Quick Read
- Paige Bueckers was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, marking a transformative moment for the franchise.
- The Seattle Storm picked Dominique Malonga at No. 2, highlighting the WNBA’s growing international presence.
- Sedona Prince went undrafted despite strong collegiate stats, with off-court issues likely playing a role.
- Hailey Van Lith’s decision to transfer to TCU paid off, as she was selected No. 11 by the Chicago Sky.
- Shyanne Sellers, projected as a top-six pick, fell to No. 17 due to concerns about her knee injury.
Paige Bueckers Headlines the 2025 WNBA Draft
The 2025 WNBA Draft concluded with former UConn star Paige Bueckers being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings. This move was widely anticipated and celebrated, as Bueckers is regarded as a transformative talent. Wings president and general manager Curt Miller described the selection as a ‘special day’ for the franchise, emphasizing Bueckers’ potential to make an immediate impact both on and off the court.
Bueckers, who recently led UConn to a national championship, brings an impressive skill set to the Wings. She led college basketball in assist-to-turnover ratio and narrowly missed achieving a 50/40/90 shooting season. Her poise, size, and offensive savviness make her a franchise-changing player. The Wings further bolstered their roster by selecting Aziaha James (No. 12), Madison Scott (No. 14), and JJ Quinerly (No. 27), creating a well-rounded draft class poised to help the team return to playoff contention.
International Players Shine
The 2025 draft also underscored the WNBA’s growing international influence. Dominique Malonga, a 19-year-old French phenom, was selected No. 2 by the Seattle Storm, making her the highest-drafted French player in a traditional WNBA draft. Malonga’s selection signals the league’s increasing reliance on international talent, as she joins a growing list of players who bypassed the NCAA system to play professionally in Europe before entering the WNBA.
Other notable international picks included Justė Jocytė (Lithuania) at No. 5 to the Golden State Valkyries and Ajša Sivka (Slovenia) at No. 10 to the Chicago Sky. In total, eight international players from seven countries were selected, showcasing the league’s expanding global reach.
Sedona Prince Goes Undrafted
One of the most surprising outcomes of the night was the absence of Sedona Prince’s name from the draft board. The 6-foot-7 center from TCU had an impressive collegiate career, averaging 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and three blocks per game in her final season. However, her age (25) and off-court controversies likely deterred teams from taking a chance on her.
Prince has faced multiple allegations of intimate partner violence, though no charges have been filed. Additionally, her history of injuries, including a broken leg and torn elbow ligament, raised concerns about her durability at the professional level. Despite her undeniable talent, Prince now faces an uncertain future, with her best options likely being overseas leagues or a training camp invite.
Hailey Van Lith Rebounds Strongly
Hailey Van Lith’s decision to transfer to TCU for her fifth collegiate season proved to be a game-changer. After a challenging stint at LSU, Van Lith thrived under TCU coach Mark Campbell, averaging a career-high 5.4 assists per game and leading the team to its first Elite Eight appearance. Her improved playmaking skills and strong NCAA Tournament performance earned her the No. 11 pick by the Chicago Sky.
Van Lith will reunite with her former LSU teammate Angel Reese in Chicago, where she is expected to learn from veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot. While questions remain about her defensive capabilities, Van Lith’s competitive spirit and offensive versatility make her a promising addition to the Sky.
Shyanne Sellers’ Unexpected Fall
Shyanne Sellers, a guard from Maryland, was widely projected as a top-six pick but fell to No. 17, where she was selected by the Golden State Valkyries. Reports suggest that a knee injury sustained earlier this year may have raised red flags for WNBA teams. Despite this setback, Sellers has an opportunity to prove herself on an expansion team with ample room for development.
Sellers averaged 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 40.8% from beyond the arc during her final collegiate season. If she can stay healthy, she has the potential to become a key contributor for the Valkyries.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the 2025 WNBA Draft, teams and players alike are preparing for the next phase: training camps, which open later this month. The draft highlighted the league’s increasing reliance on international talent and the continued importance of collegiate success. For players like Paige Bueckers, Hailey Van Lith, and Dominique Malonga, the future looks bright. However, for others like Sedona Prince and Shyanne Sellers, the road ahead will require resilience and determination.