NEW YORK (AP) — The excitement is building as the WNBA draft approaches, and there's no doubt who will claim the top spot on Monday, April 14, 2025. UConn's Paige Bueckers, a generational talent, is the consensus first overall pick for the Dallas Wings. After a stellar collegiate career, Bueckers is poised to make an immediate impact in the league.
Bueckers, who averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists during her senior season, shot an impressive 53.4% from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc. Her ability to score efficiently and create opportunities for her teammates makes her a franchise-changing player. "She can be a franchise-changing player," said an analyst, highlighting Bueckers' potential to elevate the Wings' backcourt alongside Arike Ogunbowale.
Following Bueckers, the Seattle Storm are expected to select French center Dominique Malonga with the second pick. Malonga, a 6-foot-6 powerhouse, played for the French Olympic team and has been a standout in France's top professional women's league since she was 15. This season, she averaged 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists for Lyon Asvel Feminin, showcasing her versatility and skill set. At just 19 years old, her future in the WNBA looks bright.
The Washington Mystics hold three of the top six picks and are in a rebuilding phase with a new coach and general manager. They are projected to take Kiki Iriafen from Southern California with the third overall pick. Iriafen had a breakout season, averaging 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, helping her team reach the Elite Eight. The Mystics are also expected to select Sonia Citron from Notre Dame fourth overall. Citron averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists during her senior year, demonstrating her defensive prowess and versatility.
With the fifth pick, the Golden State Valkyries are projected to select Aneesah Morrow from LSU. Morrow led the nation with 30 double-doubles and averaged 18.7 points and 13.5 rebounds per game this season. Her tenacity on the boards and scoring ability make her a valuable addition to any team.
The Mystics will then make their third selection of the round with the sixth pick, likely opting for Shyanne Sellers from Maryland. Sellers has been impressive, shooting 40.8% from three-point range while averaging 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Her size at 6-foot-2 and ability to play multiple positions adds depth to the Mystics' lineup.
As for the Connecticut Sun, they are set to make their first selection at seventh overall, likely choosing Ajsa Sivka from Slovenia. Sivka, a 6-foot-4 forward, has showcased her skills in France and is known for her efficient shooting, making over 42% from the three-point line this season. The Sun are also projected to select Aziaha James from NC State with the eighth pick. James averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a senior, making her one of the most explosive perimeter scorers available.
The Los Angeles Sparks are expected to take Georgia Amoore from Kentucky ninth overall. Amoore averaged 19.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists this season, playing an SEC-high 36.7 minutes per game. Her experience and skill set will help her transition smoothly to the professional level.
Finally, the Minnesota Lynx are projected to select Juste Jocyte from Lithuania with the eleventh pick. Jocyte has been impressive in her time with Lyon, averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Her versatility allows her to play multiple positions, making her a valuable asset for the Lynx.
With the twelfth overall pick, the Dallas Wings are likely to select Saniya Rivers from NC State. Rivers averaged 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks this season. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes her a strong addition to the Wings' roster.
The draft promises to be an exciting event, with teams looking to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. As the clock ticks down to the big night, the anticipation continues to build around Bueckers and the other top prospects. The WNBA draft will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, and fans are eager to see how the selections unfold.
