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2025 WNBA Draft Recap: Top Picks and Surprises

The 2025 WNBA Draft, held on April 14 in New York City, introduced a new wave of talent set to invigorate the league. With 38 players selected, teams made strategic moves to bolster their rosters. Here’s a breakdown of the top picks and notable selections:​ SBNation.com

🏀 Top Picks of the 2025 WNBA Draft

1. Paige Bueckers – Dallas Wings (G, UConn)
Bueckers, the first overall pick, is expected to be a transformative player for the Wings. During her final collegiate season, she averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. In the NCAA Tournament, she elevated her performance, averaging 24.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks over six games, leading UConn to a national title.

    2. Dominique Malonga – Seattle Storm (C, France)
    At just 19, Malonga brings international experience, having competed in the EuroLeague and securing a silver medal with France at the 2024 Olympics. Her EuroCup averages of 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 53.8% shooting highlight her potential as a dominant force in the WNBA.

    3. Sonia Citron – Washington Mystics (G, Notre Dame)
    Citron is anticipated to provide immediate scoring and defensive capabilities to the Mystics’ backcourt. Her collegiate career showcased her as a reliable shooter and perimeter defender.

    4. Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics (F, USC)
    Selected fourth, the USC forward adds depth and strength to the Mystics’ frontcourt. Iriafen’s rebounding and inside scoring were key assets during her college career.

    5. Justė Jocytė – Golden State Valkyries (G, Lithuania)
    The newly established Valkyries made a bold move by selecting the Lithuanian guard fifth overall. Jocytė is known for her international experience and playmaking abilities.

      🌟 Notable Selections and Surprises

      • Georgia Amoore – Washington Mystics (G, Kentucky)
        Amoore’s leadership and scoring ability are expected to bolster the Mystics’ guard rotation.
      • Hailey Van Lith – Chicago Sky (G, TCU)
        Van Lith, reuniting with former LSU teammate Angel Reese, brings a scoring punch to the Sky. Her collegiate career concluded with 2,616 points, showcasing her offensive consistency. ​talkSPORT
      • Shyanne Sellers – Golden State Valkyries (G, Maryland)
        Despite being a three-time First Team All-Big Ten guard from Maryland, Sellers fell to the second round, a surprising drop for many analysts. ​NBC New York
      • Sedona Prince – TCU (C)
        Despite averaging 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, Prince went undrafted, possibly due to off-court concerns. Her performance in leading TCU to the Elite Eight and a Big 12 title highlights her potential value to WNBA teams. ​SBNation.com

      🏆 Teams Making Strategic Moves

      • Golden State Valkyries: In their inaugural draft, the Valkyries took a high-risk approach with Jocytė and added depth with Sellers and UConn’s Kaitlyn Chen in later rounds. ​The Guardian+4NBC New York+4SBNation.com+4

      The 2025 WNBA Draft has set the stage for an exciting season ahead, with fresh talent ready to make their mark. Fans can look forward to seeing how these new players will shape the future of their respective teams.​

      Who are you most excited to see on their new team? Like and Comment below!

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