The stage is set for Monday night’s WNBA Draft (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), and all eyes are on UConn’s Paige Bueckers, the clear-cut favorite to be selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. With ESPN’s final mock draft projecting Bueckers as the No. 1 pick, the senior point guard is expected to usher in a new era in Dallas after capping off her college career with a national championship and one of her most efficient seasons yet.
Standing at 6 feet, Bueckers averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this season while shooting an impressive 53.4% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range. Her elite shot-making, court vision, and leadership make her a franchise cornerstone for the Wings—who are in need of a spark to return to contender status in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
One of the most notable developments in the lead-up to the draft came Sunday, when the Chicago Sky acquired the No. 11 overall pick from the Minnesota Lynx. The deal opened the door for TCU’s Hailey Van Lith to jump back into the first round, with ESPN now projecting the Big 12 Player of the Year to land in Chicago. A reunion with former LSU teammate Angel Reese is on the table, and Van Lith could benefit from learning alongside veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot. After averaging 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists this season and leading TCU to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance, Van Lith’s stock is on the rise at just the right time.
Here’s a look at some of the other top names to watch in the first round:
- Dominique Malonga (France, C, 6-6): At just 19 years old, Malonga brings elite international experience, including Olympic action and a pro resume in France’s top league since age 15. Averaging 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds for Lyon Asvel Feminin, she’s a high-upside pick with physical tools and the ability to dominate both ends of the floor.
- Kiki Iriafen (USC, PF, 6-3): The Washington Mystics, in full rebuild mode with three picks in the top six, are expected to take a hard look at Iriafen. After transferring from Stanford, Iriafen became a double-double machine at USC, averaging 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds en route to a Big Ten title and Elite Eight berth.
- Sonia Citron (Notre Dame, SG, 6-1): A well-rounded and high-IQ player, Citron posted 14.1 points per game while also earning first-team All-ACC and all-defensive honors. Her two-way ability and consistency make her a likely lottery pick.
- Aneesah Morrow (LSU, SF, 6-1): A rebounding force and double-double machine, Morrow led the nation in boards (13.5 per game) and recorded 30 double-doubles in her final collegiate season. Her scoring touch and previous perimeter shooting at DePaul could make her a valuable weapon at the next level.
This year’s draft includes 12 picks in the first round, and 13 each in the second and third rounds. The Las Vegas Aces will be without a first-rounder after the league rescinded their pick due to a 2023 investigation into improper player benefits and workplace violations.
With a loaded class and several teams looking to rebuild or retool, the 2025 WNBA Draft could mark a pivotal turning point for the league’s future. But there’s little doubt who the spotlight belongs to Monday night—Paige Bueckers is ready for center stage.
