The 2025 WNBA Draft brought excitement and anticipation as teams looked to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. The Indiana Fever, coming off a strong 2024 season where they selected Caitlin Clark first overall, aimed to enhance their squad with three strategic picks. The Fever entered the draft holding the 19th, 20th, and 33rd overall selections, and they made the most of their opportunities.
With the 19th overall pick, Indiana selected Makayla Timpson, a formidable 6-foot-2 forward from Florida State. Timpson, known for her impressive 6-foot-10 wingspan, left a significant mark on her college career, finishing as Florida State women’s basketball’s all-time leader in double-doubles with 47. Fever general manager Amber Cox expressed her excitement about Timpson, stating, "Makayla Timpson is someone that we had really high on our draft board, so when she fell to us at 19, [we were] thrilled. [She was] the only player to average a double-double in points [and] rebounds, and then three blocks a game. Incredible wingspan at 6’10”, [and] a defensive powerhouse.”
Timpson’s accolades include three ACC All-Defensive team honors and two first-team All-ACC selections during her final two seasons. Her defensive prowess aligns perfectly with the Fever's strategy to enhance their defensive lineup, a philosophy echoed by head coach Stephanie White.
At pick number 20, the Fever added another significant player, Bree Hall, a 6-foot guard from South Carolina. Hall’s college career was highlighted by her participation in four Final Fours and two national championships alongside teammate Aliyah Boston. Coach Dawn Staley praised Hall’s defensive capabilities, saying, "She’s an elite defender… In my 25 years of coaching, she’s on my all-time defensive team.” Hall’s experience and skill set will be crucial as she transitions to the professional level.
The Fever’s final pick of the evening, at 33rd overall, was Yvonne Ejim from Gonzaga. Ejim, a 6-foot-2 guard, was the WCC’s reigning player of the year and defensive player of the year for two consecutive years. She also represented Canada at the 2024 Olympics. Cox described Ejim as a “really versatile post player” who brings a different dimension to the Fever’s offense, emphasizing her high motor and defensive capabilities.
While the Fever focused on infusing their roster with defensive talent, the South Carolina Gamecocks also made headlines with three of their players being selected in the draft. Te-Hina Paopao was picked by the Atlanta Dream with the sixth pick in the second round, while Bree Hall went to the Fever at the eighth pick. Sania Feagin was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks with the ninth pick.
Paopao, a two-time All-American, averaged 10.2 points per game during her tenure at South Carolina, showcasing her scoring ability against ranked opponents. Known for her shooting accuracy, she recorded a career 42.2% from beyond the arc, the second-best mark in program history. Her ability to distribute the ball is also notable, averaging 3.4 assists per game.
Feagin’s selection by the Sparks adds depth to their roster. She averaged 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game during her senior season, contributing significantly to South Carolina's success, including a national championship appearance this year. Her experience under Coach Staley and her proven track record as a winner will be valuable assets as she enters the WNBA.
In Chicago, the Sky made headlines by selecting TCU guard Hailey Van Lith with the 11th overall pick. Van Lith, a standout player with an impressive collegiate resume, holds the NCAA record for games played and minutes logged. Averaging 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across her career, her versatility and scoring ability are expected to make an immediate impact in the WNBA. Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca remarked, "Hailey Van Lith made an impact on multiple contending teams across her collegiate and international career, and we expect her winning ability to translate.”
The Washington Mystics also made significant moves during the draft, selecting Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Georgia Amoore. Citron, a 6-foot-1 guard from Notre Dame, averaged 14.1 points and 5.4 rebounds during her college career. Iriafen, chosen fourth overall, is a 6-foot-3 forward from Southern California who averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds. Amoore, the sixth pick, is a guard who excelled at Kentucky after transferring from Virginia Tech, averaging 19.6 points and 6.9 assists. Each player brings a unique skill set that will be vital for the Mystics as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
As the dust settles from the draft, teams are now focused on training camps and preparing for the 2025 WNBA season, which kicks off on May 17. The Fever will open their season against the Chicago Sky, setting the stage for an exciting matchup featuring many of the league’s newest talents. With a blend of experienced players and fresh faces, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most competitive yet in WNBA history.
