Yesterday, the WNBA welcomed a new wave of talent as the league held its annual draft at The Shed in New York City’s Hudson Yards. A total of 38 players were selected by 13 teams, including the debuting Golden State Valkyries.
UConn standout Paige Bueckers was taken first overall by the Dallas Wings following a championship run with her college team. Known for her scoring efficiency and playmaking skills, the 6-foot guard is expected to pair well with Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale.
The Seattle Storm picked next, choosing 19-year-old Dominique Malonga, a center from France who has competed in EuroCup action and represented her country in international play.
Washington had a strong presence in the opening round with three top-10 picks. The Mystics chose Sonia Citron from Notre Dame, Kiki Iriafen from USC, and Georgia Amoore from Kentucky. All three players bring a mix of shooting, interior scoring, and postseason experience that could help Washington retool its roster.
Golden State, making its first-ever selection, drafted Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė at No. 5. Already seasoned through European competition, Jocytė adds a forward-looking piece to the expansion team’s foundation.
At No. 11, the Chicago Sky selected Hailey Van Lith from TCU. A dynamic scorer with a reputation for leadership, Van Lith contributed to deep tournament runs across multiple programs during her college career.
Dallas closed the first round with NC State’s Aziaha James, a quick and aggressive guard who adds depth to their backcourt. Connecticut selected forward Aneesah Morrow from LSU earlier in the round, bringing rebounding strength to the Sun.
Late-round selections included UConn’s Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin, who were picked by the Valkyries and Lynx, respectively. Their late selections capped off a celebratory night for the UConn program.
With the regular season tipping off on May 16 and the schedule expanding to 44 games, the new rookie class brings fresh energy and storylines to watch in the months ahead.
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