The 2025 WNBA Draft Big Board » Winsidr

The 2025 WNBA Draft Big Board highlights the next wave of elite talent ready to make their mark on the professional stage. This year’s class boasts a dynamic range of players, from versatile forwards with a high basketball IQ to electrifying guards who can instantly change the tempo. With no definitive order for most of my categories, the talent pool is deep, and the possibilities are endless. Each player represents the league’s future, bringing a unique skill set and a burning desire to compete at the highest level. As teams prepare to build their rosters for years to come, these 25 names will be under intense scrutiny—and for good reason. Keep an eye on them; the future of women’s basketball is here.

The Top Three

Paige Bueckers, Guard, UConn

Especially with Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles returning to the college ranks, there’s no doubt who is the number one overall selection. Bueckers has done almost everything in her illustrious career, and a championship now puts her among the storied school’s greatest of all time. Bueckers has shown the tenacity, maturity, poise, and leadership to be a franchise cornerstone. She is everything a team could want in its overall selection.

Dominique Malonga, Forward/Center, ASVEL/France

Over the past month, Malonga has shot up draft boards. While I always expected her to be a first-round selection, many teams have discussed her WNBA-ready game. For a player her size, her ball-handling is unheard of. She has an advanced rim package coupled with soft hands around the bucket. There will always be some question marks around overseas players, but she is as finished a product as one could hope for out of the 19-year-old.

Sonia Citron, Guard, Notre Dame

Citron plays the clean, clear-headed game that coaches adore. She doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, has the experience and moxy to weather just about any situation, and is one of the few in this draft who can come in and compete to start right away. She’s a spacer and works exceptionally well both on and off-ball. For Notre Dame, she took on the toughest opponents defensively, holding her own more nights than not. Citron is as well-rounded as they come and should flourish almost immediately.

First-Round Honorees (in no particular order)

Georgia Amoore, Guard, Kentucky

Hailey Van Lith, Guard, TCU

Perhaps more than any other player, HVL has helped her draft stock with her play this season, especially during TCU’s tournament run. She’s as fiery as they come, doesn’t back down from a challenge, and will instantaneously become a team’s energy fulcrum. While she has defensive lapses and can become an empty-calorie scorer, HVL has proven herself every step of the way. She has already found chemistry with some WNBA players after her time on Team USA’s 3×3 Olympic run to the gold medal. 

Kiki Iriafen, Forward, USC

Serena Sundell, Guard, Kansas State

Aneesah Morrow, Forward, LSU

Morrow is notorious for her relentless motor and exceptional rebounding ability. While she may be a bit undersized to play the four in the WNBA and lacks consistent three-point shooting to be a traditional three, her versatility stands out. Morrow’s ability to impact the game without relying on a specific position makes her a unique talent, showcasing grit and determination every time she steps on the court. Her work ethic and knack for securing rebounds make her a valuable asset, even if her shooting range isn’t fully developed. Ultimately, her high energy and tenacity give her the potential to carve out a prominent role in the WNBA, regardless of position.

Aziaha James, Guard, NC State

James is known for her athleticism, scoring ability, and tough defense. Her ability to shoot from the perimeter, albeit with some refinement at the next level, makes her a scoring threat. Her defensive skills allow her to guard multiple positions with intensity. Her toughness is evident in her playstyle and leadership on the court, where she brings a strong presence that commands respect. With plenty of experience at the collegiate level, she’s developed the poise and maturity needed to compete at the next level. As a leader, she’s the kind of player who elevates her teammates and can be a key contributor on both ends of the floor.

Shyanne Sellers, Guard, Maryland

Overseas Prospects

Ajša Sivka, Forward, Tarbes/Slovenia

Sivka is an intriguing prospect from Slovenia who might fly under the radar for many, but her game is one to watch. Standing at 6’4″, she’s an impressive floor spacer who can knock down shots from deep, making her a versatile offensive weapon. What sets her apart is her ability to move without the ball, creating her scoring opportunities through smart off-ball actions. While she’s known for her deep shooting, she’s not limited to just that, as she can contribute in various ways offensively. With some seasoning and strength building, she has the potential to contribute right away in the WNBA or develop into a key player within a few years.

Justė Jocytė, Guard, ASVEL/Lithuania

Justė Jocytė is a promising young talent who has shown glimpses of her potential while playing alongside Dominique Malonga in France. Standing at 6’2″, the 19-year-old  has the physical tools to make an impact but will need time to round out her game and develop further. Her moments of brilliance suggest she has a high ceiling, but she’ll need to improve her overall skill set and add strength to her frame to compete at the highest level. Playing overseas is giving her valuable experience, and with time, she could develop into a more complete player. Jocytė could be an intriguing draft-and-stash prospect, offering long-term potential for a team willing to give her time to grow. 

Best of the Rest (in no particular order)

Te-Hina Paopao, Guard, South Carolina

Aaronette Vonleh, Forward, Baylor

Vonleh is a punishing big with a versatile rim package, using her agile feet to finish in a variety of ways around the basket. Her combination of size, strength, and footwork makes her a constant threat in the paint, whether it’s through powerful finishes or crafty moves. Vonleh’s basketball IQ shines through in her smart decision-making, knowing when to attack or how to position herself defensively. Toughness is a defining trait of her game, as she isn’t afraid to battle in the paint or fight for every rebound. With her ability to finish inside and her mental toughness, she has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.

Sedona Prince, Center, TCU

Saniya Rivers, Guard, NC State

Rayah Marshall, Forward, USC

Rayah Marshall may not be your typical draft pick, but she’s the glue and X-factor of what USC wanted to be all season. Known for her fierce toughness, Marshall has the potential to become an energy leader and a defensive specialist at the next level. While she’s not known for her shooting, her ability to rebound, lock down opponents on defense, and play with a high motor makes her an invaluable asset. She can provide 11-15 minutes of mistake-free, high-impact play, contributing with hustle and effort. Her versatility and commitment on both ends of the floor could make her a key role player who excels in a more specialized role.

JJ Quinerly, Guard, West Virginia

See Also

Makayla Timpson, Forward, Florida State

Timpson is a highly athletic player with the potential to develop into a solid contributor at the next level. Known for her scoring ability, she’s more of a volume scorer at this point in her career, but with some seasoning, she could refine her shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. While her three-point shot needs work, her athleticism and scoring instincts make her a versatile offensive weapon. Timpson’s ability to create and finish plays could allow her to become a quality bench piece, especially if she continues to round out her game. With development, she could be a reliable spark off the bench in the future.

Sarah Ashlee-Barker, Guard, Alabama

Barker is a gritty, experienced player with a hard-nosed approach to scoring. Known for her ability to stretch the floor, she’s a reliable shooter who can create her shot in tight situations. As a potential spark plug off the bench, she brings instant energy and the ability to change the flow of a game with her scoring. Her toughness and competitiveness make her a valuable asset on both ends of the court. While she may not always be the focal point, her ability to contribute efficiently and with intensity makes her a strong candidate for a role in the WNBA.

Julia Ayrault, Guard, Michigan State 

Dark Horses

Reigan Richardson, Guard, Duke

Richardson is one of the most responsive players to momentum shifts in college basketball, capable of swinging the game in her team’s favor in an instant. A true microwave impact player, she can score quickly, steal a pass, and dish out an assist in back-to-back-to-back plays, showing her ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor. With solid experience under her belt, Richardson will need time to develop a more fluid scoring profile, but her defensive chops make her an intriguing prospect for a WNBA team. Her tenacity and ability to change the tempo with her energy and quickness could help her carve out a role. With further development, especially in refining her offense, she could be a valuable asset off the bench.

Harmoni Turner, Guard, Harvard

Along with HVL and the subsequent player on this list, Turner showed out in her final season in crimson. She has made significant strides as a three-point shooter, becoming a more efficient scorer overall. While she’s still a work in progress, her fearless mentality and competitive drive make her someone unafraid of challenges. Her defense is where she truly shines, as she’s a menace on that end of the floor, regularly disrupting passing lanes with her quick hands. Her ability to impact the game defensively while continuing to refine her offensive game makes her an intriguing prospect. With continued growth, especially in her scoring consistency, Turner could become a well-rounded asset at the next level.

Lucy Olsen, Guard, Iowa

Deja Kelly, Guard, Oregon

Kelly is a player who significantly salvaged her draft stock with an impressive late-season and tournament run for the Ducks, showcasing her poise and leadership under pressure. With solid experience and a fearless mindset, she’s not afraid to take on the responsibility of carrying her team. While her shooting touch still needs work, Kelly’s ability to finish at the rim is one of the best among guards, using her quickness and craftiness to score around taller defenders. Her versatility and determination make her a strong competitor, and with improvement in her shooting, she could be a real asset at the next level. Her potential as a dynamic guard with a well-rounded game makes her a compelling prospect.

This class offers a diverse mix of talent with the potential to make an immediate impact. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, each player brings something unique to the table. The future of the league looks bright, and these prospects will undoubtedly shape the next generation of basketball. The journey from college to the pros is just beginning, and we’ll be watching closely as these athletes continue to develop and make their mark.