2025 WNBA Draft Recap: Bueckers Tops Headlines, Strong International Presence & the Aces Shoot From Deep
- Pre Game Sports
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The 2025 WNBA Draft wrapped up in grand fashion Monday night, ushering in a new generation of talent poised to make waves in the league. Held in Brooklyn, the event featured all three rounds in one high-energy night filled with standout picks, unexpected moves, and historic moments. Of the now 13 teams in the WNBA, only seven held first-round picks due to prior trades and sanctions, creating a unique draft landscape. One of the most notable absences was the Las Vegas Aces, who forfeited their first-round selection as part of a previous league penalty. Despite that setback, the night still brought major moves from every corner of the league—including a long-anticipated No. 1 overall pick and a bold debut from the newest franchise.
Paige Bueckers Makes History
UConn standout Paige Bueckers was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings, becoming the sixth UConn player to achieve this honor, joining legends like Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart. Bueckers, fresh off leading the Huskies to their 12th national championship, is poised to make a significant impact in the WNBA.
International Influence & Valkyries’ Bold Debut
The first round saw a notable international presence, with three international players selected:
Dominique Malonga (France) – No. 2 to Seattle Storm
Justė Jocytė (Lithuania) – No. 5 to Golden State Valkyries
Ajsa Sivka (Slovenia) – No. 10 to Chicago Sky
The Golden State Valkyries made headlines by selecting 19-year-old Justė Jocytė with their inaugural pick, a decision that surprised many analysts. Additional international selections included Anastasiia Kosu (Russia) in the second round and Adja Kane (France) in the third.
Las Vegas Aces Draft Recap
While the Las Vegas Aces didn’t pick in the first round due to the forfeiture of their selection from a previous league rule violation, they still made the most of their remaining opportunities. With two smart value picks, the team added fresh talent to support their core:
No. 13: 🏀 Aaliyah Nye (Alabama) – A sharpshooting 6'0" guard/forward who led the SEC in 3-point shooting percentage and averaged over 3 made threes a game this last year. Nye brings spacing and defensive versatility, ideal for complementing the Aces’ veteran-heavy roster.
No. 35: 🏀 Harmoni Turner (Harvard) – A crafty 5'10" guard with elite handles and basketball IQ. Turner was a standout in the Ivy League and could thrive in a high-paced second unit.
While the Aces didn’t grab headlines at the top of the draft board, their selections suggest a focus on maintaining bench strength and filling specific role-playing needs as they chase another title.
Pregame Bar Crawl Your Next Draft
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