The 2024 WNBA season is already shaping up to be exciting, but basketball fans are already looking ahead to the future. The 2025 WNBA draft promises to be a talent-rich event, featuring a deep pool of promising collegiate players poised to make an immediate impact at the professional level. This mock draft attempts to project the first round, considering current form, projected growth, and team needs. It's important to remember that this is a prediction based on current performance and potential—the landscape could significantly shift by draft day.
Note: This mock draft assumes no significant trades before the draft. Player rankings are subjective and reflect a combination of skill, potential, and fit within each team's current roster.
Round 1: Potential First-Round Picks
1. Atlanta Dream: Aaliyah Boston (Forward, University of South Carolina): Boston's dominance in college basketball is undeniable. Her size, strength, and all-around game make her a near-lock for the number one pick. The Dream could benefit greatly from adding her interior presence.
2. Indiana Fever: Cameron Brink (Center, Stanford University): Brink's combination of height, athleticism, and defensive prowess makes her a highly sought-after prospect. She would significantly improve Indiana's frontcourt and provide a strong defensive anchor.
3. Washington Mystics: Haley Jones (Guard/Forward, Stanford University): A versatile player with exceptional court vision and scoring ability, Jones could fill a need for the Mystics. Her ability to play multiple positions would add depth to their roster.
4. Dallas Wings: Elizabeth Kitley (Forward/Center, Virginia Tech): Kitley's scoring prowess and rebounding ability would bolster the Wings' frontcourt. Her inside-outside game offers a unique blend of offensive threats.
5. Connecticut Sun: Angel Reese (Forward, LSU): Reese's aggressive style of play and relentless rebounding would add a dynamic element to the Sun's already strong lineup. Her tenacity could provide a critical edge in the playoffs.
6. Minnesota Lynx: Lauren Hubbard (Guard, University of Iowa): Hubbard is projected as a sharpshooting guard with excellent ball-handling skills. The Lynx could use a scoring guard to boost their offensive capabilities.
7. New York Liberty: Rhyne Howard (Guard, University of Kentucky): While Howard may have already been drafted in reality, her potential is enormous and adding a player of her caliber to the Liberty's arsenal would elevate their playoff aspirations. This pick reflects her sustained excellence and impact.
8. Phoenix Mercury: Laeticia Amihere (Forward, University of South Carolina): Amihere's defensive intensity and scoring ability would provide valuable depth for the Mercury. Her all-around game would complement their existing roster.
9. Los Angeles Sparks: Maddy Siegrist (Forward, Villanova University): Siegrist’s exceptional scoring ability and consistent performance are attractive attributes for any team. Her knack for scoring would be a welcome addition to the Sparks' roster.
10. Las Vegas Aces: Kiki Rice (Guard, UCLA): Rice’s speed, agility, and playmaking abilities would complement the Aces’ star-studded lineup. Adding depth and a dynamic playmaker to the backcourt is a smart move for a team aiming for a championship.
Factors Affecting the Draft
This mock draft reflects the current landscape, but several factors could alter the order and selections:
- Player performance throughout the upcoming college season: Injuries, breakout performances, or unexpected struggles can significantly impact draft stock.
- Team trades: Trades involving draft picks are common in the WNBA, drastically altering the draft order and team needs.
- WNBA expansion: Potential expansion teams would add further complexity to the draft order and selection priorities.
This 2025 WNBA Mock Draft is a speculative exercise; however, it aims to provide insightful analysis based on current trends and projections. The actual draft promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event, showcasing the incredible talent emerging from college basketball. Stay tuned!
