The Indiana Fever are poised to make waves in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and whispers from the basketball world suggest they might have their eyes on a familiar face: Iowa’s Lucy Olsen, projected as a potential steal at the #19 pick. After a transformative 2024 season that saw the Fever return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, the team is hungry to build a championship-caliber roster. Olsen, a dynamic guard with a knack for scoring and playmaking, could be the perfect addition to elevate Indiana’s backcourt depth and ignite their title chase. But what makes this potential pick so exciting, and why are fans buzzing about Olsen joining the Fever? Let’s dive into the story that’s setting the WNBA ablaze.

Lucy Olsen’s journey to the draft is nothing short of inspiring. After three standout seasons at Villanova, where she racked up 1,504 points and earned the Big East Most Improved Player award, Olsen transferred to Iowa for her senior year to fill the colossal void left by Caitlin Clark. Stepping into the spotlight at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, she didn’t just meet expectations—she shattered them. Averaging 17.9 points and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 36% from three, Olsen led the Hawkeyes to a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Her midrange mastery and ability to create off the dribble drew comparisons to Clark, though her game leans more on crafty footwork than long-range sniping. For Fever fans, the idea of pairing Olsen with Clark feels like a homecoming—a chance to reunite Iowa’s past and present in Indianapolis.

The Fever’s draft strategy in 2025 is shaped by their recent roster overhaul. Trading away the #8 pick and NaLyssa Smith to land veteran sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham signaled a clear intent: Indiana is all-in for a title run now. With picks #19, #20, and #33, the Fever aren’t chasing high-upside projects but rather players who can contribute immediately, even in limited roles. Olsen fits the bill perfectly. Her ability to run the offense as a backup point guard could give Clark much-needed rest, while her scoring instincts would mesh seamlessly with Indiana’s fast-paced style. “Lucy’s a gamer,” Iowa coach Jan Jensen said. “She thrives in big moments and brings energy every possession.” That’s exactly what the Fever need to complement their star-studded core.

But why Olsen at #19, and why the buzz? The 2025 draft is guard-heavy, with names like Paige Bueckers and Te-Hina Paopao likely gone in the top 10. By the time Indiana picks, many mock drafts project Olsen as one of the best available talents, especially for a team needing backcourt depth. Her 5’10” frame and relentless motor make her a versatile fit, capable of playing alongside Clark or Kelsey Mitchell. Social media is alight with Fever fans dreaming of an Iowa reunion, with one X post calling Olsen “the spark Indiana’s bench needs.” Sentimentality aside, her fit is practical: the Fever’s tight cap space means rookies must earn spots through grit and skill, and Olsen’s college resume screams “ready to grind.”

Critics, however, raise valid concerns. The WNBA’s limited roster spots—only 12 per team—make it tough for second-round picks to stick. Some argue Olsen’s lack of elite athleticism or a consistent three-point shot could hinder her transition. “She’s loose with her handles and not a true point guard,” one Reddit user noted, suggesting she might struggle against pro defenses. Yet Olsen’s intangibles—her knack for clutch plays and ability to adapt—counter these doubts. Her 1.9 steals per game at Iowa show defensive tenacity, a trait Indiana desperately needs after ranking near the bottom in defensive rating last season. Pairing her with veterans like Cunningham and Sydney Colson could smooth her learning curve.

The bigger picture is what Olsen represents for the Fever’s future. With Clark and Boston as cornerstones, Indiana is building a culture of excellence, and adding a player with Olsen’s work ethic aligns with that vision. New coach Stephanie White, a Fever legend herself, values players who embrace the grind, and Olsen’s journey from Villanova to Iowa proves she’s no stranger to challenges. Whether she’s spelling Clark, stretching defenses with her jumper, or hustling for loose balls, Olsen could carve out a role as a fan favorite in Indianapolis.

As the draft nears on April 14, 2025, the excitement around Olsen grows. Will the Fever pull the trigger at #19, or will another team snatch her first? One thing’s clear: Olsen’s potential to thrive in Indiana isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about adding a fearless competitor to a team on the cusp of greatness. If she lands with the Fever, expect sparks to fly at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The WNBA’s next chapter is being written, and Lucy Olsen might just pen a starring role.