WNBA Draft: Paige Bueckers Set To Be Selected First Overall Following UConn Championship Win

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Paige Bueckers recently concluded her college basketball journey by leading UConn to the NCAA women's national championship. Her next step begins on April 14, 2025, when she is expected to be the top pick in the WNBA draft. The Dallas Wings hold the first selection, and Bueckers is widely regarded as the best player available, similar to Caitlin Clark's status in 2024.

This year's WNBA draft marks its 29th occurrence and introduces an expansion team for the first time in 17 years. The Golden State Valkyries will make their debut selection at No. 5 overall in a first round that features only 12 picks. This reduction follows the Las Vegas Aces' forfeiture of their pick due to a league rules violation.

The Washington Mystics are in a strong position with three of the top six picks, allowing them to build a solid foundation for future success. Meanwhile, five teams, including Atlanta and Indiana, won't participate in the opening round due to trades or forfeitures. This situation adds intrigue to how the draft will unfold.

Some notable players have chosen not to enter this year's draft, opting instead to remain in college for another year. With a new collective bargaining agreement anticipated before the 2026 season, these players aim to benefit from name, image, and likeness deals before turning professional.

Bueckers is set to become UConn's sixth player drafted first overall if selected by Dallas. Her impressive stats include an average of 19.9 points per game and a shooting percentage of 41.9% from beyond the arc during the last season. She is expected to make an immediate impact alongside Arike Ogunbowale in Dallas.

With Olivia Miles opting out of this year's draft, Dominique Malonga from France is likely to be picked second by Seattle Storm. At just 19 years old, Malonga has shown immense potential with her performance at last year's Paris Olympics and EuroCup Women.

Mystics' Draft Strategy

The Mystics are focusing on rebuilding after acquiring key picks through trades. They are expected to select Sonia Citron from Notre Dame and Kiki Iriafen from Southern California early on. Juste Jocyte from Lithuania might also join them or be picked by Golden State Valkyries as their inaugural choice.

Aneesah Morrow from LSU, Hailey Van Lith from TCU, and Shyanne Sellers from Maryland are other potential top-10 selections whose exact positions remain uncertain due to recent changes in prospect rankings.

The anticipation surrounding this year's draft is heightened by these developments and deferrals. However, Bueckers remains the clear favourite for the top spot as Dallas prepares for its selection.