Rashard Hall's WNBA Mock Draft 2.0

The Draft Lottery has come and gone and we officially know the order that picks will be made in for the 2025 WNBA Draft. Where will players end up? Here is how it currently projects.

Courtesy: Notre Dame Athletics

With the WNBA Draft Lottery now behind us, the official order of the 2025 draft is set, adding a new layer of excitement as the college season unfolds. As teams look to solidify their futures, all eyes are on a class filled with standout talent ready to make the leap to the professional ranks. The Golden State Valkyries, who will enter the league with the fifth overall pick, now have a clearer path to shape their inaugural roster. Before that, they’ll look to make a splash in the expansion draft on December 6th, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative offseason.

The draft order is now confirmed, and with the Las Vegas Aces forfeiting their 2025 first-round pick after a league investigation, there are only 12 selections in the first round—heightening the significance of each pick. With so much talent available, this year’s draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory. In this updated mock, I’ll break down my projections for the first round, taking into account team needs, current rosters, and the impact of the expansion draft.

1. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers
   UConn | Point Guard | 6-foot-0 | Senior

The Dallas Wings officially hold the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and it’s safe to assume their sights are set on Paige Bueckers. The team has long sought a point guard who can seamlessly complement their superstar, Arike Ogunbowale. To start the season, Bueckers is averaging an impressive 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, while shooting 60.4%, solidifying her status as the most pro-ready guard in the draft. Her addition would immediately elevate the Wings’ roster.

However, there remains a possibility that Bueckers could choose to stay in college for one more year, opting to use her final year of eligibility.

2. Los Angeles Sparks: Kiki Iriafen
   USC | Power Forward | 6-foot-3 | Senior

While the Sparks may have missed the opportunity to draft Paige Bueckers, the organization still has plenty of exciting options—one of which is right in their backyard. Kiki Iriafen has picked up where she left off, averaging 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds for USC to start the season (she averaged 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds at Stanford last year). Poised to elevate her game even further, Iriafen’s versatility on both ends of the court would significantly enhance the Sparks’ depth at forward. 

Widely considered the second-best player in the draft, Iriafen would not only solidify the team’s frontcourt talent but also reunite with Cameron Brink, the Sparks’ No. 2 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. While the Sparks could benefit from a point guard, a young post trio of Brink, Jackson, and Iriafen could be just as enticing.

3. Chicago Sky: Olivia Miles
   Notre Dame | Point Guard | 5-foot-10 | Junior

The Chicago Sky are in desperate need of a scoring point guard and reliable perimeter threats to complement their young post stars, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Offensive flow was a significant issue for the Sky last season, but Olivia Miles could be the perfect solution.

This season, Miles is averaging an impressive 18.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, demonstrating her all-around versatility as a point guard. While new head coach Tyler Marsh emphasizes improving wing depth and efficiency from beyond the arc, talents like Miles are rare. Free agency could address some of the team’s other needs, but Miles offers a transformative presence that’s hard to overlook.

4. Washington Mystics: Sonia Citron
   Notre Dame | Shooting Guard | 6-foot-1 | Senior

The Mystics’ season was derailed by injuries, but even at full strength, the team struggled to find a consistent scoring option outside of Brittney Sykes and Ariel Atkins. Sonia Citron, who averaged 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists at Notre Dame last season, is a proven and highly efficient scorer.

While her production may dip this season with Olivia Miles’ return and additional scoring depth on the roster, Citron’s potential and ceiling remain undeniable. Her ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc makes her a valuable offensive weapon. Citron’s versatility would create more space for post players like Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards, while adding much-needed firepower to the Mystics’ backcourt.

5. Golden State Valkyries: Hailey Van Lith
   TCU | Shooting Guard | 5-foot-9 | Senior

The Golden State Valkyries’ roster remains a mystery as their choices in the upcoming expansion draft are still unknown. However, Hailey Van Lith has been making waves at TCU this season, posting impressive averages of 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game.

After some doubted her following a challenging lone season at LSU, Van Lith has silenced critics. Her experience in the Paris Olympics, combined with a fresh start, has allowed her to recapture the form that made her a standout throughout her collegiate career. 

While the Valkyries will primarily build their team through the expansion draft and free agency, selecting a proven scorer like Van Lith would provide immediate firepower and a strong foundation for their inaugural season.

6. Washington Mystics: Aziaha James
   NC State | Shooting Guard | 5-foot-9 | Senior

James brings a true scorer’s mentality, with the ability to knock down shots from deep and attack the rim effectively, making her a consistent offensive threat. Her size and strength also make her a valuable presence on the boards. This season, she’s averaging 19.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting an efficient 51.8% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc.

Selecting James at No. 6 would give the Mystics another reliable scorer in the backcourt, adding depth and versatility to their offensive arsenal.

7. New York Liberty: Dominique Malonga
   France | Center | 6-foot-6

Malonga showcased her immense talent by earning a spot on the French Olympic team this year. With her impressive size and untapped potential, she has the tools to be a first-round pick, even if she doesn’t immediately join the WNBA in 2025. The defending champion Liberty, known for their success with European players like Leonie Fiebich (Germany) and Marine Johannes (France), could view Malonga as a strategic investment for the future, adding to their international pipeline of talent.

8. Indiana Fever: Janiah Barker
   UCLA | Forward | 6-foot-4 | Junior

Janiah Barker, now playing for UCLA, has indicated her intent to enter the draft after her junior year. Averaging 11.3 points and 9.8 rebounds this season, Barker has showcased a unique blend of finesse and defensive versatility. In a draft loaded with guards, she stands out as one of the most pro-ready post players, with significant upside to her game.

For the Fever, Barker would be a valuable addition to their talented young core, giving Caitlin Clark another dynamic target and enhancing the team’s frontcourt depth.

9. Seattle Storm: Te-Hina Paopao
   South Carolina | Combo Guard | 5-foot-9 | Senior

Seattle’s perimeter shooting woes were evident last season, as the team connected on just 29% of their three-point attempts. Te-Hina Paopao could be the answer. A sharpshooter from beyond the arc, she’s been lighting up opponents this season with a stellar 40.9% accuracy from three. In addition to her shooting prowess, Paopao is a capable playmaker, averaging 3.6 assists per game.

Adding Paopao would not only help the Storm space the floor but also enhance their offensive flow, addressing a critical area of need.

10. Chicago Sky: Sammie Puisis
    USF | Guard | 6-foot-1 | Senior

General Manager Jeff Pagliocca has emphasized the need for length and consistent three-point shooting in recent press conferences, making Sammie Puisis an ideal fit. A career 37% shooter from beyond the arc in college, Puisis has come back strong after missing last season due to injury. She’s off to a blazing start in her senior year, averaging 15.2 points and 4 rebounds while shooting an impressive 44.7% from three over her first six games.

Puisis would be a smart pick for Chicago, providing the floor spacing needed to maximize the effectiveness of their post players.

11. Minnesota Lynx: Shyanne Sellers
    Maryland | Guard | 6-foot-2 | Senior

Shyanne Sellers stands out as one of the most versatile players in this draft class. Whether running the offense, creating her own shot, or defending multiple positions, Sellers’ well-rounded game makes her an exciting prospect for the Lynx. With Minnesota’s emphasis on versatility and player development, Sellers could seamlessly integrate into their system and make an immediate impact.

12. Phoenix Mercury: Deja Kelly
    Oregon | Point Guard | 5-foot-8 | Senior

Deja Kelly’s transfer to Oregon highlights her determination to elevate her game for the next level, and her early-season performance reflects that commitment. Renowned for her scoring ability, Kelly has been working to improve her efficiency and pick-and-roll execution. Through her first four games, she posted impressive averages of 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 44.9% from the field.

Although she’s faced a slump in recent outings, I remain optimistic about her potential and believe her all-around game will continue to thrive under Oregon's system.