Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss women's basketball has been invited to attend the 2026 WNBA Draft, scheduled for April 13 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. McMahon aims to become the ninth Rebel drafted in school history and the fourth under head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. This season, she earned numerous accolades including SEC Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-SEC honors, showcasing her dominant performance with an average of 19.5 points per game.

By the Numbers
  • 19.5 points per game on 45.1% shooting during the season.
  • 34 double-digit scoring games, setting a new program record for a single season.
Yes, But

While McMahon鈥檚 achievements are impressive, the transition from college to the WNBA can present challenges, including adapting to faster gameplay and a more competitive environment. Moreover, the performance of drafted players can vary significantly in their rookie seasons.

State of Play
  • McMahon is one of four Rebels invited to the draft, which highlights the growing talent within Ole Miss women's basketball.
  • The program has made the NCAA tournament for five consecutive years, indicating a strong trend of improvement.
What's Next

Following the draft, McMahon鈥檚 performance will be closely watched as she transitions into professional basketball, with potential opportunities to influence future recruiting for Ole Miss. The program's upward trajectory may attract more talent and resources.

Bottom Line

McMahon鈥檚 invitation to the WNBA Draft signifies a milestone not only for her but also for Ole Miss women's basketball, which continues to gain prominence. Her success exemplifies the strengthening of the program amid a series of impressive seasons.