Awa Fam arrives in Seattle with momentum, confidence and a clear sense of purpose after helping Valencia win the Spanish League title. The No. 3 pick in the WNBA draft said she feels ready to begin her next challenge with the Seattle Storm, even after a demanding finish to her club season.
Fam made that point strongly in her first media session with U.S. reporters in Seattle. “I feel good. For me, it’s OK. I’m 19 years old. I’m ready to play right now in the W,” the 6-foot-4 center said, adding that she does not feel tired and is “more excited” than anything else.
Ready for the next step
The Storm have not announced when Fam will make her WNBA debut, but she made it clear that she is prepared whenever the call comes. Her focus has shifted quickly from Spain to the league she has long wanted to join, and she described the transition as something she welcomes rather than fears.
“This is what I love,” Fam said. “I love to be improving, I love to practice, to know more about this league and about this sport.” She added that she wants the “new challenges” that come with the move to the WNBA.
Fam’s arrival matters for Seattle, especially with frontcourt players Ezi Magbegor and Dominique Malonga sidelined because of foot and concussion issues respectively. The Storm were 2-4 after their win over the Connecticut Sun, and any added size and mobility in the paint could help as the team works through injuries.
A prospect with high expectations
Fam entered the draft with real attention around her name, including conversations about her as a possible No. 1 pick. Dallas selected UConn guard Azzi Fudd first, Minnesota took TCU guard Olivia Miles second, and Seattle landed Fam at No. 3.
The WNBA’s general managers already view her as one of the league’s most promising young players. In their preseason survey, they picked Miles as the favorite for Rookie of the Year, but they chose Fam as the rookie they believe will be the best player in five years.
That kind of long-term projection fits the image Fam projects in Seattle. She is not rushing, but she is also not hesitant, and she spoke with the tone of a player eager to learn quickly while trusting her own readiness.
Inspired by A’ja Wilson
Fam also spoke about the player who has shaped her view of the game. When asked who she models her style after and who she is most looking forward to facing, she gave the same answer: A’ja Wilson.
“A’ja Wilson is my idol,” Fam said of the Las Vegas Aces center and four-time MVP. She added that Wilson is her model and said the chance to reach this stage once felt far away.
“When I was 15 years old, I never imagined that I was going to be here,” Fam said. “Now I’m excited because my dream has come true.”
For Seattle, that excitement now becomes part of the bigger picture as the Storm wait for Fam to join the rotation and begin the WNBA chapter that already carries considerable promise.
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