2025 WNBA Draft Projection: Paige Bueckers Leads the Charge
Introduction
With March Madness rapidly approaching, the 2025 WNBA draft looms large on the horizon. This year’s class boasts a wealth of talent, but the spotlight shines brightest on Paige Bueckers and Olivia Miles, two transcendent guards who have captivated the college basketball world.
First Round Mock Draft
1. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers (UConn)
The generational talent, Bueckers is a sharpshooter and playmaker who will instantly elevate the Wings’ offense.
2. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles (Notre Dame)
Miles, a Swiss army knife guard, excels as a distributor and defender, making her a perfect fit for the Storm’s uptempo style.
3. Chicago Sky: Sonia Citron (Notre Dame)
Citron, an efficient scorer and lockdown defender, fills a need in the Sky’s backcourt.
4. Washington Mystics: Dominique Malonga (Lyon ASVEL Feminin)
A versatile, athletic center from France, Malonga offers speed, length, and explosiveness.
5. Las Vegas Aces: Maya Morrow (Valkyries)
A dominant rebounder and scorer, Morrow brings unparalleled tenacity and athleticism.
6. Washington Mystics: Aaliyah Iriafen (Villanova)
A physical forward with good size, Iriafen is a tenacious defender and midrange marksman.
7. New York Liberty: Georgia Amoore (Georgia)
Amoore, an undersized playmaker, is an elite facilitator who can replace Courtney Vandersloot.
8. Connecticut Sun: Ajsa Sivka (Tarbes Gespe Bigorre)
A draft-and-stash option, Sivka is a versatile wing with shooting prowess.
9. Los Angeles Sparks: Shyanne Sellers (Maryland)
Sellers, a guard with a high basketball IQ, excels in up-tempo play and as a scorer.
10. Chicago Sky: Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina)
Paopao, a talented playmaker, reunites with her former South Carolina teammate Kamilla Cardoso.
11. Minnesota Lynx: Sedona Prince (Oregon)
Prince, a towering center, provides size and defensive prowess in the paint.
12. Dallas Wings: Hannah Rivers (Stanford)
Rivers, a defensive specialist, brings versatility and energy to the Wings’ roster.
Team-by-Team Analysis
Dallas Wings:
With Bueckers and Rivers, the Wings gain a dynamic duo that can carry the scoring load and play suffocating defense.
Seattle Storm:
Miles and Jewell Loyd form a formidable backcourt, with Miles providing the playmaking and Loyd the scoring punch.
Chicago Sky:
Citron and Paopao bolster the Sky’s perimeter defense and add depth at guard.
Washington Mystics:
Malonga and Iriafen provide a frontcourt foundation, with Malonga’s athleticism and Iriafen’s physicality.
Las Vegas Aces:
Morrow brings instant impact with her rebounding and scoring, while Sivka offers long-term potential as a skilled wing.
New York Liberty:
Amoore replaces Vandersloot as the primary facilitator, while Prince adds size and defensive presence.
Connecticut Sun:
Sivka provides a reliable option as the Sun rebuild their roster.
Los Angeles Sparks:
Sellers complements Kelsey Plum with her versatility and shooting prowess.
Minnesota Lynx:
Prince’s defensive dominance pairs well with the Lynx’s defensive identity.
Conclusion
The 2025 WNBA draft promises to reshape the league, with Paige Bueckers and Olivia Miles leading the way as the stars of the future. Teams with top picks have the opportunity to acquire game-changing talents, while those drafting later can build depth and potential. As March Madness unfolds, the anticipation for the draft will only intensify, as college basketball’s finest prepare to showcase their skills on the grandest stage.
