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2025 WNBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Spherical Predictions for Paige Bueckers-Led Class

Rachel Galligan January 28, 2025 2025 WNBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Round Predictions for Paige Bueckers-Led Class 0 of 12 G Fiume/Getty Images The turn of the 2025 calendar means WNBA free agency is here and the draft is right around the corner. WNBA coaches, scouts and general managers are hyper-focused on filling out their rosters

2025 WNBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Spherical Predictions for Paige Bueckers-Led Class

Rachel GalliganJanuary 28, 2025

2025 WNBA Mock Draft: Full 1st-Spherical Predictions for Paige Bueckers-Led Class

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    WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 11: Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies helps her team warm up before the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Entertainment & Sports Arena on January 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

    G Fiume/Getty Photographs

    The flip of the 2025 calendar means WNBA free company is right here and the draft is correct across the nook. WNBA coaches, scouts and basic managers are hyper-focused on filling out their rosters and evaluating draft prospects domestically and internationally.

    Now that we’re deeper into school season, we have now a clearer image of the expertise and consistency on this class and the way their video games could or could not translate to the W. Whereas it stays unclear who could declare early and who will make the most of a fifth yr of eligibility, we have now a larger sense of whose talent might be pro-ready right now.

    On condition that, this mock draft focuses on gamers who’ve been in school for 4 years, in addition to draft-eligible worldwide prospects. Let’s check out key impression gamers whose shares are on the rise and have professional probabilities of going within the first spherical.

1. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers, PG, UConn

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    HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - DECEMBER 15: Paige Bueckers #5 of the Connecticut Huskies plays against the Georgetown Hoyas during the second half of an NCAA basketball game at the XL Center on December 15, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

    Joe Buglewicz/Getty Photographs

    Top: 6’0″

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    Age: 23

    Whereas Paige Bueckers technically has one yr of NCAA eligibility remaining, she has been the wire-to-wire favourite because the No. 1 general decide on this yr’s draft as the whole bundle on the guard place.

    The UConn star places strain on opponents along with her offensive arsenal as a three-level scorer, however she will facilitate and create high-percentage photographs along with her imaginative and prescient and passing potential. She’s a franchise participant any WNBA staff would embrace for his or her future.

    UConn Girls’s Basketball @UConnWBB

    watching Paige Bueckers play basketball> pic.twitter.com/WFdEdOlQyP

    This 2024-25 season, Bueckers is averaging 19.6 factors, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per recreation whereas taking pictures a career-best 56.0 p.c from the sphere and 42.9 p.c from the three-point line.

    At 6’0″, Bueckers has nice size on the level guard place, and her potential to facilitate with pinpoint precision is unmatched. Her basketball IQ is thru the roof, as she understands tempo and shot choice on the highest degree. Her potential to dictate the tempo of a recreation within the full court docket, whereas working with effectivity within the half court docket is uncommon.

    She is the generational expertise and decision-maker Dallas desperately must put alongside Arike Ogunbowale to raise the franchise.

2. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles, PG, Notre Dame

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    SOUTH BEND, IN - DECEMBER 12: Olivia Miles #5 of Notre Dame dribbles around Kaityln Chen #20 of UConn during a game between Connecticut and Notre Dame at Purcell Pavillion at the Joyce Center on December 12, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

    Michael Miller/ISI Pictures/Getty Photographs

    Top: 5’10”

    Age: 21

    The Seattle Storm secured the No. 2 pick after a blockbuster commerce sending Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces.

    Seattle might go a number of instructions with this choice however would acquire large worth out of including a dynamic playmaker and future franchise participant on the guard spot.

    Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles is among the most poised, explosive guards we have seen not too long ago. She is selective about when to be aggressive offensively and when to facilitate photographs for teammates—and he or she’s elite within the open ground whereas taking part in with uptempo tempo and area.

    Offensively, Miles is nice off the dribble, can get to the rim and has vary behind the arc. She constantly shows the decision-making to interrupt down her opponents, and her confidence will translate exceptionally effectively to the following degree.

    Miles is averaging a career-best 16.4 factors per recreation, is fourth within the nation in assists per recreation with 6.9 and is taking pictures a career-best 43 p.c from the three-point line. With six profession triple-doubles, her talent set will translate effectively to the W.

3. Chicago Sky: Sonia Citron, G, Notre Dame

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    SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - DECEMBER 05: Sonia Citron #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on December 05, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

    Michael Reaves/Getty Photographs

    Top: 6’1″

    Age: 21

    The Chicago Sky went all-in for the 2024 draft, securing the frontcourt of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Mix that depth with the return of veteran ahead Elizabeth Williams, and the most important concern for the Sky this offseason is guard play.

    They’ve so as to add playmaking, depth and taking pictures on the 1-3 spots.

    If Chicago holds onto the No. 3 decide, Notre Dame’s Sonia Citron would supply versatility, as she’s in a position to play on or off the ball as an incredible next-level utility wing and sensible defensive presence.

    ACC Digital Community @theACCDN

    Environment friendly recreation from Sonia Citron

    25 PTS
    11 REB
    5-9 3PT@ndwbb | @FightingIrish | #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/6jiNBxAWtj

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    Citron is poised and able to making nice reads and choices in tight areas. With an general elite talent set, she has nice imaginative and prescient and distributes the ball exceptionally effectively—particularly in post-entry passes.

    The Sky ranked final within the WNBA final season in three-point makes an attempt per recreation (14.9), final in three-point makes per recreation (4.8) and second-to-last in assists per recreation (19.0). As a profession 37 p.c perimeter shooter, Citron can stretch the protection off the catch and may knock down mid-range photographs.

4. Washington Mystics: Kiki Iriafen, F, Southern Cal

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    COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - JANUARY 08: Kiki Iriafen #44 of the USC Trojans is introduced before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 08, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

    G Fiume/Getty Photographs

    Top: 6’3″

    Age: 22

    Whereas the Washington Mystics bought the brief finish of the stick within the lottery—one factor is for certain—a key piece will nonetheless be obtainable at No. 4.

    If Kiki Iriafen remains to be on the board, it could show a significant addition for a Mystics staff trying to redefine their complete franchise.

    The USC standout has continued to become an elite-level ahead and dominant, pro-ready presence. I’m not satisfied she has come wherever close to hitting her ceiling.

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    As an athletic frontcourt presence, Iriafen performs with energy and size within the paint. She is aggressive on the glass, has a capability to raise over opponents and defenders across the rim and could be very able to taking part in in a fast-paced professional system.

    With nice arms, delicate contact across the rim and talent to knock down mid-range photographs, her offensive talent set can proceed to be expanded upon. Defensively, she offers rim safety however could be thrown in ball display motion and guard on the perimeter successfully.

5. Golden State Valkyries: Dominique Malonga, C/F, France

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    An overview shows France's #14 Dominique Malonga laying up a ball in the women's preliminary round group B basketball match between Canada and France during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on July 29, 2024. (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANTONIN THUILLIER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

    ANTONIN THUILLIER/POOL/AFP by way of Getty Photographs

    Top: 6’6″

    Age: 19

    Six-foot-six, cell, expert and athletic forwards with a plethora of dunk-heavy spotlight reels simply do not come round day by day.

    Golden State proved its deep roots within the worldwide recreation when seven of its 11 alternatives throughout the WNBA growth draft had been worldwide gamers.

    Dominique Malonga’s potential and ceiling are by way of the roof and nearly anybody who has had the possibility to see her throughout her younger profession would agree. She turned heads this previous summer time whereas competing with France on the Olympic staff, and I’d be shocked if she dropped thus far within the draft.

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    Hoop Herald @TheHoopHerald

    17 yr outdated Dominique Malonga.

    Ladies basketball gamers are evolving sooner than ever

    LOVE IT

    pic.twitter.com/AOZ2W3ekN2

    Malonga has imposing measurement and nice arms and is hard across the basket—mixed with athleticism, power and nice mobility. She will be able to face up, assault off the dribble and advance within the open court docket like a guard. She is averaging 17.9 factors and 10.5 rebounds per recreation, and is taking pictures 57 p.c from the ground for LDLC ASVEL Féminin in EuroCup Girls this season.

    Golden State has a chance to be extremely aggressive in free company and would seemingly haven’t any points including a younger, potential-laden decide by way of the draft.

6. Washington Mystics: Shyanne Sellers, G, Maryland

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    COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - JANUARY 14: Shyanne Sellers #0 of the Maryland Terrapins handles the ball in third quarter against Amaya Battle #3 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Xfinity Center on January 14, 2025 in College Park, Maryland.  (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

    G Fiume/Getty Photographs

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    Top: 6’2″

    Age: 21

    Versatility is the secret on the subject of Shyanne Sellers. The 6’2″ guard can play the 1-3 spots, and her size and athleticism make her impactful on each ends of the ground by way of her potential to distribute, rebound, defend and rating. These are all areas the retooling Washington Mystics franchise wants to enhance this offseason.

    Whereas a transparent path and imaginative and prescient for the Mystics has but to be realized, Sellers is a pure scorer, averaging 14.2 factors per recreation, and is taking pictures a career-best 45 p.c from the perimeter this season for Maryland.

    Sellers can play quick and works effectively in an uptempo system, can collapse the protection along with her first step and talent to assault the rim, finishes by way of contact on the rim and may rating a number of methods.

    She thrives within the open court docket in transition and could be utilized as a scorer or facilitator, as she’s averaging 4.7 assists and producing high-percentage seems for teammates. Having the ability to shift her throughout a number of positions on each ends of the ground will likely be a significant asset on the subsequent degree.

7. New York Liberty: Georgia Amoore, PG, Kentucky

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    NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 5: Georgia Amoore  #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats drives towards the basket against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on January 5, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)

    Carly Mackler/Getty Photographs

    Top: 5’6″

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    Age: 23

    Georgia Amoore is the whole bundle on the level guard spot, and whereas Courtney Vandersloot’s future with the Liberty stays in query, we might see the staff goal level guard depth.

    Amoore’s playmaking, decision-making within the two-man recreation, IQ and talent to be a multi-level scorer will likely be sought-after on the subsequent degree. The Kentucky guard is a confirmed perimeter menace as a profession 36 p.c three-point shooter who is aware of the right way to create separation.

    Girls’s Hoops Community @WomensHoops_USA

    Georgia Amoore right now 🔥

    • 19 factors
    • 8 assists
    • 2 steals
    • 7/12 FG

    Kentucky wins!

    pic.twitter.com/scn8ednTgX

    Amoore is tied for No. 2 within the nation in assists per recreation at 7.3. The Australian fifth-year level guard is among the older gamers within the draft who brings ACC, SEC, Ultimate 4 and worldwide expertise.

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    Whereas some could draw back from her measurement, what separates Amoore from many is her preparation and toughness. She approaches the sport like knowledgeable and is dedicated to the movie room when analyzing opponents. That preparation reveals on recreation day when she constantly picks aside defenses within the ACC and SEC.

8. Indiana Fever: Aneesah Morrow, F, LSU

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    UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - DECEMBER 17: Aneesah Morrow #24 of the LSU Tigers is defended by Amari Wright #22 of the Seton Hall Pirates during the first half of an Invesco QQQ Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase game at Mohegan Sun Arena on December 17, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

    Joe Buglewicz/Getty Photographs

    Top: 6’1″

    Age: 21

    The Indiana Fever might want to construct out their entrance court docket and supercharge their rebounding potential this offseason. They may additionally use a complementary participant to Aliyah Boston.

    Aneesah Morrow could also be barely undersized, however her motor, toughness and physicality will translate effectively to the following degree. I’m excessive on Morrow for the intangibles that can not be taught. The LSU ahead has proved her potential to compete and excel in opposition to one of the best within the nation and enhances playmaking guards exceptionally effectively.

    Naismith Awards @NaismithTrophy

    A strolling double-double for Morrow🔥

    Aneesah Morrow makes it look simple, recording her 9️⃣2️⃣nd double-double in simply 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ profession video games‼️

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    Immediately’s efficiency: 2️⃣0️⃣ PTS, 1️⃣0️⃣ REB, 3️⃣ STLS, in #5 @LSUwbkb‘s win over Florida😤@jerseymikes | #JerseyMikesNaismith2025 | @sec | 📸:… pic.twitter.com/w2Jr8opAQu

    Morrow is averaging 18.5 factors, leads the nation in rebounds at 14.3 per recreation and is taking pictures 53 p.c from the sphere. She leads the nation in double-doubles this season with 19.

    Whereas her potential to increase her vary and luxury on the perimeter could also be regarding, Morrow is certainly not incapable. The 6’1″ ahead hasn’t wanted to fill that position for LSU, however she is taking pictures a career-best 37 p.c from three-point vary to this point this season.

    Morrow’s motor, delicate contact and dominance across the paint make her a viable choice for the Indiana Fever.

9. Los Angeles Sparks: Azzi Fudd, G, Connecticut

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    STORRS, CONNECTICUT - JANUARY 19: Azzi Fudd #35 of the Connecticut Huskies is defended by Amari Wright #22 of the Seton Hall Pirates during the first half of an NCAA women's basketball game at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 19, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

    Joe Buglewicz/Getty Photographs

    Top: 5’11”

    Age: 22

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    Azzi Fudd is an uncommon situation, having performed solely 53 complete collegiate basketball video games at Connecticut. Right here on-again, off-again damage standing has surrounded her future with a whole lot of uncertainty. However what we have now seen proves greater than worthy sufficient to place her in first-round draft conversations given her sheer professional potential.

    Fudd is elite at placing the ball by way of the basket as a pure soar shooter and constant shot maker. She is excellent off the dribble, and her potential to assault the paint and end on the rim is commonly neglected. Fudd is averaging 10.8 factors per recreation, taking pictures 41 p.c from the three-point line and 45 p.c from the ground this season.

    She has nice measurement, power and explosiveness. If she will stay constantly wholesome this season and declares for the WNBA, she could be an incredible addition for the Los Angeles Sparks as a poised shot maker who additionally constantly seems to make the best cross or determination throughout the circulate of the staff.

10. Chicago Sky: Te-Hina Paopao, G, South Carolina

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    COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 19: Te-Hina Paopao (0) of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the hoop against Catherine Alben (1) of the Charleston Southern Buccaneers during the first quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game at Colonial Life Arena on December 19, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. The South Carolina Gamecocks won 82-46. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

    Sean Rayford/Getty Photographs

    Top: 5’9″

    Age: 22

    Te-Hina Paopao checks the entire bins on the Chicago Sky’s want listing. The fifth-year South Carolina guard is skilled, has professional habits and a professional strategy to the sport, and is the unselfish playmaker and perimeter shot maker the Sky want.

    She will be able to slide on or off the ball on the combo spot and has a backcourt recreation that can translate effectively to the professionals. Paopao has an elite understanding of tempo, is poised in huge moments, makes nice choices and makes these round her higher. There’s a confidence in her potential to create for herself and for her teammates that’s evident when she steps onto the court docket.

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    Chelsea Grey @cgray209

    Over the pinnacle dime by @tehinapaopa0 !!
    I likeeeee dattttt 🔥🔥🔥

    Paopao can drain perimeter photographs as a profession 41 p.c shooter from the three-point line, and he or she put the nation on discover final season when she shot a career-best 46.8 p.c from deep. Her potential to demand respect from the perimeter, stretch the protection and execute performs within the half-court could be an enormous addition and piece to proceed to construct with for the Sky.

11. Minnesota Lynx: Maddy Westbeld, F, Notre Dame

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    ALBANY, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Maddy Westbeld #21 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish handles the ball against Timea Gardiner #30 of the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on March 29, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    Sarah Stier/Getty Photographs

    Top: 6’3″

    Age: 22

    The Minnesota Lynx do not have many obvious wants for this yr’s roster, however what they might use is a mix of perimeter taking pictures depth on the wing/ahead spot.

    Maddy Westbeld missed half the season for Notre Dame this yr, however by way of six video games, the 6’3″, fifth-year ahead has the eye of WNBA entrance workplaces.

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    Westbeld is a flexible stretch 4 who’s able to stretching the protection with excessive degree effectivity from deep, taking pictures a career-best 39 p.c this season. She will be able to assault off the dribble, absorbs contact effectively and performs with a pleasant degree of physicality that can translate to the skilled degree.

    This season, Westbeld is averaging 10.3 factors and taking pictures a career-best 59 p.c from the ground for No. 3 Notre Dame. She is a key participant to maintain your eye on as we get into February and March as her inventory continues to rise.

    The Lynx grasp their hat on pulling down perimeter photographs and spacing the ground for Napheesa Collier to function. Westbeld’s talent set and perimeter taking pictures suits Cheryl Reeve’s system effectively.

12. Phoenix Mercury: Sedona Prince, C, TCU

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    FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 08: TCU forward Sedona Prince (#13) dribbles up court during the college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and South Carolina Gamecocks on December 8, 2024 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.  (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

    Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs

    Top: 6’7″

    Age: 24

    2025 could convey a brand new period for the Phoenix Mercury, and the franchise could also be inclined so as to add a submit presence with the No. 12 decide.

    Sedona Prince is among the oldest gamers within the nation, having begun her collegiate profession at Texas in 2018. With a profession hampered on and off by accidents, Prince has been constant and wholesome throughout her time at TCU and is placing the nation on discover this season.

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    Rachel Galligan @RachGall

    Sedona Prince at present leads the nation in blocks (17) and blocks per recreation (5.6). Her @tcuwbb squad is 3-0 to begin the season, with an incredible matchup on Sunday vs. No. 13 NC State – a matchup no one desires to overlook!@sedonaprince_ @Big12Conference pic.twitter.com/8bGE3e2yVD

    Analytically, Prince is a no brainer, and there is a superb likelihood she would not fall this far. She leads the nation in blocks at 3.4 per recreation, and her elite size alters anybody who comes close to her within the paint. Rim safety is a necessity on the professional degree, and Prince is one of the best within the nation at it.

    The 6’7″ ahead is averaging 19.1 factors and 9.1 rebounds, and is taking pictures a career-best 62 p.c from the sphere this season for TCU.

    Prince’s mixture of measurement, offensive talent set and footwork is exclusive. She will be able to face up and stretch the protection off the dribble and is extremely environment friendly within the mid-range.

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