NEW YORK -- The 2025 WNBA Draft was a night of excitement and anticipation, especially for the Connecticut Sun, who made headlines by selecting two standout players. With the seventh overall pick, the Sun chose LSU forward Aneesah Morrow, followed by NC State's Saniya Rivers at the eighth spot. Both players are expected to make significant contributions to the team under the guidance of first-year head coach Rachid Meziane.
Aneesah Morrow's journey to the WNBA has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Morrow began her collegiate career at DePaul University, where she started all 66 games over two seasons, averaging over 20 points per game in each year. During her time with the Blue Demons, she set the single-season rebounding record, showcasing her dominance on the boards. After two successful seasons, Morrow transferred to LSU, where she continued to shine. Under coach Kim Mulkey, she became a key player for the Tigers, earning First-Team All-SEC honors both years and All-America recognition throughout her collegiate career.
In her final season at LSU, Morrow averaged an impressive 18.7 points per game while leading the nation in rebounding with 13.5 boards per contest. Her remarkable consistency was highlighted by a nation-leading 30 double-doubles during the 2024-25 campaign, the second-most ever by an LSU player. Morrow's accolades are numerous; she finished her career with 2,852 points, ranking 25th in NCAA Division I history, and 1,714 rebounds, which stands as the third most in NCAA Division I history. Notably, she is one of only eight players in NCAA Division I history to surpass 2,500 points and 1,500 rebounds.
Morrow's selection by the Connecticut Sun marks the second consecutive year that an LSU player has been taken with the seventh pick, following Angel Reese's selection by the Chicago Sky in 2024. This also extends LSU's streak to four consecutive years with a player drafted into the WNBA.
Meanwhile, Saniya Rivers, selected eighth overall, has also made a name for herself during her time at NC State. After starting her career with a national championship at South Carolina, Rivers transferred to NC State, where she helped lead the Wolfpack to a Final Four appearance in 2024. Rivers, a two-time All-ACC First Team and ACC All-Defensive Team selection, averaged 14.2 points per game in her junior year and showcased her defensive prowess with career averages of 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
In her senior season, Rivers improved her all-around game, averaging 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and leading the team with 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Her ability to attack the rim and create space for jump shots made her a versatile offensive threat. Rivers' career stats reflect her growth as a player; she played 128 games in college, averaging 9.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game overall, with a field goal percentage of 39.5%.
Both players will be pivotal for the Connecticut Sun as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA season, which is set to begin on May 16, 2025. The team finished with a strong record of 28-12 in the previous season, securing the second-best position in the Eastern Conference. With the addition of Morrow and Rivers, the Sun are looking to build on that success and make a deeper playoff run.
Rachid Meziane, stepping into his role as head coach, expressed excitement about the new talent joining the roster. "Both Aneesah and Saniya bring a wealth of experience and skill to our team. They are not just talented players; they also have the work ethic and determination that we need to take this franchise to the next level," he stated.
The Connecticut Sun’s management is optimistic about the future, as the franchise looks to capitalize on the fresh energy and talent brought in by their recent draft picks. Morrow and Rivers are not just expected to perform on the court; they are also seen as future leaders for the team, embodying the spirit and resilience that the Sun have cultivated over the years.
As the WNBA prepares for another thrilling season, all eyes will be on the Connecticut Sun and their dynamic duo of new recruits. Fans are eager to see how Morrow and Rivers will adapt to the professional game and contribute to the team's success in the coming months. With their impressive collegiate careers behind them, both players are ready to take the next step in their basketball journeys.
The excitement surrounding the draft and the potential of the new players has generated buzz among fans and analysts alike, as the Connecticut Sun aim to solidify their position as contenders in the league. The upcoming season promises to be an exhilarating one, with Morrow and Rivers set to make their marks on the WNBA stage.
