NFL
By: Kristy Love
The 2025 WNBA Draft went down in Brooklyn last night, and let’s just say—it did not disappoint. From the moment Paige Bueckers’ name was called at No. 1, the energy was high, the picks were fast, and a whole new wave of talent officially entered the league. Whether your team made a splash or left you scratching your head, this draft set the stage for what’s about to be an exciting WNBA season.
1. Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers, G, UConn
No surprise here. The Wings locked in one of the most hyped players in recent memory. Paige brings leadership, scoring, and poise. Expect her to make an immediate impact with the Dallas Wings.
Over 114 games, Bueckers amassed 2,439 points, ranking third in UConn’s history, and 561 assists, placing her eighth. She also holds the record for the most points scored in NCAA Tournament games by a UConn player, totaling 477 points. That makes her career average 18 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Paige also adds 40.2% from three and shoots 52.1% from the field.
Paige is the first player to be drafted from Uconn at number one since Breanna Stewart (2016) and Paige Won AP Player of the Year as a freshman, which hadn’t been done in over a decade.
2. Seattle Storm – Dominique Malanga, F, France
Seattle went international and it paid off. Malanga is long, athletic, and has defensive upside that fits perfectly alongside Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike. This pick screams versatility size and defense.
During the 2023–24 season with Tarbes, she averaged 11.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Her performance earned her the title of the league’s best young player.
Dominique Malanga is the first French player drafted in the top 5 since Sandrine Gruda, and Famously became the first Frenchwoman to dunk in an official game.
3. Washington Mystics – Sonia Citron (G, Notre Dame)
Sonia Citron had a stellar collegiate career at Notre Dame, averaging 14.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game over 124 games. She maintained a shooting percentage of 46.8% from the field and 37.0% from beyond the arc.
Sonia Citron is the only player in Notre Dame history with 1,700+ points, 700+ rebounds, and 300+ assists. Also, Sonia is known for her calm leadership—played a huge role in stabilizing ND during injury-riddled seasons.
4. Los Angeles Sparks – Kiki Akintola, F, USC
The Sparks stayed local and grabbed a forward with serious upside. Akintola is a physical presence with a high motor. She’ll bring energy, rebounding, and toughness from day one.
Kiki Iriafen, after transferring from Stanford to USC, delivered an impressive season, averaging 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Her performance highlighted her as a dominant force in the paint.
KiKi dominated the Pac-12 in her final year with 19.4 PPG and 11.0 RPG and she is Fierce rebounder with a growing offensive bag.
5. Golden State Valkyries – Justė Jocytė, SG , Lithuania
The expansion team Golden State Valkyries made a significant move by selecting 19-year-old Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė. Jocytė brings a wealth of international experience, having played professionally in Europe since her early teens. Known for her versatility, court vision, and scoring ability, she is expected to make an immediate impact in the Valkyries’ inaugural season.
Juste is the first player to get drafted by the Golden State Valkyries as they’re a new expansion team this year. Also, Juste turned pro at 13 years old—has been a European basketball prodigy.
6. Washington Mystics – Georgia Amoore, G, Kentucky
The Mystics continued to bolster their backcourt by picking Georgia Amoore, a dynamic point guard from Kentucky. Amoore is celebrated for her leadership, quickness, and playmaking skills. Her ability to control the game’s tempo and create opportunities for teammates makes her a valuable addition to Washington’s roster.
Georgia Amoore, an Australian guard, concluded her collegiate career with averages of 15.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game over 154 games. She shot 40.2% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range.
Georgia is one of only three D-I players ever with 2,300+ points and 800+ assists (with Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu).
7. Connecticut Sun – Aneesah Morrow, F, LSU
Connecticut added strength to their front court with the selection of Aneesah Morrow from LSU. Morrow is a powerful forward known for her rebounding prowess and scoring consistency. Her physicality and tenacity on both ends of the floor are expected to complement the Sun’s existing lineup effectively.
Aneesah Morrow, during her time at DePaul and LSU, averaged 20.5 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. Her consistent double-double performances underscored her dominance on the court.
Aneesah averaged a double-double for her entire college career, so it will be exciting to see if she can maintain this stat during her time in the Wnba. Also, Aneeshah transferred to LSU and became a core piece of their deep tournament run.
8. Connecticut Sun – Saniya Rivers, G, NC State
With their second consecutive pick, the Sun chose Saniya Rivers, a versatile guard from NC State. Rivers brings athleticism, defensive intensity, and the ability to contribute offensively. Her adaptability allows her to fit into various roles, providing depth and flexibility to Connecticut’s guard rotation.
Saniya Rivers, over her collegiate career at South Carolina and NC State, averaged 9.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. She was known for her defensive prowess and versatility.
Saniya Former 5-star recruit and Gatorade National Player of the Year and Known for her lockdown defense and high motor—named ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
9. Los Angeles Sparks – Sarah Ashlee Barker, G, Alabama
The Sparks selected Sarah Ashlee Barker, a guard from Alabama known for her scoring ability and defensive grit. Barker’s competitive nature and work ethic make her a promising prospect who can contribute to Los Angeles’s backcourt depth.
Sarah Ashlee Barker, playing for Georgia and Alabama, averaged 10.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game over 144 games. She shot 43.8% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range.
Sarah Ashlee dropped 45 points in an NCAA Tournament game, turning heads throughout the nation.
10. Chicago Sky – Ajša Sivka, F, Slovenia
Chicago opted for international talent by drafting Ajša Sivka, a forward from Slovenia. Sivka has showcased her skills in European leagues, demonstrating versatility, rebounding strength, and defensive capabilities. Her international experience is expected to translate well to the WNBA, adding valuable depth to the Sky’s frontcourt.
Ajša Sivka, a Slovenian forward, played professionally in Europe before entering the WNBA. During the 2023–24 season with Beretta Famila Schio, she averaged 5.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
One of the youngest players in Europe’s pro leagues, making her debut in her mid-teens.
Phoenix Mercery
If you notice one team who wasnt on the board on draft night, it was the Phoenix Mercery. Despite showing up in early mock drafts, Phoenix ended up without a single pick this year—a result of past trades and roster moves aimed at staying in win-now mode during the final stretch of Diana Taurasi’s legendary career. While it’s tough to sit out a draft this deep with talent, the Mercury seem committed to building around their veteran core, adding key pieces such as Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally via free agency rather than the draft. It’ll be interesting to see how that strategy plays out as the season unfolds.
This year’s WNBA Draft brought the energy. Whether it was Paige Bueckers going No. 1, the surprise international picks, or teams like the Mercury making moves outside the draft, every team came in with a plan—and the league is better for it. Some teams hit the jackpot, some played the long game, and a few made us raise our eyebrows. But one thing’s for sure: the 2025 season is about to be wild. With all this new talent coming in and some vets still holding it down, I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. Let’s hoop.
