You won’t find a purer athlete on the wing than N.C. State’s Saniya Rivers. She’s a high-motor, high-ceiling defensive force whose freakish athleticism makes her one of the most unique prospects in the 2025 WNBA Draft class.
Long-limbed, lightning-quick, and built like a defensive back, Rivers thrives in chaos, disrupting passing lanes, smothering opposing ballhandlers, and getting out in transition. With a wingspan and motor that set her apart, Rivers is the kind of player you can build a defense around.
NC State G Saniya Rivers Scouting Report
Of course, there are questions. Her offensive game is still developing, and efficiency isn’t a calling card yet.
But as the Golden State Valkyries look to build an identity in their first season as an expansion franchise, Rivers’ raw upside, defensive versatility, and winning pedigree might make her too tempting to pass up. In a league where two-way wings are gold, Rivers could be one of the biggest steals, or biggest gambles, of the draft.
Size: 6’1”
Key Stat: 2.9 combined steals + blocks per game (2024)
Projected Role: Defensive-minded wing with transition offense and secondary playmaking upside
Strengths
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Elite athleticism and length: One of the most explosive players in the draft with NBA-level agility
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Defensive versatility: Can guard 1 through 4 and thrives in both on-ball and help defense
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High motor: Relentless energy, never takes a play off
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Strong rebounding guard: Averaged 6.6 rebounds per game, uncommon for her position
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Instinctive playmaker: 3.8 assists per game show her ability to create in transition and half-court
Areas of Concern
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Inconsistent scoring efficiency: Lacks a go-to scoring move and shoots below-average percentages
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Limited shooting range: Needs to extend her jumper to be more of a threat on the perimeter
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No defined offensive identity: More of a jack-of-all-trades than a specialist
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Injury history: Missed time during the season due to lingering physical setbacks
Ceiling: Defensive anchor and starting wing on a playoff-caliber team with All-Defensive Team potential
Floor: Athletic bench defender who sees limited minutes if the offensive game doesn’t develop
Saniya Rivers WNBA Draft Outlook
Saniya Rivers is a rare defensive prospect with the tools to be elite in the WNBA from Day 1. Teams like the Golden State Valkyries, who are looking to establish an identity and culture, should be especially interested.
She fits the mold of a player who does the dirty work, energizes teammates, and frustrates opponents. While the offensive upside is still theoretical, the raw tools are too good to ignore.
Her performance at NC State, averaging 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and nearly 3 combined defensive stats per game, proves she contributes across the board. She may never be a 20-point scorer, but her impact will be felt on nearly every possession, especially on the defensive end.
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Expansion teams like the Valkyries don’t get many chances to draft high-upside glue players, and Rivers is exactly that.
Saniya Rivers doesn’t need the ball in her hands to dominate a game. Her defense, transition instincts, and hustle will immediately translate to the WNBA.
If a team like Golden State is looking to build a culture around toughness, versatility, and grit, Rivers is the player to start with. She may never lead the league in scoring, but she could anchor one of its best defenses, and that kind of value is impossible to ignore in today’s game.
Draft Projection: Potential No. 5 Overall Selection and first-ever by Golden State Valkyries
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