The 2025 WNBA Draft is officially underway, and as many predicted, the Dallas Wings used the No. 1 overall pick to select UConn standout Paige Bueckers.
Earlier this month, Bueckers helped lead UConn to its first national championship since 2016, which also happens to be the last time a UConn player was taken first in the draft. In total, six UConn alumni have gone No. 1 overall, the most from any NCAA program: Bueckers (2025), Breanna Stewart (2016), Maya Moore (2011), Tina Charles (2010), Diana Taurasi (2004), and Sue Bird (2002).
At No. 2, the Seattle Storm picked 6’6″ French center Dominique Malonga, followed by the Washington Mystics selecting back-to-back at No. 3 and 4. They chose Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron and USC forward Kiki Iriafen, respectively. The expansion Golden State Valkyries, making their franchise debut, picked Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė at No. 5.
Notably absent from this round is the Las Vegas Aces, who lost their 2025 first-rounder due to league sanctions following a 2023 investigation into improper player benefits.
As the first round progresses, here are the grades for each selection:
Round 1 Draft Grades:
1. Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers (G, UConn):
Long seen as the top pick, Bueckers brings elite offensive skills and leadership. She nearly had a 50/40/90 season and elevates everyone around her. A transformative addition for Dallas. Grade: A+
2. Seattle Storm – Dominique Malonga (C, France):
Malonga, just 19, boasts tremendous potential and has drawn comparisons to Victor Wembanyama. She brings size and efficiency, though fit with the Storm’s current roster remains to be seen. Grade: A
3. Washington Mystics – Sonia Citron (G, Notre Dame):
A reliable, multi-positional defender with a solid perimeter game, Citron has a high floor and fits well in the Mystics’ rebuild. Grade: A-
4. Washington Mystics – Kiki Iriafen (F, USC):
Despite having depth at forward, the Mystics took the best player available. Iriafen is athletic, versatile, and efficient, with potential to grow as a shooter. Grade: B
5. Golden State Valkyries – Justė Jocytė (G, Lithuania):
In their inaugural pick, the Valkyries went international. Jocytė, a polished and crafty guard, has been playing professionally since her early teens and brings big upside. Grade: A-
6. Washington Mystics – Georgia Amoore (G, Kentucky):
Though undersized, Amoore is a dynamic offensive threat. She adds needed backcourt depth and could earn a starting role. Grade: B
7. Connecticut Sun – Aneesah Morrow (F, LSU):
Highly productive in college, Morrow’s limited shooting range raised some concerns. Still, her rebounding and energy are welcome for a rebuilding Sun team. Grade: B
8. Connecticut Sun – Saniya Rivers (G, NC State):
An elite athlete and lockdown defender, Rivers brings intensity and upside. Her offense is still developing, but she’s a great fit for the Sun’s rebuild. Grade: A-
9–12: Picks to come (L.A. Sparks, Chicago Sky x2, Dallas Wings)
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