In a historic night for women’s basketball, Paige Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings, marking a significant moment for the franchise and the player herself. Just days after leading the University of Connecticut to its 12th national championship title, Bueckers is ready to embark on a new journey in the WNBA.
"I'm just extremely excited to be there. I've only heard great things about the city," Bueckers expressed following her selection. "So excited to start that new chapter and be in a new city and explore that and give everything I have to the Wings organization. I know we're going to do great things, and it's a fresh start, and I think we're all ready to do something special." The excitement in her voice was palpable as she reflected on her transition from college to professional basketball.
Bueckers, who has quickly become a household name in women's basketball, is now the sixth player from UConn to be drafted first overall, joining the ranks of legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. Her performance during the NCAA tournament showcased her versatility and skill, solidifying her status as a top prospect.
The draft took place at The Shed in New York City, where Bueckers was surrounded by her UConn teammates and coach Geno Auriemma, who were there to support her. "They mean everything to me. They helped me get through highs and lows," she said, visibly emotional about her journey with the Huskies.
Following Bueckers, the Seattle Storm made a significant move by selecting 19-year-old French sensation Dominique Malonga with the No. 2 pick. Standing at 6-foot-6, Malonga has quickly made a name for herself, having been a key player for the French national team that won a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. "I was so proud to achieve that goal," Malonga said. "It showed that French basketball has evolved as we've seen the past few years on the NBA side. We see Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) and Zaccharie (Risacher) show that French basketball is great."
Malonga's selection marks a notable moment in WNBA history as she becomes the first French player to be drafted this high since Isabelle Fijalkowski in 1997. She expressed her pride in representing not only her family but also the evolution of French basketball on the global stage.
The Washington Mystics, looking to rebuild under new management, selected Notre Dame's Sonia Citron with the third pick and followed up with Kiki Iriafen at No. 4. Citron’s defensive prowess and Iriafen’s scoring ability are expected to bolster the Mystics as they aim to return to championship contention.
Another standout moment came when Georgia Amoore, who was dressed by NBA star Russell Westbrook, was picked sixth by the Mystics. Amoore, who had an impressive season with the Kentucky Wildcats, praised Westbrook for his involvement in designing her outfit. "It's phenomenal. He did such a good job," she noted, highlighting the collaborative effort that went into her draft night look.
The expansion team, Golden State Valkyries, made history by selecting Juste Jocyte of Lithuania with their inaugural pick. Connecticut also had a strong showing in the draft, taking Aneesah Morrow seventh and Saniya Rivers eighth, demonstrating their commitment to building a competitive roster.
As the first round continued, the Los Angeles Sparks picked Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker at ninth, while the Chicago Sky selected Ajsa Sivka from Slovenia at tenth. TCU's Hailey Van Lith rounded out the first round as the 11th pick by the Wings, showcasing the depth of talent available in this draft.
With six teams not having picks in the opening round, including the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever, the landscape of the WNBA is shifting. The Liberty, who traded away their first-round pick, will have to rely on their existing talent to compete in the upcoming season.
The Las Vegas Aces forfeited their pick due to previous violations, leaving them with a gap in their roster that they will need to address through free agency. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx, who lost in the finals last season, are looking to add depth to their already competitive team with their multiple picks in the draft.
The 2025 WNBA Draft was not just about the players selected but also about the future of women’s basketball. With international talents like Malonga entering the league, the WNBA is poised for an exciting evolution. The presence of these young stars brings a fresh energy to the league, and fans are eager to see how they will impact their respective teams.
As the dust settles on the draft, all eyes will now turn to the upcoming season. With Bueckers leading the charge for the Wings and Malonga bringing her international flair to the Storm, the stage is set for a thrilling year in women’s basketball. The future looks bright, and fans can expect to see these young athletes make their mark in the WNBA.
