Rashard Hall's WNBA Mock Draft 1.0
While No Cap Space WBB bridges content between the WNBA and NCAA Basketball season, Rashard unveils his first 2025 Mock Draft to provide some insight on who might be the next gamechanger in the league
As the college season approaches, the excitement surrounding the WNBA’s future stars is already heating up. With the 2025 draft just six months away, it's hard not to get caught up in the anticipation of seeing some of the most talented prospects take the next step in their careers. Adding to the intrigue is the arrival of a new team: the Golden State Valkyries, who will make their debut in the league with the fifth overall pick. Before that, they’ll have an opportunity to shake things up with their moves in the expansion draft on December 6th.
The official order of the first four picks will be revealed during the WNBA Draft Lottery on November 17th, adding even more excitement to the draft buildup. Additionally, the Las Vegas Aces lost their 2025 first-round pick after it was rescinded following a league investigation, leaving just 12 picks in the first round and raising the stakes for every selection.
With so much talent to choose from, this year’s draft promises to be one of the deepest in recent memory. However, this mock draft will focus solely on the first round—an early look at how I believe it might go down, player by player, team by team. It’s based on fit and need as opposed to best player available which is why international stars like Domonique Malonga or Ajsa Sivka — 18 year old phenoms that might be superstars but for now are projects or stashes — aren’t listed just yet.
Los Angeles Sparks: Paige Bueckers
UConn | Point Guard | 6-foot-0 | Senior
All eyes are on Paige Bueckers as she embarks on what could be her final season at UConn. After returning from injury last year, she put up impressive numbers: 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, leading the Huskies to the Final Four. Heading into this draft, the Sparks' primary need is a lead point guard. With a solid veteran post duo in Dearica Hamby and Azurá Stevens, and building off a strong 2024 draft haul (Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson), the UConn superstar would make for a transformative addition. A young core trio of Bueckers, Brink, and Jackson could elevate the Sparks to new heights.
Dallas Wings: Kiki Iriafen
USC | Power Forward | 6-foot-3 | Senior
After a breakout junior season at Stanford, where she averaged 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds, Kiki Iriafen is poised to take her game to new levels at USC. A versatile force on both ends of the court, Iriafen is arguably the second-best player in the draft. Dallas faces potential free agency questions with Natasha Howard and Satou Sabally, both unrestricted free agents, making Iriafen a perfect fit to fill the potential void and add to their frontcourt strength.
Chicago Sky: Olivia Miles
Notre Dame | Point Guard | 5-foot-10 | Junior
The Sky are in need of a scoring point guard and consistent perimeter threats to pair with their young post stars, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Offensive flow was an issue for Chicago last season, and Olivia Miles could be the perfect solution. Though she hasn’t played since the 2022-2023 season due to injury, Miles is expected to return strong after a year of recovery. Her ability to orchestrate an offense and score in key moments makes her an ideal fit for a team in need of a dynamic lead guard.
Washington Mystics: Sonia Citron
Notre Dame | Shooting Guard | 6-foot-1 | Senior
The Mystics’ season was marred by injuries, but even at full strength, they lacked a consistent scoring presence outside of Brittney Sykes and Ariel Atkins. Sonia Citron, who averaged 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists at Notre Dame, is a highly efficient scorer. Shooting 37% from three-point range in college, Citron’s offensive versatility would open up space for post players like Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards, while bolstering the Mystics' backcourt.
Golden State Valkyries: Hailey Van Lith
TCU | Shooting Guard | 5-foot-9 | Senior
Hailey Van Lith may have flown under the radar after playing out of position at LSU, but she reminded everyone of her scoring prowess by leading her 3x3 team to an Olympic bronze medal. Remember her stellar junior season at Louisville, where she averaged 19.7 points? Van Lith will look to solidify her status at TCU. The Valkyries will be focused on building their roster through the expansion draft and free agency, but could land a proven scorer in Van Lith, adding firepower to their team.
Washington Mystics: Janiah Barker
UCLA | Power Forward | 6-foot-4 | Junior
Janiah Barker, now at UCLA, has expressed interest in entering the draft after her junior year. She averaged 12.2 points and 7.6 rebounds at Texas A&M, showing a rare combination of finesse and defensive versatility. In a guard-heavy draft, Barker stands out as one of the more pro-ready post players with tremendous upside. She would bring much-needed depth to the Mystics.
New York Liberty: Laila Phelia
Texas | Guard/Wing | 6-foot-0 | Senior
The Liberty have been looking to add depth at the wing, and Laila Phelia fits the bill. Known for her defense and her ability to create offense, Phelia’s two-way game would complement New York's roster. With the Liberty's star-studded lineup, she could bring much-needed depth and versatility to their rotation.
Indiana Fever: Aneesah Morrow
LSU | Small Forward | 6-foot-1 | Senior
Aneesah Morrow’s high motor and knack for attacking the glass make her a standout player. At LSU, she averaged 16.4 points and 10.0 rebounds, while continuing to refine her all-around game. While she still has areas to improve, like ball-handling and outside shooting, her athleticism and toughness would be a perfect addition to Indiana’s young and developing squad.
Seattle Storm: Te-Hina Paopao
South Carolina | Combo Guard | 5-foot-9 | Senior
Seattle struggled with perimeter shooting last season, hitting only 29% from three-point range. Te-Hina Paopao could provide the solution. A deadly shooter who helped lead South Carolina to a national title with her 46.8% three-point shooting, Paopao can also serve as a capable playmaker, averaging 3.7 assists per game. She could help the Storm space the floor and improve their offensive flow.
Chicago Sky: Sammie Puisis
USF | Guard | 6-foot-1 | Senior
The Sky have struggled to find consistent outside shooting, especially after parting ways with Marina Mabrey. Sammie Puisis, who shot 37% from deep throughout her college career, could help fill that void. After missing last season due to injury, Puisis is set to bounce back at USF, making her a smart choice for Chicago as they look to create more spacing for their post players.
Minnesota Lynx: Shyanne Sellers
Maryland | Guard | 6-foot-2 | Senior
Shyanne Sellers is one of the most versatile players in this draft class. Capable of running the offense, creating her own shot, or defending multiple positions, Sellers’ all-around game makes her an intriguing option for the Lynx. With Minnesota’s focus on versatility and player development, Sellers could fit right in and contribute immediately.
Phoenix Mercury: Deja Kelly
Oregon | Point Guard | 5-foot-8 | Senior
Deja Kelly’s transfer to Oregon signals her intent to develop her game for the next level. Known for her scoring ability, she’s also looking to improve her efficiency and pick-and-roll game. Phoenix has plenty of question marks with Diana Taurasi’s future and Brittney Griner’s re-signing, but Kelly’s pro-ready skill set would be a perfect fit to develop under Natasha Cloud’s mentorship in the Mercury’s backcourt.