- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 553,346
- Reaction score
- 48
The 2025 WNBA Draft is officially here, and For The Win is back for a final mock ahead of the main event.
In case you missed it, we've tried to predict what might happen when the draft goes live from New York on April 14. Olivia Miles slid down the draft board in For The Win's first mock, Hailey Van Lith reunited with Angel Reese in version 2.0 and Kiki Iriafen snuck into the top five picks in a third mock.
RELATED:Gannett launches USA TODAY Studio IX, a new women's sports vertical
However, Miles isn't declaring for the WNBA draft anymore, and now it's anyone's guess what happens after the No. 1 overall pick. Transparently, it's likely safe to pencil in where Paige Bueckers lands. However, anything after that is up in the air. So, with this in mind, For The Win's WNBA mock draft version 4.0 is dedicated to planning for the wild, shocking and any other general shenanigans.
Here's For The Win's final WNBA mock draft ahead of Monday evening:
UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers now has a national championship on her resumé. If there were any remaining doubts about her game, she effectively ended them. The Dallas Wings are all but certainly drafting Bueckers, and we shouldn't think otherwise. This is a no-brainer. Move along, folks. Nothing to see here.
The Seattle Storm have way too many guards on the roster (five) and not enough post players to do anything other than take a big at No. 2 overall. Seattle needs to snag Dominique Malonga and not think twice about it. It's hard not to like 6-foot-6, high basketball IQ and a game so smooth that butter is offended.
However, there should be tempered expectations for the French big. It's possible that Malonga might not see the floor this season. The Storm could opt to draft and stash her. Despite having professional experience on the French national team and Ligue Féminine de Basketball (a French pro league), Malonga is just 19 years old. She needs more time to develop, as most younger W rookies do. It wouldn't be surprising if she doesn't play until 2026 or later.
If Notre Dame catch-all Sonia Citron lands in any spot in the top five picks, fans should scream from the mountaintops. Citron is one of those sneaky good players who you don't realize are that good until you go back and watch the film. This would be a home run pick for the Mystics, who need reliable pieces to fill their rebuilding roster. Citron's got the motor, the scoring and the defensive chops to be in the WNBA for a very long time.
USC Forward Kiki Iriafen had a stellar 36-point outing during March Madness after teammate JuJu Watkins exited the tournament with an injury. Unfortunately, her amazingly timed ascent landed with a brutal thud in back-to-back matchups against Kansas State and UConn. She shot 23 percent from the field against the Wildcats and 20 percent against the Huskies. (Oof.)
While the Mystics have a stacked frontcourt, it's possible that Iriafen would provide the quality depth they're looking for with a new-look roster. She'll slide just a bit from previous projections, but the senior forward likely finds a home in Washington, D.C.
Fans might be a bit stunned seeing Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers at pick No. 5, but before anyone starts throwing tomatoes, hear us out. Without TCU guard Olivia Miles on the draft board, there's a possibility that the draft stock of available point guards will get a slight bump.
The Valkyries could decide to take Sellers with their first pick. Sellers is one of the best available true point guards on the board in round one and would provide stability for a franchise that needs reliable pieces as it finalizes its inaugural roster.
NC State guard Saniya Rivers elevated her draft stock throughout the season and into the NCAA tournament. Landing at No. 6 in For The Win's mock draft 4.0 is higher than previous FTW projections, but we think her athleticism could float her up the draft board.
Chicago Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca recently gushed about Rivers ahead of the draft, saying, "She could probably handle one through three ― little bit of four at times. She's got a lot of length. Maybe the best overall athlete in the draft." If the Mystics are smart, they don't even give Rivers a chance to fall to Chicago or any other team. Draft her, Washington, and run away laughing diabolically.
If you made it this far, you've probably said several colorful words at the thought of LSU forward Aneesah Morrow tumbling down the draft board to the Connecticut Sun. But, there have been rumblings in recent weeks related to concerns over Morrow's lack of size. At 6-foot-1, she's on the smaller side for a forward who would potentially play the four spot in the league.
However, she's got several things on her side: an out-of-this-world motor on the glass, solid production offensively and examples of players her height who have found success. (*coughs in Napheesa Collier*) Morrow isn't Collier ― she is an anomaly ― but she could carve out a lane for herself just like Collier did. (Rebounding translates, as fans saw last year with Morrow's former teammate Angel Reese.) Also, what team was in the bottom third of the league last season in total rebounds? The Connecticut Sun.
The Connecticut Sun are in full rebuild mode, and if they want to help out their roster, they'd pick up NC State guard Aziaha James. James' production fluttered towards the end of her final college season, but one thing has never been clearer: She's a bucket.
Her propensity to score at will is something the Sun should appreciate. James brings a 3-ball in her toolkit and a lovely mid-range game, too. (Not to mention, she's a willing defender who doesn't mind bringing pressure.) If the Sun are sold about Jacy Sheldon being the starting point guard, James would be a very good one-two-combination behind her.
The concerns about Georgia Amoore's smaller stature probably cause her to fall down the draft board, but her production and confidence should keep her inside the top 10. The Los Angeles Sparks have been adamant about getting players who can contribute to their win-now culture. Amoore has more than proven she can score from three levels and is a defensive pest, making her a prime candidate to contribute early.
Something else to consider: The Australian native has spent the last three years in starting guard Kelsey Plum's "Dawg Class", learning what it means to be a pro and how to get better as a guard. Plum's had a first-hand look at everything Amoore is capable of and has already established a relationship. Do with this information what you will.
Reliable post depth was an issue last season for the Chicago Sky, and while it was addressed in free agency, a little insurance couldn't hurt. A world exists where Chicago could pick South Carolina forward Sania Feagin and reunite her with former teammate Kamilla Cardoso.
Cardoso and Feagin together again would not only be a fantastic storyline, but a pre-existing relationship could go a long way to help Feagin feel comfortable in the league. The young forward is not starter material yet, but with some quality minutes and more reps, she could turn into one down the road.
It's time to shake things up again. Let's try Alabama guard Sarah Ashlee Barker in the first round ― to the Chicago Sky. Chicago drafting Barker at pick No. 11 would not only shake up the whole first round, but it might trickle into the second round, too. Barker more than made her case to at least be considered in the first 12 picks during her gutsy performance against Maryland. During the NCAA tournament, the Crimson Tide and the Terrapins went into double overtime, in a game that seemingly never wanted to end.
Throughout the matchup, Barker made bucket after bucket, climbing her way up to 45 points. She also drained some super clutch free throws that few players her age could make without flinching. (That's what the kids call ice in her veins.) If Chicago wanted an efficient guard who could score from all over the court, including from 3-point range (which they sorely need), Barker is it.
Hold on to your hats, party people. The final player selected in the first round isn't Hailey Van Lith as many mocks across the internet have surmised. It's *checks notes* South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao?!Paopao landing with the Dallas Wings would be shocking, but not as far-fetched as it seems. The Wings need guard depth behind Bueckers, DiJonai Carrington and Ty Harris. Paopao is a reliable scorer and a 3-point threat, which Dallas also desperately needs outside of Arike Ogunbowale. Additionally, though not asked a lot to do it much, she can serve as an extra point guard if the Wings are ever in a bind.
In other words, Paopao is essentially a plug-and-play player who could thrive in many scenarios in Dallas because of her catch-all skillset. Also, what a wild storyline it would be that Paopao, who just played in a national championship game against Paige Bueckers, would become her teammate. PLOT TWIST.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: WNBA Mock Draft: Hailey Van Lith out of 1st round, Aneesah Morrow falls
Continue reading...
In case you missed it, we've tried to predict what might happen when the draft goes live from New York on April 14. Olivia Miles slid down the draft board in For The Win's first mock, Hailey Van Lith reunited with Angel Reese in version 2.0 and Kiki Iriafen snuck into the top five picks in a third mock.
RELATED:Gannett launches USA TODAY Studio IX, a new women's sports vertical
However, Miles isn't declaring for the WNBA draft anymore, and now it's anyone's guess what happens after the No. 1 overall pick. Transparently, it's likely safe to pencil in where Paige Bueckers lands. However, anything after that is up in the air. So, with this in mind, For The Win's WNBA mock draft version 4.0 is dedicated to planning for the wild, shocking and any other general shenanigans.
Here's For The Win's final WNBA mock draft ahead of Monday evening:
2025 WNBA mock draft
1. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers, Guard (UConn)
You must be registered for see images attach
UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers now has a national championship on her resumé. If there were any remaining doubts about her game, she effectively ended them. The Dallas Wings are all but certainly drafting Bueckers, and we shouldn't think otherwise. This is a no-brainer. Move along, folks. Nothing to see here.
2. Seattle Storm: Dominique Malonga, Center (France)
You must be registered for see images attach
The Seattle Storm have way too many guards on the roster (five) and not enough post players to do anything other than take a big at No. 2 overall. Seattle needs to snag Dominique Malonga and not think twice about it. It's hard not to like 6-foot-6, high basketball IQ and a game so smooth that butter is offended.
However, there should be tempered expectations for the French big. It's possible that Malonga might not see the floor this season. The Storm could opt to draft and stash her. Despite having professional experience on the French national team and Ligue Féminine de Basketball (a French pro league), Malonga is just 19 years old. She needs more time to develop, as most younger W rookies do. It wouldn't be surprising if she doesn't play until 2026 or later.
3. Washington Mystics: Sonia Citron, Guard (Notre Dame)
You must be registered for see images attach
If Notre Dame catch-all Sonia Citron lands in any spot in the top five picks, fans should scream from the mountaintops. Citron is one of those sneaky good players who you don't realize are that good until you go back and watch the film. This would be a home run pick for the Mystics, who need reliable pieces to fill their rebuilding roster. Citron's got the motor, the scoring and the defensive chops to be in the WNBA for a very long time.
4. Washington Mystics: Kiki Iriafen, Forward (USC)
You must be registered for see images
USC Forward Kiki Iriafen had a stellar 36-point outing during March Madness after teammate JuJu Watkins exited the tournament with an injury. Unfortunately, her amazingly timed ascent landed with a brutal thud in back-to-back matchups against Kansas State and UConn. She shot 23 percent from the field against the Wildcats and 20 percent against the Huskies. (Oof.)
While the Mystics have a stacked frontcourt, it's possible that Iriafen would provide the quality depth they're looking for with a new-look roster. She'll slide just a bit from previous projections, but the senior forward likely finds a home in Washington, D.C.
5. Golden State Valkyries: Shyanne Sellers, Guard (Maryland)
You must be registered for see images attach
Fans might be a bit stunned seeing Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers at pick No. 5, but before anyone starts throwing tomatoes, hear us out. Without TCU guard Olivia Miles on the draft board, there's a possibility that the draft stock of available point guards will get a slight bump.
The Valkyries could decide to take Sellers with their first pick. Sellers is one of the best available true point guards on the board in round one and would provide stability for a franchise that needs reliable pieces as it finalizes its inaugural roster.
6. Washington Mystics: Saniya Rivers, Guard (NC State)
You must be registered for see images
NC State guard Saniya Rivers elevated her draft stock throughout the season and into the NCAA tournament. Landing at No. 6 in For The Win's mock draft 4.0 is higher than previous FTW projections, but we think her athleticism could float her up the draft board.
Chicago Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca recently gushed about Rivers ahead of the draft, saying, "She could probably handle one through three ― little bit of four at times. She's got a lot of length. Maybe the best overall athlete in the draft." If the Mystics are smart, they don't even give Rivers a chance to fall to Chicago or any other team. Draft her, Washington, and run away laughing diabolically.
7. Connecticut Sun: Aneesah Morrow, Forward (LSU)
You must be registered for see images attach
If you made it this far, you've probably said several colorful words at the thought of LSU forward Aneesah Morrow tumbling down the draft board to the Connecticut Sun. But, there have been rumblings in recent weeks related to concerns over Morrow's lack of size. At 6-foot-1, she's on the smaller side for a forward who would potentially play the four spot in the league.
However, she's got several things on her side: an out-of-this-world motor on the glass, solid production offensively and examples of players her height who have found success. (*coughs in Napheesa Collier*) Morrow isn't Collier ― she is an anomaly ― but she could carve out a lane for herself just like Collier did. (Rebounding translates, as fans saw last year with Morrow's former teammate Angel Reese.) Also, what team was in the bottom third of the league last season in total rebounds? The Connecticut Sun.
8. Connecticut Sun: Aziaha James, Guard (NC State)
You must be registered for see images
The Connecticut Sun are in full rebuild mode, and if they want to help out their roster, they'd pick up NC State guard Aziaha James. James' production fluttered towards the end of her final college season, but one thing has never been clearer: She's a bucket.
Her propensity to score at will is something the Sun should appreciate. James brings a 3-ball in her toolkit and a lovely mid-range game, too. (Not to mention, she's a willing defender who doesn't mind bringing pressure.) If the Sun are sold about Jacy Sheldon being the starting point guard, James would be a very good one-two-combination behind her.
9. Los Angeles Sparks: Georgia Amoore, Guard (Kentucky)
You must be registered for see images attach
The concerns about Georgia Amoore's smaller stature probably cause her to fall down the draft board, but her production and confidence should keep her inside the top 10. The Los Angeles Sparks have been adamant about getting players who can contribute to their win-now culture. Amoore has more than proven she can score from three levels and is a defensive pest, making her a prime candidate to contribute early.
Something else to consider: The Australian native has spent the last three years in starting guard Kelsey Plum's "Dawg Class", learning what it means to be a pro and how to get better as a guard. Plum's had a first-hand look at everything Amoore is capable of and has already established a relationship. Do with this information what you will.
10. Chicago Sky: Sania Feagin, Forward (South Carolina)
You must be registered for see images attach
Reliable post depth was an issue last season for the Chicago Sky, and while it was addressed in free agency, a little insurance couldn't hurt. A world exists where Chicago could pick South Carolina forward Sania Feagin and reunite her with former teammate Kamilla Cardoso.
Cardoso and Feagin together again would not only be a fantastic storyline, but a pre-existing relationship could go a long way to help Feagin feel comfortable in the league. The young forward is not starter material yet, but with some quality minutes and more reps, she could turn into one down the road.
11. Chicago Sky: Sarah Ashlee Barker, Guard (Alabama)
You must be registered for see images attach
It's time to shake things up again. Let's try Alabama guard Sarah Ashlee Barker in the first round ― to the Chicago Sky. Chicago drafting Barker at pick No. 11 would not only shake up the whole first round, but it might trickle into the second round, too. Barker more than made her case to at least be considered in the first 12 picks during her gutsy performance against Maryland. During the NCAA tournament, the Crimson Tide and the Terrapins went into double overtime, in a game that seemingly never wanted to end.
Throughout the matchup, Barker made bucket after bucket, climbing her way up to 45 points. She also drained some super clutch free throws that few players her age could make without flinching. (That's what the kids call ice in her veins.) If Chicago wanted an efficient guard who could score from all over the court, including from 3-point range (which they sorely need), Barker is it.
12. Dallas Wings: Te-Hina Paopao, Guard (South Carolina)
You must be registered for see images
Hold on to your hats, party people. The final player selected in the first round isn't Hailey Van Lith as many mocks across the internet have surmised. It's *checks notes* South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao?!Paopao landing with the Dallas Wings would be shocking, but not as far-fetched as it seems. The Wings need guard depth behind Bueckers, DiJonai Carrington and Ty Harris. Paopao is a reliable scorer and a 3-point threat, which Dallas also desperately needs outside of Arike Ogunbowale. Additionally, though not asked a lot to do it much, she can serve as an extra point guard if the Wings are ever in a bind.
In other words, Paopao is essentially a plug-and-play player who could thrive in many scenarios in Dallas because of her catch-all skillset. Also, what a wild storyline it would be that Paopao, who just played in a national championship game against Paige Bueckers, would become her teammate. PLOT TWIST.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: WNBA Mock Draft: Hailey Van Lith out of 1st round, Aneesah Morrow falls
Continue reading...
