Saniya Rivers dribbles between her legs while looking toward the paint; Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles dribbles up the court; Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron holds her shot release while turning to jog back up the court in front of a full audience; Slovenian forward Ajsa Sivka moves up the court; South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao reaches in to deflect the ball from an Iowa player's dribble; Stanford big Kiki Iriafen holds the ball above her head in midair to release a jump shot over the extended arm of a defender.

Who’s Next — The Next’s 2025 WNBA Draft Board, V1.0

October 14, 2024

The most detailed 2025 WNBA draft resource available outside a team’s actual war room

Kate Harpring #15 of the Double Dynasty dribbles the ball up the court during an OT Select game on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at OTE Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Top-20 recruit Kate Harpring named inaugural Overtime Select MVP

September 16, 2024

New high school league spotlights 15 top prospects in championship game

Kelis Fisher #8 of the ISO WRLD in action during an OT Select Game on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at OTE Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo credit: Adam Hagy, Overtime)

Get to know 2025 UConn commit Kelis Fisher

August 15, 2024

‘I want to build a legacy, I want to win, and probably be in the Hall of Fame one day’

Kaleena Smith participates in an OT Select Game on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at OTE Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo credit: Adam Hagy, Overtime)

No. 1 sophomore Kaleena Smith is redefining what it means to be a small guard

August 14, 2024

‘I feel like I’m different from everyone else’

Sienna Betts (left) and Jazzy Davidson (right) of the All Knighters during an OT Select Game on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at OTE Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo credit: Adam Hagy, Overtime)

Top 2025 recruits Sienna Betts and Jazzy Davidson form a dominant duo at Overtime Select

August 11, 2024

Betts: ‘I think she’s my favorite player to ever play with, I’m going to say that now and forever’

Mia Pauldo (3) looks toward a defender and holds the ball toward her left side during a game for Overtime Select team Double Dynasty.

Overtime Select prospects reflect on impact of high school recruit rankings

August 7, 2024

Taylor Brown: ‘When I see those lists come out, and I’m not on them, I just use it as motivation and fuel’

Jezelle "GG" Banks #3 of the YGE celebrates during an OT Select game on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at OTE Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo credit: Adam Hagy, Overtime)

GG Banks, Oliviyah Edwards shine during Overtime Select’s debut weekend

August 6, 2024

Fast-rising stars kick off new prospects league

Atlanta Dream forward Laeticia Amihere handles the ball for Canada against Japan at the 2022 FIBA World Cup on Sept. 25, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo credit: @CanBball on X/Twitter)

Canada’s Laeticia Amihere becomes the youngest Olympian in Dream history

July 7, 2024

“It’s going to be a moment that is very meaningful for me and my family”

Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) leads a pregame huddle ahead of a game against the Washington Mystics at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C on May 29, 2024 (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra | The Next)

How Naz Hillmon is steadying Atlanta amid rocky 7-10 start

July 1, 2024

How forward Naz Hillmon is making her impact for the Dream on and off the court through the team’s early struggles