WNBA Draft Insights: How the Wings Struck Gold with Paige Bueckers While Sedona Prince Goes Undrafted

The 2025 WNBA Draft has wrapped up, and it brought some exciting moments. Former UConn star Paige Bueckers was the first pick, heading to the Dallas Wings. The Seattle Storm picked Dominique Malonga at No. 2, with Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen going to the Washington Mystics at Nos. 3 and 4. Overall, the night went according to the predictions, with few surprises in the selections.

What stood out were some key selections. The Golden State Valkyries made history by taking Justė Jocytė as their first-ever draft pick at No. 5. Meanwhile, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow went to the Connecticut Sun at No. 7, and TCU’s Hailey Van Lith was picked by the Chicago Sky at No. 11. Now, with the draft completed, players are headed to their new cities to prepare for training camps ahead of the season opener on May 16.

Dallas Wings: The Big Winners
The Dallas Wings were undoubtedly the biggest winners of this draft. Bueckers, who dazzled at UConn and led her team to a national championship, is poised to make an immediate impact. Bueckers’ track record speaks for itself; she nearly recorded a 50/40/90 shooting season and boasted a top-tier assist-to-turnover ratio in college. Wings GM Curt Miller called it a "special day," highlighting Bueckers’ potential to transform the franchise.

The Wings didn’t stop there. They also picked up Aziaha James, Madison Scott, and JJ Quinerly, adding depth and talent to their roster. After a challenging 2024 season, the Wings are aiming to shake things up and return to the playoffs.

Sedona Prince: A Surprise Snub
On the opposite end, TCU’s Sedona Prince faced disappointment. Despite impressive stats—17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and three blocks per game—she wasn’t drafted. Her age raised eyebrows; she turns 25 soon, making her older than some current players. Additionally, off-court allegations have complicated her reputation.

International Reach of the WNBA
International talent was a highlight of this draft. With Malonga being the highest-drafted French player and several other Europeans selected, the WNBA’s global outreach is clear. Eight international players were drafted, showcasing the league’s growth beyond U.S. borders.

Shyanne Sellers: A Fall from Grace
Shyanne Sellers was projected as a top pick but tumbled down to No. 17. Concerns over her knee injury likely caused teams to hesitate. Yet, joining the new Valkyries gives her a fresh start and an opportunity to prove herself.

Hailey Van Lith: A Comeback Story
Hailey Van Lith’s journey is noteworthy. After a tough season, she chose to transfer to TCU and flourished, becoming a first-round pick at No. 11. Her evolution into a more well-rounded player makes her a promising asset for the Sky, especially as she reunites with former teammate Angel Reese.

As the teams and players gear up for the new season, the draft serves as a reminder of the talent emerging in women’s basketball. The future looks bright, both for new faces and established stars in the WNBA.

For those interested in more detailed statistics and analyses from the draft, you can visit ESPN for expert breakdowns and player insights.

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