2025 WNBA Draft Analysis: Grades and Outlook
Monday’s WNBA draft offered exciting and promising moves for the future of the league. Here at Alofoke Deportes, we analyze each team’s selections, evaluating their strategies and the potential of the new additions.
The Dallas Wings, holding the first pick, received an “A” in the preliminary grades. Other teams like the Washington Mystics and the Connecticut Sun also stood out, while the new team, the Golden State Valkyries, received a more modest grade. It is important to remember that these are initial evaluations and the actual performance of the teams could vary.
Dallas Wings: A+
- Paige Bueckers, UConn Huskies, PG
- Aziaha James, NC State Wolfpack, SG
- Madison Scott, Ole Miss Rebels, SG
- JJ Quinerly, West Virginia Mountaineers, SG
- Aaronette Vonleh, Baylor Bears, C
Paige Bueckers’ arrival in Dallas marks the beginning of a new era. The team, under the direction of new general manager Curt Miller, seems to be focusing on defense and speed in the game. Although not all selected players will have a place on the roster, the competition in training camp will be intense. With the combination of Arike Ogunbowale, Bueckers, and James, the Wings promise to be a difficult team to defend.
Paige Bueckers expresses her gratitude after being selected by the Wings.
Connecticut Sun: A
- Aneesah Morrow, LSU Tigers, PF
- Saniya Rivers, NC State Wolfpack, SF
- Rayah Marshall, USC Trojans, PF
The Sun secured an excellent addition with Aneesah Morrow, who could have an immediate impact on rebounding. Following the departure of Alyssa Thomas, Morrow arrives as a new force on the team. Rivers and Marshall also bring versatility and solidity to the team.
The Sun select Aneesah Morrow at seventh.
Washington Mystics: A-
- Sonia Citron, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, SG
- Kiki Iriafen, USC Trojans, PF
- Georgia Amoore, Kentucky Wildcats, PG
- Lucy Olsen, Iowa Hawkeyes, SG
- Zaay Green, Alabama Crimson Tide, PG
The Mystics focused on reinforcing their team with high-impact players. Citron, Iriafen, and Amoore are the most promising bets. The team’s depth is also reinforced with Olsen and Green.
The Mystics select Sonia Citron with the third pick.
Indiana Fever: B+
- Makayla Timpson, Florida State Seminoles, PF
- Bree Hall, South Carolina Gamecocks, SG
- Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga Bulldogs, PF
After two successful years with the first picks, the Fever did not have a first round pick in this draft. However, Timpson could be a great surprise in the second round, and Hall brings defensive solidity.
Seattle Storm: B+
- Dominique Malonga, France, C
- Serena Sundell, Kansas State Wildcats, PG
- Madison Conner, TCU Horned Frogs, SG
- Jordan Hobbs, Michigan Wolverines, PG
Malonga, with her potential, could become one of the great WNBA players. Sundell also has chances to make an impact, and could form a good connection with Malonga.
The Storm select Dominique Malonga in the second position.
Chicago Sky: B
- Ajsa Sivka, Slovenia, PF
- Hailey Van Lith, TCU Horned Frogs, PG
- Maddy Westbeld, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, PF
- Aicha Coulibaly, Texas A&M Aggies, SG
Sivka’s performance could be key to the team’s future. Van Lith and Westbeld could also have an impact.
Hailey Van Lith agradece a su familia tras ser seleccionada por Chicago.
Los Angeles Sparks: B-
- Sarah Ashlee Barker, Alabama Crimson Tide, SG
- Sania Feagin, South Carolina Gamecocks, PF
- Liatu King, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, SF
Feagin could be the most impactful player for the Sparks in this draft. Barker performed well, but Feagin could have a greater impact.
Las Vegas Aces: B-
- Aaliyah Nye, Alabama Crimson Tide, SG
- Harmoni Turner, Harvard Crimson, SG
Although they lost their first pick, the Aces took advantage of their other picks. Nye could fit well into the team’s offense.
Atlanta Dream: C
- Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina Gamecocks, SG
- Taylor Thierry, Ohio State Buckeyes, SF
Paopao could have a chance thanks to her shooting ability. Thierry could have a future in the WNBA.
Te-Hina Paopao talks about her Samoan heritage and her arrival in Atlanta.
Minnesota Lynx: C
- Anastasiia Kosu, Russia, SF
- Dalayah Daniels, Washington Huskies, PF
- Aubrey Griffin, UConn Huskies, SF
The Lynx didn’t need much from this draft. Kosu is a promising young player who could surprise.
Golden State Valkyries: C-
- Juste Jocyte, Lithuania, SG
- Shyanne Sellers, Maryland Terrapins, PG
- Kaitlyn Chen, UConn Huskies, PG
It’s difficult to evaluate the Valkyries, as they haven’t played yet. Jocyte has potential, but it might take time for her to have an immediate impact.
