The 2025 WNBA Draft has come and gone. Many talented players are going to get a shot at playing in the WNBA. Very few will make a roster. In a league with so few open slots, this is the hazard that all prospective players face. A first-round pick gives a player a better chance, but after that, it becomes problematic.
There were few real surprises. Of course, Paige Bueckers going No. 1 was an all but forgone conclusion. Perhaps the elephant in the room is that Sedona Prince was not drafted. Of course, given her alleged personal history and multiple injuries, it is understandable that GMs might be skittish in drafting her. But as we’ve seen in the past, problems or perceived problems can be enough to keep a talented player off of a roster.
It is always possible that Prince may get a training camp invite, but for now, there are probably more questions than answers. There are a lot of judges and juries out there, and while 99 percent have no say in anything, they do make noise.
A pleasant surprise was to see Sarah Ashlee Barker selected No. 9 by the Los Angeles Sparks. I am sure her performance against Maryland, putting up 45 points in overtime, vaulted her up the ladder and made Barker a worthwhile choice. Her point production during her college career significantly increased, as did her FG%. The Sparks may have landed a good one.
In general, the first round offered little surprise. After Olivia Miles made the decision not to enter the draft, the No. 2-4 spots were more than likely between Sonia Citron, Dominique Malonga, and Kiki Iriafen. Given the hype around Malonga, her being selected No. 2 was no surprise.
Mystics Buliding its Future via the WNBA Draft and More
Since the Washington Mystics owned the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, both Citron and Iriafen were likely candidates and could have gone in either slot. With the Mystics selecting Georgia Amoore at No. 6, they have the potential of putting together an exciting young team. The rest of the first round looked pretty solid, and I suspect all 12 players will have jobs come season tipoff.
One of the other surprises was the Minnesota Lynx trading their No. 11 pick to Chicago for a 2026 first-round pick and then trading their 2026 first-round picks to the Mystics for Karlie Samuelson. As has been reported, the Lynx had very few needs from the draft, as they would be bringing back almost all of their 2024 team.
After looking Cecilia Zandalasini to Golden State, there was a space for another three-point shooter, which they’ll get in Samuelson. The second-round pick, Anastasiia Kosu, could very well be a draft and stash player. Of course, French player Maïa Hirsch was drafted No. 12 in 2023, and she has yet to show up. Could the same fate await Kosu?
The second round is not an automatic cut. Minnesota’s Dorka Juhász was a second-round pick and has established herself with the team. It is, however, difficult but not impossible. Players like Maddy Westbeld, Shyanne Sellers, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sania Feagin have legitimate chances, depending on their prospective team’s needs.
Notable Players Taken in Round Three
The third round has some interesting names in it: Serena Sundell, Harmoni Turner, Kaitlyn Chen, and Aubrey Griffin. Of course, anything can happen in training camps, and I suspect that Seattle will give Sundell a serious look and Golden State will do the same with Chen. Beyond them, it is going to be an uphill climb, and it is a big hill.
I’ve said this before: the WNBA must increase the number of players on each team. Not only are there sufficient players to fill the spaces, but the need to address potential injury situations and player availability is crucial. But that is another story, and perhaps it will be addressed in the next CBA.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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