UConn’s Bueckers Leads the Next Generation of WNBA Talent
Paige Bueckers WNBA The future of women’s basketball just got a whole lot brighter. The 2025 WNBA Draft wrapped up with big names, surprise picks, and international flair dominating the first round. Unsurprisingly, UConn superstar Paige Bueckers was taken Paige Bueckers WNBA No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, kicking off what promises to be a blockbuster rookie class.
Paige Bueckers is Dallas Bound
Paige Bueckers WNBA After a legendary college career capped by a national title, Paige Bueckers was the clear-cut top pick. The elite UConn guard will now join forces with Arike Ogunbowale to create a dynamic backcourt for the Dallas Wings, immediately elevating the team’s expectations for 2025.
Europe Shines Early in the Draft
European talent made a strong impression in the opening round, with France’s Dominique Malonga going No. 2 to the Seattle Storm, and Lithuanian sensation Justė Jocytė selected fifth by the Golden State Valkyries. Slovenia’s Ajša Sivka also joined the top 10, landing with the Chicago Sky at pick No. 10.
NC State and Notre Dame Well Represented
Paige Bueckers WNBA Two standout players from NC State, Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James, were taken in the first round by the Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings, respectively. Notre Dame saw multiple players selected as well, including Sonia Citron (No. 3 to Washington) and Maddy Westbeld (2nd round to Chicago).
Hailey Van Lith Lands in Chicago
Paige Bueckers WNBA One of the most polarizing guards in the draft, Hailey Van Lith, Paige Bueckers WNBA found her new home at No. 11 overall with the Chicago Sky. The TCU standout brings scoring prowess and a fiery competitiveness to the Windy City.
Full 2025 WNBA Draft Results
First Round
- Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers, UConn
- Seattle Storm (via Sparks) – Dominique Malonga, France
- Washington Mystics (via Sky) – Sonia Citron, Notre Dame
- Washington Mystics – Kiki Iriafen, USC
- Golden State Valkyries – Justė Jocytė, Lithuania
- Washington Mystics (via Dream) – Georgia Amoore, Kentucky
- Connecticut Sun (via Mercury) – Aneesah Morrow, LSU
- Connecticut Sun (via Fever) – Saniya Rivers, NC State
- LA Sparks (via Storm) – Sarah Ashlee Barker, Alabama
- Chicago Sky (via Sun) – Ajša Sivka, Slovenia
- Chicago Sky (via Lynx) – Hailey Van Lith, TCU
- Dallas Wings (via Liberty) – Aziaha James, NC State
Second Round
- Las Vegas Aces (via Sparks) – Aaliyah Nye, Alabama
- Dallas Wings – Madison Scott, Mississippi
- Minnesota Lynx (via Sky) – Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Russia
- Chicago Sky (via Mystics) – Maddy Westbeld, Notre Dame
- Golden State Valkyries – Shyanne Sellers, Maryland
- Atlanta Dream – Te-Hina PaoPao, South Carolina
- Indiana Fever (via Mercury) – Makayla Timpson, Florida State
- Indiana Fever – Bree Hall, South Carolina
- LA Sparks (via Storm) – Sania Feagin, South Carolina
- Chicago Sky (via Aces) – Aicha Coulibaly, Texas A&M
- Washington Mystics (via Sun) – Lucy Olsen, Iowa
- Minnesota Lynx – Dalayah Daniels, Washington
- Connecticut Sun – Rayah Marshall, USC
Third Round
- Seattle Storm (via Sparks) – Serena Sundell, Kansas State
- Dallas Wings – JJ Quinerly, West Virginia
- Los Angeles Sparks – Liatu King, Notre Dame
- Seattle Storm (via Mystics) – Madison Conner, TCU
- Golden State Valkyries – Kaitlyn Chen, UConn
- Dallas Wings – Aaronette Vonleh, Baylor
- Washington Mystics (via Mercury) – Zaay Green, Alabama
- Indiana Fever – Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga
- Seattle Storm – Jordan Hobbs, Michigan
- Las Vegas Aces – Harmoni Turner, Harvard
- Atlanta Dream (via Sun) – Taylor Thierry, Ohio State
- Minnesota Lynx – Aubrey Griffin, UConn
- New York Liberty – Adja Kane, France
What’s Next for These Future Stars?
Paige Bueckers WNBA With the draft behind them, the focus now turns to training camp and preseason action. All eyes will be on how quickly Paige Bueckers can adapt to the pro level, and which rookies will make the biggest splash in Year 1. One thing’s for sure: the 2025 WNBA rookie class is loaded with talent, confidence, and international flair.
