Top WNBA Prospects Prepare for Highly Anticipated 2025 Draft

NEW YORK – The excitement in women’s basketball is palpable as the 2025 WNBA Draft approaches. Set for April 14 at The Shed in Hudson Yards, this year’s event will feature Paige Bueckers, recently crowned champion with the UConn Huskies.

Bueckers is expected to be the first overall pick, transitioning swiftly from a strong college career to the professional ranks. She averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this past season, helping UConn secure its first national title since 2016. Despite uncertainty about her willingness to join the Dallas Wings, her skill set and performance unmistakably position her as a franchise player.

Other notable prospects like Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, and Flau'jae Johnson opted to return to school, complicating the draft landscape. Miles’ decision to enter the transfer portal has particularly altered expectations, as she was originally projected as the second overall pick.

The draft could see teams like the Washington Mystics make significant moves with their three top-six selections. Among their top targets is Kiki Iriafen, a power forward from USC, who showcased impressive stats in her senior season, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds. Her athleticism may attract the Mystics as they undergo a rebuilding phase.

Another elite prospect is 6-foot-6 center Ilona Malonga, whose performance in the French league has caught attention, particularly after contributing significantly at the EuroCup Women. Averaging a double-double, she could prove to be a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their frontcourt.

Notre Dame guard Dara Sipres Citron, who averaged 14.1 points this season, is another solid option. Her defensive versatility and shooting accuracy may help her secure a spot in the first round.

With several teams in rebuild mode and the implications of an upcoming collective bargaining agreement looming over the league, teams are keenly aware that this draft goes beyond just picking players. It represents strategic decisions for future seasons amid a changing WNBA landscape.

The fluctuating nature of this draft particularly highlights the impact of player decisions on the overall draft pool. Teams are researching various aspects ranging from player habits to potential transition challenges to ensure success in assembling their rosters.

As the anticipation builds towards the draft day, fans and analysts alike will closely follow the developments. The previous success of collegiate players like Bueckers serves as a benchmark for this year’s prospects, who are eager to leave their mark in the WNBA.

Among the players to watch is Georgia Amoore of the Kentucky Wildcats, who notably averaged 19.6 points and over 6 assists, establishing herself as a dynamic offensive talent. Teams will be interested in her transition potential as she steps onto the professional stage.

The WNBA Draft aligns the future of numerous franchises with promising young athletes, shaping not only their upcoming seasons but potentially the league’s trajectory. As teams finalize their strategies, all eyes will be on April 14 in New York.