Posts by Hunter Cruse

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

LSU's Flau'jae Johnson pictured getting up shots ahead of the Tigers first SEC Tournament game against Auburn on March 8, 2024.

Film room: Why Flau’jae Johnson is a future lottery pick

March 18, 2024

She’s one of the most electric players in college basketball

GREENVILLE, South Carolina - MARCH 09 - Bon Secours Arena during the Women’s Basketball SEC Tournament between the the Tennessee Volunteers and South Carolina Gamecocks at Bon Secours Arena in Greenville, South Carolina on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

2024 WNBA Draft prospects impress at SEC Tournament

March 12, 2024

Rickea Jackson, Kamilla Cardoso, among standout performers in Greenville

GREENVILLE, South Carolina - MARCH 08 - Texas A&M's Endyia Rogers (1) South Carolina's Raven Johnson (25) during the Women’s Basketball SEC Tournament between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Texas A&M Aggies at Bon Secours Arena in Greenville, South Carolina on Friday, March 8, 2024. (Photo credit: Todd Van Emst, SEC)

Inside Raven Johnson’s defensive impact through the eyes of her teammates

March 10, 2024

‘She’s always up for the challenge by saying, ‘I want to guard her’ or ‘She’s not scoring on me,’ so hearing those things makes me want to do that too’

Tennessee guard Jewel Spear is shown in profile shooting a 3-pointer over Alabama's Sarah Ashlee Barker.

Smooth, steady, reliable: Why Jewel Spear is crucial to Tennessee’s postseason success

March 9, 2024

The 5’10 senior guard made SEC Tournament history in win over Alabama

French guard Leïla Lacan pictured on the left; Australian forward Nyadiew Puoch pictured on the right

How international prospects will shape 2024 WNBA Draft

February 25, 2024

A historical look into how the Lacan, Puoch-led 2024 international class compares to the past

Atlanta Dream guard Haley Jones (13) warms up before the WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA on June 15, 2023. (Photo Credit: Chris Poss, The Next)

Inside the Atlanta Dream’s player development approach

February 18, 2024

What rising second-year guard Haley Jones is working on this offseason

Utah's Alissa Pili dribbles the ball with her left hand and uses her right arm to try to fend off a defender.

Prospect Pulse: What do WNBA scouts think of Utah’s Alissa Pili?

February 11, 2024

‘She’s big, strong and agile; I had no idea she was that mobile’

Tina Charles pictured in a game on July 30, 2022 against the Washington Mystics (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra, The Next)

Dream add former WNBA MVP Tina Charles, re-sign Nia Coffey

February 1, 2024

Analyzing Atlanta’s newest free agency signings

Los Angeles Sparks guard Jordin Canada (21) before the WNBA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA on September 05, 2023.

Dream trade for Jordin Canada from Sparks

February 1, 2024

Atlanta makes big moves to open WNBA offseason

LSU's Angel Reese smiling at the free-throw line in a win over Missouri on Jan. 4, 2024.

Are recruiting rankings an indicator of WNBA success?

January 28, 2024

Historical analysis on the last decade of high school rankings from ESPN and BlueStar