2025 WNBA Draft Storylines to Watch For
The 2025 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm® is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in women's basketball, with a class of players that promises to bring excitement and talent to the league. The draft will commence on April 14th at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Then, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN. Before the draft, there will be exclusive coverage done by the WNBA Countdown presented by Google. This will be the second consecutive year that fans will be seated in attendance to support the draft picks. As teams prepare for the draft, here are some predictions and insights into the top prospects and potential storylines.
Top Prospects to Watch
Paige Bueckers: A standout guard for UConn with exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities, Paige Bueckers is widely expected to be the first overall pick. Her leadership and basketball IQ make her a franchise-changing talent. She has achieved numerous accolades, including being a two-time unanimous First-Team All-American and winning prestigious awards like the Naismith College Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award during her freshman year. Bueckers is currently averaging 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game for the 2024-25 season, with an impressive field goal percentage of 53.6%.
Olivia Miles: At Notre Dame, Olivia Miles is known for her versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the court, Miles is a top contender for the second pick. Her all-around game makes her a valuable asset for any team. At just 22 years old, she has already achieved significant recognition, including being a three-time First-Team All-ACC selection. She was also a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award, which honors the nation's top point guard. This season, she's averaging 16.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 50.9% from the field and 41.6% from beyond the arc.
Dominique Malonga: This French international star has been making waves with her impressive performances in EuroCup Women 2025. As a young center with a strong defensive presence, Dominique Malonga is a top choice for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt. At just 19 years old and six-foot-six, she has already made waves in the basketball world with her incredible athleticism and skill. She was the youngest member of the French national team at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where they won a silver medal. This season, Malonga is averaging 15.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in the French league, and 18.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in the EuroCup.
Kiki Iriafen: A dynamic forward for USC with scoring and rebounding prowess, Kiki Iriafen is expected to be a lottery pick. Her athleticism and motor make her a perfect fit for an up-tempo style of play. This season, she's averaging 18.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 50.3%. Her impressive performances earned her the 2024 Katrina McClain Award as the nation's best power forward.
Sonia Citron: A versatile guard for Notre Dame with a knack for scoring and defending, Sonia Citron is another top prospect who could make an immediate impact in the league. She has multiple accolades, which include being a two-time First-Team All-ACC selection and the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. This season, she's averaging 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, with a high free-throw percentage of 91.2%, which broke Notre Dame's single-season record. Her versatility and leadership have made her a key player for Notre Dame, and she's also been recognized on watch lists for prestigious awards like the Wooden Award and the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award.
Key Storylines and Predictions
Golden State Valkyries' First Draft: As the WNBA's newest expansion team, the Valkyries will be making their first-ever draft pick. Their choice could set the tone for the team's future and establish their identity in the league. As the WNBA's first expansion team in 17 years, they hold the fifth overall pick. They recently had their expansion draft in December 2024, where they selected 11 players to form their initial roster. The Bleacher Report currently has Aneesah Morrow as their choice.
International Talent: The 2025 draft class features a strong international presence, highlighting the global growth of women's basketball. Players like Malonga and others from overseas leagues are expected to make a significant impact. The other players include Ajsa Sivka, Annika Soltau, and Marine Dursus. Sivka is a six-foot-three forward with a versatile skill set, Sivka has been making waves in European leagues. Soltau from Germany is a six-foot-four forward who has shown great potential in international competitions. Dursus from France is a five-foot-nine guard known for her quickness and playmaking abilities.
Team Needs and Strategies: Teams like the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, and Washington Mystics hold key picks and will be looking to address specific needs. The draft order and team strategies will play a crucial role in shaping the league's future. The Dallas Wings are likely to select Paige Bueckers as the first overall pick despite her injuries due to the level of her abilities, solidifying their backcourt with a generational talent. The Seattle Storm could opt for Olivia Miles to strengthen their guard rotation and add a playmaker to their roster. The Washington Mystics, with multiple lottery picks, might focus on a combination of proven NCAA talent and high-upside international players. This is due to them currently being in the process of building up their roster to a higher competition level.
As the draft approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the final selections and the impact these players will have on the WNBA. Most prospects are focused on the NCAA Tournament that is quickly approaching. However, fans, coaches, and current WNBA players are looking towards what will happen on draft night. The 2025 WNBA Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for the league, showcasing the best of women's basketball and setting the stage for an exciting future.
