Paige Bueckers Makes History as Dallas Wings Select UConn Star with No. 1 Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft

Dallas, Texas – The 2025 WNBA Draft saw the Dallas Wings making a strategic move by selecting former UConn standout Paige Bueckers as the top pick. Bueckers, coming off a successful season leading UConn to a national championship, joined the ranks of six other UConn players who have been selected as the top overall pick in the WNBA draft. This marks a significant moment for both the Dallas Wings and Bueckers, promising a bright future for the team with this franchise-changing talent.

Following the Wings’ selection, the Seattle Storm chose French center Dominique Malonga as the second overall pick, while the Washington Mystics followed with back-to-back picks at third and fourth, selecting Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron and USC forward Kiki Iriafen. The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team, made their mark by selecting Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė as their first-ever draft pick at number five.

Among the notable surprises of the draft was Shyanne Sellers, who was anticipated to be a top pick but slipped down to the Valkyries at number 17, possibly due to a past knee injury. Additionally, the Las Vegas Aces did not partake in the first round due to a prior violation of league rules regarding player benefits.

Moving on to the draft grades for the first round, Paige Bueckers earned an outstanding grade of A+ for her exceptional skills and potential to make a significant impact on the Dallas Wings. Dominique Malonga, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Justė Jocytė, and Georgia Amoore were also recognized for their talents and contributions to their respective teams.

The draft continued with numerous selections in the second and third rounds, showcasing the depth of talent in the 2025 class. The Seattle Storm, Dallas Wings, Los Angeles Sparks, and other teams made strategic picks to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. Each selection adds a new layer of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming WNBA season.

Overall, the 2025 WNBA Draft proved to be a pivotal moment for many teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead filled with talented players ready to make their mark in professional basketball. Fans can look forward to seeing how these draft picks will impact the league and elevate the level of competition in the WNBA.