Duke's Taina Mair and Ashlon Jackson were both selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Mair was picked 14th overall in the first round by the Seattle Storm, making her the first Blue Devil to be a first-round pick since 2018. Jackson was selected 23rd overall in the second round by the Golden State Valkyries. This marks the first instance since 2020 that two Duke players have been drafted in the same year, and the first time since 2014 that two have gone in the top two rounds. Both athletes earned recognition as WBCA All-America honorable mentions.

By the Numbers
  • Taina Mair averaged 11.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in her senior season.
  • Ashlon Jackson ranked third in Duke history with 235 career three-pointers.
  • Duke finished the season with a record of 27-9, winning their first ACC regular season title since 2013.
State of Play
  • Both players were pivotal for Duke, leading the team to six wins against AP Top 25 teams.
  • Mair tied Duke's single-season assists record with 201 during her final season.
What's Next

As both players transition to the professional level, Mair will aim to make an immediate impact with the Seattle Storm, while Jackson will look to utilize her shooting and defensive skills with the Golden State Valkyries. Their performance in the WNBA could influence future recruitment strategies for Duke women's basketball.

Bottom Line

The successful draft of Mair and Jackson underscores Duke鈥檚 solid program reputation and highlights the growth of its women's basketball team. Their achievements set a promising trajectory for future Blue Devils in the league.