Tag: ASAwins

We have a quick breakdown of the first-round draft in the WNBA from Tuesday night as we prepare for our second season of handicapping women’s professional basketball. Last season we destroyed the Books with a +40-Net Unit season in the WNBA and we look forward to doing it again in 2025. The preseason starts May 2^nd with the regular season tipping off on Friday, May 16^th. Watch for available WNBA packages from ASA in the coming weeks.

Be sure to pay attention to our WNBA Rookie of the Year predictions below with a +3000 and a +8000 longshots who we like to cash the ROY ticket.

The 2025 WNBA Draft took place on April 14, 2025, at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, marking the 29th draft in league history. It was a pivotal event for the league, introducing new talent to a 44-game season, the longest ever—and welcoming the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. The draft featured 12 first-round picks, as the Las Vegas Aces’ selection was rescinded due to violations involving impermissible player benefits. ESPN is trying desperately to portray Paige Buechers as the next Kaitlyn Clark but do not be fooled by the talking-heads and their rhetoric. Buechers is going to be a great addition to the Wings, but she’s not on Clarks level. Below is a breakdown of the first-round players and the teams that drafted them, based on available information.

#1 Paige Bueckers – Dallas Wings

Position: Point Guard

College: UConn

Overview: The consensus top pick, Bueckers was fresh off leading UConn to a national championship. A versatile guard with elite scoring (19.8 PPG career average), playmaking (4.6 APG), and shooting (42.3% from three), she’s poised to be a franchise cornerstone alongside Arike Ogunbowale. Her accolades include the Wooden Award, Naismith Award, and three Big East Player of the Year honors.

#2 Dominique Malonga – Seattle Storm

Position: Center

Club/Country: ASVEL Féminin/France

Overview: A 19-year-old French phenom, Malonga brings size (6’6”) and upside. Averaging 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds in France’s top league, she also competed in the 2024 Olympics. Her selection adds depth to Seattle’s frontcourt, where she can develop under veterans like Ezi Magbegor.

#3 Sonia Citron – Washington Mystics

Position: Guard

College: Notre Dame

Overview: Citron, a First-Team All-ACC selection, offers defensive versatility and spot-up shooting (14.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG). Her steady, high-IQ play makes her a fit for the rebuilding Mystics, who hold multiple first-round picks.

#4 Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics

Position: Power Forward

College: USC

Overview: Iriafen’s athleticism and face-up game (reliable finisher around the basket) make her a strong addition. While her 3-point shooting needs growth, her scoring and rebounding prowess suit Washington’s need for frontcourt talent.

#5 Justė Jocytė – Golden State Valkyries

Position: Forward

Club/Country: ASVEL Lyon/Lithuania

Overview: The Valkyries, in their inaugural draft, selected the 19-year-old Lithuanian for her playmaking and 6’2” frame. Playing professionally in France, Jocytė brings international experience and versatility to an expansion roster building from scratch.

#6 Georgia Amoore – Washington Mystics

Position: Point Guard

College: Kentucky

Overview: Amoore, known for her SEC assists leadership, averaged 14.1 points and 7.3 assists. Her Australian flair and court vision give the Mystics a dynamic backcourt option, complementing their earlier picks.

#7 Aneesah Morrow – Connecticut Sun

Position: Forward

College: LSU

Overview: Morrow led the nation in rebounding (13.5 RPG) and double-doubles (29) at LSU. Her 30-point, 19-rebound Sweet 16 performance showcased her scoring and defensive skills, making her a high-upside pick for the rebuilding Sun.

**ROOKIE OF THE YEAR +3000** Aneesah Morrow, selected seventh overall by the Connecticut Sun in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is a strong contender for Rookie of the Year at +3000 odds due to her elite production and fit with a rebuilding team. Coming off an LSU career where she led the nation in rebounding (13.5 RPG) and double-doubles (29), Morrow’s relentless scoring (16.4 PPG) and defensive tenacity make her a standout. Her 30-point, 19-rebound Sweet 16 performance showcased her ability to dominate. Joining a Sun squad looking to replace departed veterans, Morrow should see significant minutes alongside Alyssa Thomas, whose playmaking (7.9 APG last season) will create easy scoring chances for Morrow inside. With Connecticut’s defensive focus drawing attention to Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, Morrow’s rebounding prowess and efficient finishing (51.8% FG at LSU) position her to rack up stats and make an immediate impact, offering excellent value for the rookie award.

#8 Saniya Rivers – Connecticut Sun

Position: Guard/Forward

College: NC State

Overview: A versatile wing, Rivers (11.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.8 APG) helped NC State reach the Final Four. Her defensive potential and all-around game align with Connecticut’s need for multi-faceted players.

#9 Sarah Ashlee Barker – Los Angeles Sparks

Position: Guard

College: Alabama

Overview: Barker, an All-SEC First-Team pick, averaged 18.2 points and set Alabama’s single-game scoring record (45 points). Her scoring versatility fills the Sparks’ need for perimeter firepower.

**ROOKIE OF THE YEAR +8000** Sarah Ashlee Barker, drafted ninth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is poised to make a significant impact as a rookie and could be a dark-horse candidate for Rookie of the Year at +8000 odds. Joining a Sparks team that struggled with an 8-32 record last season, Barker will likely see ample playing time on a roster craving offensive firepower. Paired with veteran Kelsey Plum, acquired from Las Vegas, and alongside last year’s rookie Cameron Brink (expected back from injury by June), Barker steps into a situation ripe for opportunity. Her collegiate stats at Alabama—18.2 points per game on 51% shooting, 37.5% from three, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists—highlight her versatility as a 6’0” guard. Barker’s 45-point game as a senior underscores her scoring ceiling. With opponents likely keying in on DeWanna Hamby (17.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Barker should find open looks, especially from deep, where her efficiency shines. Her ability to score, facilitate, and rebound, combined with the Sparks’ need for immediate contributors, positions her to outperform expectations and potentially claim Rookie of the Year honors in a wide-open race.

#10 Ajša Sivka – Chicago Sky

Position: Power Forward

Club/Country: Tarbes Gespe Bigorre/Slovenia

Overview: The 19-year-old Slovenian brings size (6’3”) and shooting. A draft-and-stash candidate, Sivka’s MVP performance at the 2023 U18 European Championship highlights her potential for Chicago’s future.

#11 Hailey Van Lith – Chicago Sky

Position: Guard

College: TCU

Overview: The Big 12 Player of the Year (17.9 PPG, 5.4 APG) led TCU to the Elite Eight. Reuniting with LSU teammate Angel Reese, Van Lith’s playmaking and grit suit Chicago, where she’ll learn from Courtney Vandersloot.

#12 Aziaha James – Dallas Wings

Position: Guard

College: NC State

Overview: James, an explosive scorer (17.9 PPG), hit 75+ threes in her last two seasons. Her perimeter scoring adds depth to Dallas’ backcourt, complementing Bueckers.

Notes:

The Mystics (three picks) and Sun and Wings (two each) maximized their first-round hauls, reflecting active roster-building.

The draft showcased a mix of college stars (Bueckers, Van Lith) and international talent (Malonga, Jocytė, Sivka), highlighting the WNBA’s global reach.

No official combine exists, but the Lilly Women’s College All-Star Combine during the NCAA Final Four weekend helped scouts evaluate prospects.

This draft sets the stage for a competitive 2025 season, with rookies like Bueckers and Malonga expected to make immediate impacts, but don’t be shocked if neither win the Rookie of the Year award.