A Look Into the Projected Top 5 WNBA Draft Picks
After a historic season last year, the WNBA is coming back for more. We saw the league's growth reflected in several aspects: a 48% growth in attendance, a $2 billion media deal, and the addition of the Golden State Valkyries as their newest team, among other improvements. It feels imminent that a new era in women's sports is upon us, and if last season was any indication of what we can expect, it is bound to be an exciting new beginning.
In preparation for this next chapter, there have been some major offseason moves in the league. From coaching shifts to new signings, every team is making sure they gear up as best as they can to come back and snatch the coveted championship. Luckily, the last piece in this offseason puzzle is finally upon us: the 2025 WNBA Draft. Fresh, young talents who have proven themselves on the courts are now ready to leap into the big league, hoping to join one of the WNBA teams and make their professional basketball dreams come true.
If you’ve missed out on any of the league’s potential candidates, here is a quick guide to get to know the top 5 prospects in the upcoming draft.
Paige Bueckers, UConn
Paige Bueckers, The Champ (Getty Images)
She is an icon, she is a legend, and she IS the moment. The Huskies guard has already cemented herself as UConn’s latest prodigy with her stellar performances, leading the team to win their first title since 2016. The win was the perfect way to close her college chapter, and now she is ready to continue making waves in the WNBA. With a 19.9-points per game average and a 53.4% field goal rate, Paige is projected to be the number one overall pick in the draft. Let’s hope her WNBA future is as prolific as her NCAA run so she can continue collecting more of her favorite accessories.
Dominique Malonga, France
From Olympic athlete to WNBA star (Reuters)
The French teenager has been a dominating force overseas, playing for Lyon and France’s national team in the 2024 Olympics. She's now ready to move on and join the WNBA in hopes of expanding her professional path, and it seems likely that the 19-year-old will be able to do that. Her defensive talent has made her a standout player despite her young age, so it’s an exciting opportunity for her to be drafted and keep showing the world exactly what she’s capable of.
Sonia Citron, Notre Dame
Sonia with the killer instincts (USA Today Sports)
It’s hard to stand out when you’re part of a stellar roster, and yet Sonia has managed to do so within the Fighting Irish. She averaged 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds during her Notre Dame run while also becoming one of the team’s top defenders. Her killer instincts paired with her game versatility make her a no-brainer for an early draft pick and one to follow once she joins the WNBA ranks.
Kiki Iriafen, USC
Kiki is the Cali queen (Imagn Images)
The California native has stayed close to home, starting her college path at Stanford and eventually transferring to USC. On both teams, Kiki demonstrated her defensive potential, with an impressive rebound ability and an 18-point average per game. With the Golden State Valkyries joining the league this season, there is a chance they could draft Kiki, keeping her close to the Californian audiences who are eager to continue seeing her tremendous displays on the court.
Shyanne Sellers, Maryland
We’re keeping our eyes on Shyanne in the W (The Washington Post)
Standing at 6’ 2”, she combines her physical advantage with an innate ability to play both guard and wing. Shyanne has had a record-breaking trajectory at the Terrapins, becoming their first player to ever achieve 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in her career. With such an outstanding NCAA experience, she is undoubtedly bound to keep showing up and showing out in the WNBA.
The future of the WNBA is looking brighter than ever, moving in an overwhelmingly positive direction as it keeps gaining momentum, both on and off the courts. As we prepare to see these new talents join the big league ranks, it is exciting to know the path ahead will surely be filled with success for them as they join forces and learn from the experienced veterans who have carved the path for them.