Awa Fam achieved a lifelong goal when the Seattle Storm selected her third overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13, making her the highest-drafted Spanish player in WNBA history. Rather than immediately relocating to the Pacific Northwest, Fam returned to her team in Spain, Valencia Basket, where she had been playing since age 15. This dual commitment lasted approximately one month as she balanced playoff competition in Liga Feminina with remote preparation for the WNBA through video sessions with Storm assistant coaches.
Fam relocated to Seattle on May 21, just days after Valencia won its fourth consecutive league title. She made her WNBA debut three days later at age 19, appearing in a 97-85 victory over the Washington Mystics with 10 points on 4 of 7 shooting and two rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench. The transition to the professional American league differed significantly from her Spanish experience, which she described as more tactical and possession-limited compared to the faster, more physical pace of the WNBA. Despite the substantial adjustment required, Fam demonstrated remarkable composure throughout the process.
Since moving into the starting lineup on June 3, Fam has averaged 11.9 points, six rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.2 blocks on 49.7% shooting, including 38.6% from 3-point range. For the season, she leads all rookies in rebounds and blocks, ranks sixth in scoring among rookies, eighth in 3-point percentage and tenth in assists. At 6-foot-4, Fam demonstrates offensive versatility with efficiency above league average in all four key categories: at the rim, mid-range, 3-point range and free throw line. She has taken 88 three-pointers in 22 games with Seattle, exceeding her total of 82 attempts across 47 games with Valencia the previous season.
Fam became the 14th teenager in WNBA history to appear in a game and only the second teenager ever to score in double figures in her debut, joining Liz Cambage in that distinction. In nine games before turning 20 on June 17, she accumulated 90 points, tying for the fourth-most ever by a teenager. Her scoring pace places her fourth among players aged 20 or younger for a single season. Storm coach Sonia Raman has emphasized Fam’s exceptional play-making ability and her quick learning capacity on both ends of the floor, while noting intentions to establish her more frequently in the paint going forward.
The Storm currently hold a 6-22 record and sit in last place, though the organization views Fam as a cornerstone of its young core during its early-stage rebuild. Teammate Dominique Malonga and fellow rookie Flau’jae Johnson have highlighted Fam’s poise, confidence and work ethic as exceptional for her age and experience level in the professional league.
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