2023 WNBA Draft Recap: Paige Bueckers Headlines No. 1 Pick for Wings, Hailey Van Lith Joins Sky as Ultimate Point Guard Solution!

The 2025 WNBA Draft has wrapped up its first round, and the Dallas Wings made headlines by picking former UConn standout Paige Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick. Bueckers, a dynamic player, helped lead UConn to its first national title since 2016, the same year they last had a player go first overall in the draft. UConn now has six players who have claimed the No. 1 spot in WNBA Draft history, a record for any college program. This impressive list includes stars like Breanna Stewart, Maya Moore, and Diana Taurasi.

Following Bueckers, the Seattle Storm chose French center Dominique Malonga with the second pick. At just 19, Malonga is already showing potential, having averaged a double-double in her recent EuroCup season. The Washington Mystics followed up by snagging guard Sonia Citron and forward Kiki Iriafen with their third and fourth picks, respectively.

One unexpected twist was the fall of Shyanne Sellers. Once projected as a top-six pick, she ended up being selected by the newly formed Golden State Valkyries at No. 17, likely due to a knee injury that affected her last college season.

It’s also noteworthy that the Las Vegas Aces did not participate in the first round. They lost their pick because of violations related to player benefits, demonstrating the WNBA’s commitment to enforcing fair play.

In terms of how teams fared, experts have weighed in on the draft outcomes. For instance, Bueckers received an “A+” for her versatility and offensive skills, suggesting she could transform the Wings into a powerhouse. Malonga earned an “A” grade, hinting at her potential to develop into a franchise player.

Additionally, the WNBA has been experiencing increased popularity. Recent stats indicate that viewership has surged, making draft events highly anticipated in the women’s sports arena. This growth mirrors a broader societal trend where women’s sports are garnering more attention and respect than ever before.

As fans react on social media, excitement builds around the prospects of these young talents. From hopeful tweets about Bueckers leading her team to victory to discussions about Malonga’s future, the buzz surrounding the draft is palpable. It’s clear that the WNBA is enriching its roster with new talent that has the potential to change the game.

The future looks bright for the league, and the 2025 WNBA Draft is just the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating season.



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