Paige Bueckers to Dallas:: The Dallas Wings selected Paige Bueckers (UConn) as the No. 1 overall pick, fulfilling long-held expectations after winning the draft lottery.
Why this matters:: Bueckers, a national champion and prolific scorer (UConn record 19.8 career PPG), is seen as a franchise cornerstone capable of elevating the Wings alongside star Arike Ogunbowale after a 9-31 season.
International Impact:: French center Dominique Malonga went No. 2 to Seattle, Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė went No. 5 to expansion Golden State, and Slovenian forward Ajša Sivka went No. 10 to Chicago. Three international players in the top 10 tied a WNBA record.
Mystics Reload:: Washington secured three top-6 picks: Sonia Citron (Notre Dame, No. 3), Kiki Iriafen (USC, No. 4), and Georgia Amoore (Kentucky, No. 6).
Sky Reunion:: The Chicago Sky drafted Hailey Van Lith (TCU) at No. 11, reuniting her with former LSU teammate Angel Reese.
Notable Undrafted:: Sedona Prince (TCU), despite a strong final season and significant off-court profile, went undrafted.
The Dallas Wings made their intentions clear, with GM Curt Miller stating, "Very early on, it was Paige and Paige only." Bueckers, fresh off leading UConn to an NCAA championship, became the sixth player ever to win a title and be drafted No. 1 in the same year. Her efficiency (53% FG, 42% 3PT at UConn) and playmaking ability are expected to revitalize a Wings team undergoing significant changes, including a new coach and GM, and preparing for a move to a new Dallas arena in 2026.
The Seattle Storm followed Dallas by selecting 19-year-old French phenom Dominique Malonga at No. 2, drawing comparisons to Victor Wembanyama for her potential ceiling. The expansion Golden State Valkyries made history with their first-ever pick, selecting Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė at No. 5. The Washington Mystics executed a major haul, adding Sonia Citron (No. 3), Kiki Iriafen (No. 4), and Georgia Amoore (No. 6) to rebuild their roster.
The Chicago Sky executed a pre-draft trade to acquire the No. 11 pick, selecting Hailey Van Lith and pairing her again with Angel Reese. Van Lith also drew attention for a viral photo where she appeared unhappy during a pre-draft event, though she stated she didn't recall the moment. A significant surprise was 6-foot-7 center Sedona Prince going undrafted through all three rounds, despite being an AP All-American honorable mention and a well-known name in college basketball.
Experts graded the draft favorably for teams like Dallas (A+ for Bueckers), Seattle (A+ for Malonga), Washington (A for their three top picks), and Chicago (A for Sivka and Van Lith). Connecticut also received high marks (A) for landing Aneesah Morrow (No. 7) and Saniya Rivers (No. 8). Teams are now looking ahead to training camps where these rookies will compete for roster spots.
Who was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft?
Paige Bueckers, a guard from UConn, was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings.
Why was Paige Bueckers considered the top pick?
Bueckers is a highly decorated player, a national champion, the first freshman to win major player of the year awards (2021), holds UConn's career scoring average record, and is known for her scoring efficiency and playmaking.
Were there any major surprises?
Sedona Prince going undrafted was considered a surprise by many. The high number of international players selected early (3 in the top 10) was also notable.
Which teams made the most picks early?
The Washington Mystics made three selections within the first six picks (No. 3, 4, 6).
New Era for Dallas:: The Wings have acquired a potential generational talent in Paige Bueckers, signaling a hopeful new direction for the franchise.
League Getting Younger & Global:: The influx of young stars like Bueckers, Malonga, and Jocytė, including top international talent, continues to shape the WNBA's future.
Team Dynamics:: Reunions like Van Lith and Reese in Chicago, and new backcourt pairings like Bueckers and Ogunbowale in Dallas, will be key storylines to watch.
Roster Battles:: With limited roster spots, expect intense competition in training camps as draftees fight to make teams.
The 2025 WNBA Draft has set the stage for exciting new dynamics across the league. Will Paige Bueckers lead the Wings to immediate contention? How will the influx of international talent impact the game?
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