Indiana Fever pick Grace Berger from Indiana women's basketball in WNBA Draft

Grace Berger was selected seventh overall Monday night in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.

Berger played five seasons at Indiana, starting 118 games ‒ including all of her appearances starting as a sophomore ‒ as the Hoosiers went from a Big Ten upstart to a national contender.

She finished her IU career with a 16.0-point scoring average and 1,841 points (fourth), 752 rebounds (fifth), 573 assists (second) and 170 steals (seventh). Berger was a four-time All-Big Ten honoree and an honorable mention All-American in 2023.

"I loved being a Hoosier, every single second of it. It's the best decision I've ever made," Berger said after the Hoosiers' NCAA tournament loss to Miami. "Coach (Teri) Moren is someone who's going to impact me far more than just my five years here. I love this program, I love this university, I love my coaches, I love my teammates."

Grace Berger's goodbye: Coach says Berger is the best possible teammate

Where is Grace Berger from?

She is from Louisville, Ky. She played at Sacred Heart, where she had 1,886 points and 988 rebounds, and was a Kentucky All-Star in 2018.

How tall is Grace Berger?

6-0

Grace Berger WNBA Draft profile

M.A. Voepel, ESPN: 9th to the Seattle Storm

Berger is the type of gritty, determined, highly motivated player coaches love. But she's not just blue-collar good, she's very skilled. Berger hasn't shot the 3-ball as much as some other top guards, but she has the work ethic to add things to her game at the pro level. And she could help the Storm reshape their identity after Sue Bird's retirement and Breanna Stewart's departure in free agency.

"One of the things I love about Grace is her ability to play three positions," said Indiana Fever executive Lin Dunn. "She can play the 2, the 1, the 3. She's physically strong, tough."

Jack Maloney, CBS Sports: 9th

Berger's final season with the Hoosiers ended in disappointing fashion with a second-round loss to Miami in the NCAA Tournament, but her 17 points, six rebounds and six assists in that game were another reminder of her strong all-around game. Though Berger may not have the upside of some other prospects, she's a big, versatile guard who doesn't make many mistakes. The Storm can use all of those skills as they try to rebuild following Breanna Stewart's departure and Sue Bird's retirement.

Rachel Galligan, Just Women's Sports: 7th to the Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever could go in a number of different directions with this pick. Beyond the sentiment of keeping Hoosiers star Grace Berger in state, the 6-0 guard has the “it” factor as a tough and disciplined competitor. Berger is as steady as they come at the guard spot and has elevated her play in the biggest moments this season. She is one of the most composed players in the 2023 class.

While Indiana’s roster looks a bit guard-heavy at first glance, Berger would bring a unique skill set with her mid-range efficiency and her ability to play on or off the ball and rebound from the guard spot. Berger is averaging a career-best 5.8 assists per game for Indiana this season, and while she’s not known for her 3-point shot, she’s been efficient when she’s taken them, averaging 40 percent from range. Her experience and on-court leadership would be welcome on the Fever’s young, rebuilding roster.

2023 WNBA Draft

The Indiana Fever are scheduled to pick first and seventh in the first round of the draft. They are likely to select Aliyah Boston from South Carolina first.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Grace Berger WNBA Draft profile: Indiana women's basketball star