April 15, 2025
The 2025 WNBA Draft marked a historic moment for the league, blending star power, international intrigue, and strategic team-building. With Paige Bueckers headlining the class as the No. 1 pick and expansion team Golden State Valkyries making their debut, the draft set the stage for a transformative season. In this deep dive, we’ll analyze the top selections, under-the-radar steals, and how teams positioned themselves for success.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 WNBA Draft
Paige Bueckers Goes No. 1: The UConn superstar, fresh off a national championship, was the consensus top pick by the Dallas Wings 249.
International Flair: French phenom Dominique Malonga (No. 2 to Seattle) and Lithuanian prospect Juste Jocyte (No. 5 to Golden State) highlighted the draft’s global reach 3410.
UConn Dominance: Three Huskies—Bueckers, Kaitlyn Chen (No. 30), and Aubrey Griffin (No. 37)—were drafted, extending UConn’s legacy as a WNBA talent pipeline 23.
Surprise Undrafted Players: TCU’s Sedona Prince, a key figure in NCAA equity reforms, went unselected despite a strong college career 34.
Expansion Impact: The Golden State Valkyries made history with their first-ever draft class, selecting Jocyte and Princeton transfer Kaitlyn Chen 28.
First-Round Breakdown: Star Power and Strategic Gambles
1. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers (G, UConn)
Bueckers’ selection was a no-brainer. The 6’0" guard, dubbed a "shapeshifter" for her versatility, averaged 19.9 points and led UConn to a title. Analysts praised her as a "can’t-miss prospect" with comparisons to Chelsea Gray 49. Dallas also snagged sharpshooter Aziaha James (No. 12), creating a backcourt nightmare for opponents 410.
2. Seattle Storm: Dominique Malonga (C, France)
The 6’6" French center, likened to Lisa Leslie with a three-pointer, brings rim-protecting prowess and athleticism. At 19, she’s a long-term project but already boasts EuroCup MVP credentials 410.
3. Washington Mystics: Sonia Citron (G, Notre Dame)
Citron, a three-and-D specialist, was a steal at No. 3. Her defensive IQ and 37% three-point shooting make her a plug-and-play wing 410. Washington doubled down with USC’s Kiki Iriafen (No. 4), a defensive forward, and Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore (No. 6), a playmaking guard 49.
5. Golden State Valkyries: Juste Jocyte (G, Lithuania)
The Valkyries’ inaugural pick was a gamble. Jocyte, 19, has pick-and-roll mastery but questions about her defense. Golden State also grabbed Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers (No. 17) and UConn’s Chen (No. 30), balancing upside with reliability 48.
Notable Picks and Steals
Hailey Van Lith (No. 11, Chicago Sky): The TCU guard reunited with LSU teammate Angel Reese. Van Lith’s 17.9 PPG and Elite Eight pedigree add backcourt firepower 37.
Aneesah Morrow (No. 7, Connecticut Sun): The LSU forward, a rebounding machine (13.5 RPG), gives Connecticut much-needed interior grit 410.
Kaitlyn Chen (No. 30, Golden State Valkyries): The Princeton-UConn transfer shone in March Madness, earning Geno Auriemma’s praise: “She’s going to make it in that league” 2.
Aubrey Griffin (No. 37, Minnesota Lynx): The UConn wing, drafted second-to-last, brings defensive versatility and a basketball pedigree (father Adrian Griffin played in the NBA) 23.
Team Strategies: Defense, Depth, and Development
Indiana Fever’s Defensive Focus
After drafting Caitlin Clark in 2024, Indiana prioritized defense with Florida State’s Makayla Timpson (No. 19, 6’10” wingspan) and Gonzaga’s Yvonne Ejim (No. 33, back-to-back WCC Defensive Player of the Year) 5.
Minnesota Lynx’s UConn Connection
The Lynx added Griffin to a roster featuring Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhász, banking on UConn’s winning culture 2.
Chicago Sky’s Guard Duo
By pairing Van Lith with Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago aims to balance veteran leadership and youthful energy .
Undrafted Gems and Overlooked Talent
Sedona Prince (TCU): The 6’7" center, known for her viral NCAA equity advocacy, went undrafted despite averaging 17.2 PPG. Teams may still invite her for tryouts 34.
JJ Quinerly (West Virginia): The two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (20.4 PPG) remains a free-agent sleeper 3.
International Influence and Expansion Impact
The 2025 draft underscored the WNBA’s global growth. France’s Malonga and Adja Kane (No. 38), Slovenia’s Ajsa Sivka (No. 10), and Lithuania’s Jocyte highlighted a record 12 international draftees. Meanwhile, the Valkyries’ selections signal the league’s confidence in its 13th franchise 38.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Season Preview
The regular season tips off May 16 with a 44-game schedule, featuring the Valkyries’ debut. Key matchups to watch:
Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces: Bueckers vs. A’ja Wilson.
Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever: Reese and Van Lith vs. Clark and Timpson.
Conclusion
The 2025 WNBA Draft blended proven college stars, international potential, and strategic roster moves. While Bueckers headlines the class, players like Chen, Griffin, and Malonga could shape the league’s future. As teams gear up for training camp, the stage is set for a season defined by rookie breakthroughs and the rise of the Valkyries.
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