Awa Fam’s Unprecedented Journey

Awa Fam’s remarkable transition from a Spanish champion to a WNBA rookie sensation has left fans and coaches alike in awe. Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm, Fam’s incredible journey is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and natural talent.

Despite being drafted by the Seattle Storm, Fam surprisingly returned to Spain to rejoin Valencia Basket, the Liga Feminina team she had been playing for since she was 15. This unusual decision allowed her to maintain her connection with her Spanish team and fans while also acclimating to her new surroundings in Seattle.

‘It was easy, really,’ Fam said, describing her whirlwind transition to the WNBA. Her confidence and poise have been evident in her impressive performances on the court, where she has quickly established herself as one of the league’s most promising young players.

Since moving into the starting lineup on June 3, Fam has been averaging 11.9 points, six rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks on 49.7% shooting, including 38.6% from 3-point range on 4.6 attempts per game. For the season, Fam leads all rookies in rebounds and blocks, is sixth in scoring, eighth in 3-point percentage, and 10th in assists.

Key to Success: Fam’s Versatility

A key factor in Fam’s rapid success has been her versatility on the court. Not only can she score inside and out, but she is also a gifted and willing passer who can operate as an offensive hub. ‘The great thing about Awa is there’s a lot of advantages on the floor that she creates,’ said Storm coach Sonia Raman.

Fam’s efficiency marks are above league average in all four key categories: at the rim, mid-range, 3-point range, and the free throw line. She is making 39.2% of her catch-and-shoot 3s, and among players 6-foot-4 or taller, only Jonquel Jones (47) has made more 3s than Fam (32).

Passing Ability: A Rare Gift

Fam’s passing ability is a rare gift for a frontcourt player, and it has impressed Raman the most in her first two months in Seattle. ‘The way she sees the floor, can play-make a little bit, almost hub-like in her ability to have the ball in her hands and be on the perimeter and find her teammates coming off of pins or actions out of the corner, finding them on cuts to the rim, I think she’s really talented in that area,’ Raman said.

Turnovers have been an issue at times as Fam adjusts to the speed and physicality of the WNBA, but her vision and passing ability are obvious and rare for a frontcourt player. Fam’s love for playmaking started at an early age, when she had what amounts to an epiphany in Valencia.

Awa Fam’s Unparalleled Potential

Awa Fam’s unparalleled potential has already made her an elite pick-and-roll player, scoring 1.5 points per possession as a roller – second among the 21 players with at least 25 PNR roller possessions – and shooting 68.6%. Her athleticism, footwork, and scoring versatility are so impressive that they have caught the attention of her teammates and coaches alike.