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Fans were quick to react to the Dallas Wings drafting Paige Bueckers at No. 1. The UConn Star even earned many comparisons to Luka Donic.

Fans React to Dallas Wings Drafting Paige Bueckers No. 1 Overall: ‘Don’t Mess This Up’

Liam Reynolds -

April 14, 2025 | 8:05 PM EDT

Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) has the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena.

Paige Bueckers Scouting Report: Is the UConn Standout the Best in Class?

Logan Horito -

April 14, 2025 | 7:00 PM EDT

Since the UConn Huskies lifted the championship trophy in Tampa on April 6, excitement for the 2025 WNBA Draft has been on the rise. With Huskies superstar Paige Bueckers dominating the conversation, it's nearly a given that she'll be the number one pick. But where will the rest of these exceptional talents land? Will TCU's Hailey Van Lith secure a first-round spot? And how much did Sarah Ashlee Barker's 45-point explosion for Alabama propel her up the draft boards? Our prediction: all 25 players are set to be selected in the first two rounds of the 2025 WNBA Draft. College Sports Network's Men's College Basketball Transfer Portal tracks the comings and goings of every athlete who has entered the transfer portal. Find out who's entered and where they're going now! 1) Dallas Wings: G Paige Bueckers, UConn 2024: 19.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.8 apg | 53.6 FG%, 41.9% 3PT%, 88.9 FT% Paige Bueckers emerges as the undeniable top talent in this year’s WNBA draft. With the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, a high level of defensive prowess, and impressive playmaking skills, she stands out as a truly versatile talent. The former National Player of the Year propelled UConn to their first National Championship in a decade. Following the departure of WNBA standout Satou Sabally, Bueckers’ complete skill set is expected to be a game-changer for the Wings. In recent moves, the Wings acquired DiJonai Carrington from the Connecticut Sun and NaLyssa Smith from the Indiana Fever. Carrington is known for her relentless defense and tenacity, while Smith adds a big presence with the ability to stretch the floor and set impactful screens. Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbawale, renowned for her scoring and playmaking abilities, has even embraced the role of running the point. With Bueckers orchestrating the offense, Ogunbawale is free to focus solely on scoring. In Ogunbawale’s own words, “I just fell to my knees. THANK YOU LORD!” [adslot] 2) Seattle Storm (via LAS): G Sonia Citron, Notre Dame 2024: 14.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.7 apg | 48.4 FG%, 37.2% 3PT%, 89.0 FT% The Seattle Storm made one of the biggest trades in WNBA history this offseason, trading Jewell Lloyd in a massive three-team deal, and in that trade, they acquired the second pick in the draft. This trade left the Storm with a hole at the shooting guard position, and Sonia Citron fills that hole perfectly. Citron was a pivotal piece to Notre Dame’s success this season. She is lethal with the ball in her hands, and you must account for her on all parts of the floor. At Notre Dame, Citron was not afraid to take and make big shots down the stretch of games. The Fighting Irish guard is a high-level defender and WNBA-ready. She resembles two former Notre Dame guards, Kayla McBride and Marina Mabrey, but maybe has more upside. The Storm are a championship-ready team with a great mix of veterans and youth. Citron has the chance to be the missing piece on this roster and has true elite-level WNBA potential. 3) Seattle Storm (via LAS): C Dominique Malonga, France 2024: 15.4 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 1.5 apg | 50.4 FG%, 28.9% 3PT%, 72.5 FT% The Washington Mystics hold three of the first six picks in this year's draft, and they’re in dire need of talent. Dominique Malonga is one of the raw prospects in this pool, yet she possesses genuine elite-level potential. Malonga, a French big who has steadily climbed the draft boards since early in the season, showcased her skills with Team France at the 2024 Paris Olympics and has consistently impressed throughout her campaign this year. The 19-year-old stands at 6'6" and demonstrates remarkable athleticism. She can dunk with ease, offers excellent range around the rim, and is adept at blocking shots and protecting the basket. Malonga has also shown the willingness to shoot from distance; although her shot lacks consistency at times, her mechanics remain solid. While further development is needed for her to reach her full potential, Malonga possesses raw tools that simply can’t be taught. This is what makes her such an exciting prospect with tremendous upside. [adslot] 4) Washington Mystics: F Kiki Iriafen, USC 2024: 18.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.8 apg | 49.0 FG%, 28.6% 3PT%, 81.1 FT% With the second of three picks in the first round, the Washington Mystics must fill multiple holes on the roster. The best way to do that is by taking the best player left available in the draft, and that is Kiki Iriafen. Iriafen turned heads last year during the Round of 32 for Stanford when she scored 38 points and stopped Iowa State star center Audi Crooks. After averaging 19.4 PPG and 11 RPG at Stanford, she transferred to USC and averaged 18.0 PPG and 8.4 RPG. Again, she impressed this year in the Round of 32 after superstar Juju Watkins left with a torn ACL in the first quarter, scoring 36 points in a win over Mississippi State. Iriafen is a skilled scorer and defender. She can create offense in the low post, operate facing the basket, and have a good midrange jump shot. Her talent gives her a chance to be a true star in the WNBA. 5) Golden State Valkyries: F Aneesah Morrow, LSU 2024: 18.7 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 1.6 apg | 49.0 FG%, 28.9% 3PT%, 73.4 FT% The Golden State Valkyries, the newest addition to the WNBA family, bolstered their roster through an expansion draft. While their lineup is largely composed of role players, they’re hungry for star power—and Aneesah Morrow could be the catalyst. Morrow stands out as the top rebounder in this year’s draft. Her relentless energy and savvy positioning down low set her apart. Over the season, she averaged 18.7 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, leading the nation. Additionally, she recorded an impressive 29 double-doubles, topping Division 1. Despite being a 6'1" senior forward who may seem undersized for her style of play, her toughness and tenacity are poised to foster a winning culture. While she exhibits all-star potential, refining her ball-handling and shooting—she hit just 28.9% from beyond the arc this season—remains essential. [adslot] 6) Washington Mystics (via ATL): G Shyanne Sellers, Maryland 2024: 14.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.1 apg | 46.2 FG%, 40.8% 3PT%, 86.8 FT% Shyanne Sellers is a skilled scorer and playmaking combo guard. She can put the ball on the deck, get to her spots, and is a willing passer. Sellers is a senior from Maryland who can play the point and the two-guard. During her senior year at Maryland, She became a three-level scorer. She shot over 40% from three, making true advancements in her offensive bag. The Washington Mystics are using this year's draft to acquire young talent who can make a difference for their roster. Sellers's offensive ability can give the Mystics some potency on the offensive end. 7) Connecticut Sun (via PHO): G Georgia Amoore, Kentucky 2024: 19.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 6.9 apg | 42.3 FG%, 33.6% 3PT%, 83.7 FT% Georgia Amoore transferred to Kentucky this year, where her advanced skill set helped lead the team to its first winning season in three years. Recognized as one of the best passers in the game, she averages 6.9 assists per game and can score from every area on the floor. Her height, however, remains a sticking point for WNBA teams. At only 5'6", it's the primary reason she isn’t a top-three pick in this year’s draft. While many teams may try to exploit her shorter stature on switches and in the pick-and-roll, Amoore's high basketball IQ enables her to counter those challenges effectively. With excellent skills and a relentless work ethic, Amoore is well-suited to thrive under the read-and-react offensive system that coach Rachid Meziane aims to implement with the Connecticut Sun. [adslot] 8) Connecticut Sun (via IND): F Ajsa Sivka, Slovenia 2024: 7.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.0 apg | 38.9 FG%, 29.6% 3PT%, 81.8 FT% Ajsa Sivka is eligible to play in the WNBA this year because she will turn 20 by the end of the 2025 calendar year. Silva plays in France, where the new Sun head coach, Rachid Meziane, is from. Silva is a player with some talent around the basket. She knows how to use her size and can stretch out and hit a three. They aim to build a new culture for the Sun, and coach Meziane wants to bring his European influence to the Sun. He likes an up-tempo offense, allowing players to use their skills and play tough defense. Silva can make decisions and knows how to work within this style of offense. This is a higher-upside pick for the Sun. 9) Los Angeles Sparks (via SEA): G Hailey Van Lith, TCU 2024: 17.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.4 apg | 45.2 FG%, 33.8% 3PT%, 82.7 FT% Hailey Van Lith's journey to this moment has truly been a roller coaster ride. She entered college as a top-seven recruit through ESPN HoopGurlz and proved her worth during her time at Louisville. While her stint at LSU didn’t pan out as hoped, last year marked the pinnacle of Van Lith's career. At TCU, she led the nation with a season-high average of 5.4 assists per game and reached peak efficiency in her college career. Van Lith has an extraordinary knack for creating her own shots, exudes confidence on the court, and is a formidable force in pick-and-roll situations. She has also shared the court with notable talents—teammates with Sparks star Cameron Brink on the USA 3v3 Olympic Team and alongside Olympic Champion Kelsey Plum. With a seasoned lefty veteran by her side to mentor her, Van Lith's potential to shine as a WNBA star is clear. Her future success in the league will ultimately hinge on how well she adapts to its speed. EDITOR's NOTE: The Las Vegas Aces forfeited their pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This pick would have been the 10th pick of the first round. [adslot] 10) Chicago Sky (via SUN): F Saniya Rivers, NC State 2024: 11.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.8 apg | 41.9 FG%, 27.2% 3PT%, 67.4 FT% Saniya Rivers is one of the most electrifying athletes in this draft. Her speed in the open court and lateral quickness allow her to potentially be instantly impactful in the WNBA. Chennedy Carter provided that spark and energy for the Sky last year, and Rivers would be a great person to replace Carter. Rivers is not an elite offensive player, but she has potential. She shot under 40% from the floor and under 23% from three for her college career. The long-term success of the NC State star will depend on how well her offensive game develops. She should be in WNBA rotations throughout her career, in what capacity will be partly determined by her offensive development. 11) Chicago Sky (via MIN): G Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina 2024: 9.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.8 apg | 44.4 FG%, 37.0% 3PT%, 73.7 FT% At the final minute, the Chicago Sky made a trade with the Minnesota Lynx to secure the 11th pick in the draft. While the Sky already boast solid core pieces like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, they still need to complete the roster, and adding Te-Hina Paopao would be an ideal move. Reese and Cardoso are traditional bigs who thrive with proper spacing, and Paopao can deliver exactly that. A proven winner, Paopao has thrived in high-pressure situations. She's one of the top shooters in the draft, knocking down 40% of her three-point attempts during her college career at South Carolina. While at South Carolina, Paopao worked seamlessly within the offensive system, yet she also has the ability to create offense on her own. Combine that with her elite defensive skills, and she would offer tremendous value to the Sky's backcourt. [adslot] 12) Dallas Wings (via NY): C Sedona Prince, TCU 2024: 17.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.4 apg | 58.3 FG%, 20.0% 3PT%, 72.8 FT% The Dallas Wings have their second pick of the first round and a few more holes to fill. One is depth at the center position, and TCU big Sedona Prince is a great fit. Prince played more games than she ever had last season at TCU, and she made the most of it by averaging the most points (17.2), rebounds (9.4), and blocks (3.0) she has ever had in a season. Prince is an imposing defender who can cause team problems with her shot-blocking ability, but her limited foot speed could be exploited. Offensively, she is a talented player around the basket, works well in the pick-and-roll and knows how to establish a position in the low post. The Wings have Teaira McCowan to start, but Prince could provide quality minutes off the bench. ROUND 2 | 13) Las Vegas Aces (via LAS): G Serena Sundell, Kansas State 2024: 14.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 7.3 apg | 50.1 FG%, 32.0% 3PT%, 78.7 FT% Serena Sundell enters the 2025 draft as one of the most natural passers in the class. She led all Division I women’s players last season with an average of 7.3 assists per game and recorded nine double-digit assist performances. Sundell brings consistency, a strong work ethic, and the kind of steady presence that could translate into a starting role at the next level. The Las Vegas Aces came up short in their bid for a three-peat, and as the league continues to grow more competitive, they'll need to deepen their rotation with quality contributors. Sundell has the potential to be exactly that. [adslot] 14) Dallas Wings: G Sarah Ashlee Barker, Alabama 2024: 18.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.9 apg | 51.4 FG%, 37.5% 3PT%, 70.9 FT% Sarah Ashlee Barker’s last game in college was the best she had ever played. She set an Alabama record with 45 points. Barker is a talented, relentless offensive player who can score from all levels and does so at an efficient rate. She is a bigger guard who can rebound at a high level and guard multiple defensive positions. Barker's game has a few holes, but she has true starter potential in the WNBA. She would be a nice impact player off the bench for the Wings. 15) Minnesota Lynx (via CHI): F Juste Jocyte, Lithuania 2024: 11.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg | 35.7 FG%, 33.9% 3PT%, 80.0 FT% Juste Jocyte is a raw prospect with intriguing potential, having spent most of her childhood in Lithuania before continuing her development in France. She’s a skilled player with solid upside at the next level. Jocyte brings a high basketball IQ to the floor, but she isn’t the most athletic, and she could be vulnerable in one-on-one matchups. Her game draws comparisons to Leonie Fiebich, who played a key role in the Liberty’s championship run last season. The Lynx could look to Jocyte to offer similar contributions and become a valuable piece in their rotation. 16) Chicago Sky (via WAS): F Sania Feagin, South Carolina 2024: 8.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 apg | 60.1 FG%, 33.3% 3PT%, 79.7 FT% Sania Feagin grew into a more significant piece of the South Carolina championship puzzle every year of her college career. Feagin is a good defender in the low post and versatile enough to switch out on wings and face-up forwards. Her offensive basketball ability has grown this season, but she will likely be an offensive rebounder and a screener at the next level. Feagin can help provide quality bench minutes behind Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. [adslot] 17) Golden State Valkyries: G Aziaha James, NC State 2024: 17.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.6 apg | 44.5 FG%, 33.3% 3PT%, 75.0 FT% Aziaha James ranks among the top offensive prospects in this year’s draft. With strong ball-handling skills, she has no trouble getting to the rim and has steadily improved her shooting from beyond the arc. Despite standing at 5'9", James consistently plays bigger than her frame suggests. While her size could present some challenges on the defensive end, she puts in the effort on that side of the ball. Her dynamic offensive game makes her a strong fit for the Valkyries, and she has the potential to quickly become a key piece of their offense. 18) Atlanta Dream: F Makayla Timpson, Florida State 2024: 17.5 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.0 apg | 54.3 FG%, 25.0% 3PT%, 76.0 FT% Makayla Timpson has done nothing but improve every year of her college career. Timpson is one of the best rim protectors in this year’s draft. Last season, she averaged over three blocks a game, among the top five in Division I women’s college basketball. She will come into the league as a good defender, but she can put her stamp on the WNBA for a long time if she can develop a three-point shot and a few go-to post moves. Timpson can provide good depth for the Atlanta Dream behind Brittney Griner. 19) Indiana Fever (via PHO): G Lucy Olsen, Iowa 2024: 17.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 5.1 apg | 43.6 FG%, 36.0% 3PT%, 74.4 FT% This feels like a full-circle moment for Olsen and Clark. After Caitlin Clark graduated and took her game to the WNBA, Iowa faced the daunting task of filling the massive shoes she left behind. Transfer Lucy Olsen didn’t completely replace Clark, but she certainly helped fill part of that void for the Hawkeyes. Olsen is one of the purest scorers in this draft class. She knows how to get to her spots, has refined her shooting, and over the past four years, she’s grown into a more complete playmaker off her own shot creation. She’d be a valuable spark off the bench for the Fever. [adslot] 20) Indiana Fever: F Maddy Westbeld, Notre Dame 2024: 7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.9 apg | 47.2 FG%, 30.8% 3PT%, 76.9 FT% Maddie Westbeld did not have her best season last year due to injury, but in her junior year, she averaged over 14 points a game and shot nearly 37% from three. Westbeld is a solid rebounder and has good size at 6'3". Her skill set is perfect for her to be a pick-and-pop forward and would fit perfectly with what Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell do best. Westbeld has a high upside in the WNBA, and the Fever could get the most out of her. 21) Los Angeles Sparks (via SEA): G Madison Scott, Ole Miss 2024: 11.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.7 apg | 46.6 FG%, 23.5% 3PT%, 73.7 FT% Madison Scott brings real defensive talent to the table. At 6'2", she’s got the size, but also the lateral quickness and work ethic that make her a strong on-ball defender. The big question for her at the next level will be her offensive game. She’s got a unique way of scoring, but she doesn’t stretch the floor. The Sparks could use a bigger guard on the perimeter to bolster their defense, and Scott fits that mold. However, her minutes might be limited if she doesn’t develop a reliable outside shot. 22) Chicago Sky (via LV): G JJ Quinerly, West Virginia 2024: 20.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.2 apg | 44.3 FG%, 31.4% 3PT%, 82.9 FT% JJ Quinerly is a talented guard who did not get much national recognition at West Virginia. She averaged 20.4 PPG and 3.0 SPG, each ranked in the top 20 in Division I. Quinerly can get to the basket, is not afraid of contact, and can finish with either hand at the rim. At only 5'8", she is not of great size and isn’t efficient from the three-point line, which could limit her to the next level. However, she could provide some instant offense off the bench for the Sky. 23) Washington Mystics (SUN): G Aaliyah Nye, Alabama 2024: 15.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.4 apg | 45.4 FG%, 45.5% 3PT%, 83.0 FT% Aaliyah Nye might just be the best shooter in this draft class, and that shooting touch will be her ticket at the next level. She knocked down 45.5% of her shots from beyond the arc this season and ranked third in threes made per game. With the Washington Mystics looking to address multiple needs in this draft, Nye’s ability to space the floor and stretch defenses could be a major asset for them. [adslot] 24) Minnesota Lynx: F Alyssa Utsby, North Carolina 2024: 10.9 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.8 apg | 45.6 FG%, 34.0% 3PT%, 55.0 FT% Alyssa Utsby is a tough forward who can play quality defense. Although her offensive game is not fantastic, she has improved her efficiency and shooting range throughout her college career. KEEP READING: 2025 WNBA Draft Big Board: Ranking the Top 25 Basketball Players Including Paige Bueckers and Sonia Citron She has the chance to be a good defensive forward for the Lynx, but developing a consistent three-point shot would be beneficial. 25) Connecticut Sun (via NY): C Rayah Marshall, USC 2024: 7.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.4 apg | 48.0 FG%, 50.0% 3PT%, 75.4 FT% Rayah Marshall is a solid rim protector with the athleticism to make plays around the basket and the instincts to grab boards effectively. While her offensive game is still developing, she can make an impact with her size and ability to set strong screens. She could be a valuable bench piece for the Sun’s revamped offense, offering reliable pick-and-roll play on one end and strong defensive presence on the other. College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!

2-Round 2025 WNBA Mock Draft 2.0: After Paige Bueckers, Sarah Ashlee Barker Goes Top 15 & Hailey Van Lith Lands In Top 10

Keenan Warner -

April 14, 2025 | 5:10 PM EDT

UConn student-athlete Paige Bueckers and UConn student-athlete Azzi Fudd walk onto the stage during the Final Four Champions victory parade and rally outside of the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd Relationship: How UConn’s Star Duo Built an Unbreakable Bond

Olamilekan Ajayi -

April 14, 2025 | 11:34 AM EDT

UConn student-athlete Paige Bueckers throws candy to the crowd from the bus over teammate KK Arnold during the Final Four Champions victory parade and rally outside of the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

Paige Bueckers Shares Heartfelt Moment With Fans at UConn’s 2025 Victory Parade

Valdemar Carnegie -

April 14, 2025 | 11:27 AM EDT

UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) makes the basket against Georgetown Hoyas center Ariel Jenkins (21) in the second half at XL Center.

Why Is Paige Bueckers Nicknamed ‘Paige Buckets’? The Story Behind the UConn Star’s Iconic Name

Ridwan Fasure -

April 14, 2025 | 11:17 AM EDT

Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts on the bench during the fourth quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the UCLA Bruins at Amalie Arena.

What Could Paige Bueckers’ Hairstyle Look Like in the WNBA?

Olamilekan Ajayi -

April 14, 2025 | 10:48 AM EDT

Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Elina Aarnisalo (7) during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena.

Why Paige Bueckers’ Unrivaled Deal Could Shift How WNBA Rookies View Their Careers

Mohd Faisal -

April 14, 2025 | 10:43 AM EDT

Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Amalie Arena.

Paige Bueckers Hasn’t Even Revealed Her WNBA Look Yet, and Fans Are Already Obsessed

Aman Sharma -

April 14, 2025 | 10:28 AM EDT

Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) is interviewed by ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Amalie Arena.

‘The First Pick Only Gets 78k’: Unrivaled Deal Has Fans Questioning the Entire WNBA Model

Aman Sharma -

April 14, 2025 | 10:13 AM EDT

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