UConn’s Paige Bueckers Likely Top Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft

STORRS, Conn. — UConn guard Paige Bueckers is poised to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, according to multiple sources. The Dallas Wings hold the first selection, and Bueckers, recently crowned the NCAA national champion, is viewed as a generational talent.

While Bueckers is a sure bet for the top spot, her teammates Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin are also hoping to hear their names called during the draft on Monday. Chen, a 5-foot-9 guard, declared for the draft and is considered one of the potential sleepers. In a recent interview, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma expressed optimism about both players’ prospects. “I think both of their chances [to get drafted] are pretty good,” he said on April 13. “The way Kaitlyn played brings real value to a team.”

ESPN analyst Eric Moody remarked on Chen’s resilience, noting her journey from Princeton to UConn. “Her journey shows Chen’s resilience and high basketball IQ,” Moody stated. “The guard excelled in UConn’s run to a 12th national title as a poised floor general and smart decision-maker.” Chen’s ability to control the tempo and elevate her teammates, despite being undersized, mirrors other successful guards like Hailey Van Lith, emphasizing her potential impact in the league.

As for Bueckers, she has often been compared with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the first pick in last year’s draft. Rebecca Lobo, former WNBA star and current ESPN analyst, acknowledged the talent of both players during an April 10 interview, saying, “Caitlin and Paige are very different players… but their impact is significant.” Lobo also highlighted the importance of the supporting cast, mentioning Arike Ogunbowale, and how it may influence Bueckers’s transition to the pro game.

Bueckers’s versatility and skill set make her a suitable choice for the Wings, who are looking to build a championship-caliber team. Analysts anticipate that her game will translate well to the WNBA level. “I expect a similar efficiency from her at the pro level,” Lobo commented, reinforcing expectations that Bueckers will make an immediate impact.

The WNBA Draft takes place in a matter of days, and with the buzz surrounding Bueckers and her UConn teammates, basketball fans are eager to see how the picks unfold and what this draft class has to offer.