Posts by Hunter Cruse

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

Atlanta Dream guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray hug.

2024 WNBA season preview: Atlanta Dream

May 1, 2024

The Dream remain committed to promising young core, but look to return to the playoffs in 2024

A collage of seven pictures of top WNBA draft prospects: In the middle, UConn guard Paige Bueckers screams in celebration while clenching her fists and flexing; surrounding her, from top-left clockwise: Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo holds the ball while looking into the distance; South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley jumps in midair higher than every other player on the court to release a floater; Stanford big Kiki Iriafen holds the ball above her head in midair to release a jump shot over the extended arm of a defender; Texas A&M big Janiah Barker looks down; Texas wing Madison Booker leans over and yells in celebration, while teammates yell in random directions in celebration as well; JuJu Watkins holds the ball over head to release a free-throw.

Who are the top WNBA draft prospects in college basketball?

April 23, 2024

The future has never been brighter

Nyadiew Puoch poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert at the 2024 WNBA Draft

Atlanta Dream add international talent in the 2024 WNBA Draft

April 16, 2024

Atlanta looks toward future with draft haul headlined by Australia’s Nyadiew Puoch

A collage of four pictures of 2024 WNBA draft prospects: top left, Iowa point guard Caitlin Clark looks down in thought; top right, Stanford center Cameron Brink smiles while looking down; bottom left, UConn center Aaliyah Edwards celebrates during a game; bottom right, Angers combo guard Leïla Lacan looks ahead while crouched over to dribble forward.

Who’s Next — The Next’s 2024 WNBA Draft Board v2.0

April 8, 2024

In-depth scouting reports on every potential major contributor

Syracuse guard Dyaisha Fair at the 2024 ACC Tournament (Photo credit: Mitchell Northam, The Next)

Dyaisha Fair, Mackenzie Holmes headline roster for Women’s College All-Star Game

April 4, 2024

20 of the nation’s top seniors will cap off their collegiate careers in Cleveland

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