SEC Dominates 2025 WNBA Draft; Paige Bueckers to Dallas Wings
The 2025 WNBA Draft saw a flood of NCAA talent enter the professional ranks, with UConn’s Paige Bueckers selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings. The draft, held on April 14th, featured significant portrayal from Division I programs, with 33 of the 38 picks coming from that pool [[1](https://nbadraftroom.com/2025-wnba-mock-draft/)].
Conference Breakdown: SEC Leads the Way
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) emerged as the dominant force in this year’s draft, claiming a leading 10 total picks. Several players drafted in recent games competed in the national championship just over a week before being drafted.
| RANK | CONFERENCE | # OF PICKS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SEC | 10 |
| T-2 | ACC | 6 |
| T-2 | Big 12 | 6 |
Top Schools: A Four-Way Tie
Four universities stood out for producing top talent: South Carolina, Alabama, Notre Dame, and UConn each had three players selected in the draft. Their success highlights the strength of women’s basketball programs across the nation.
WNBA Draft Trades
Leading up to the draft there were several trades involving the 2025 WNBA Draft Picks:
- Dallas Wings acquired a 1st round pick from the Atlanta Dream
- Washington Mystics acquired a 1st round pick from the Dallas wings
- Dallas Wings have the option to swap picks with the Chicago Sky
- Las Vegas Aces acquired a 2nd round pick from the Mystics [[1](https://nbadraftroom.com/2025-wnba-mock-draft/)]
2025 WNBA Draft Results: Paige Bueckers Lands in Dallas
The 2025 WNBA Draft has concluded, with UConn’s Paige Bueckers selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. The draft showcased talent from across the nation, with several schools and conferences making a significant impact with multiple picks.
Top WNBA draft Picks and Team selections
Here’s a breakdown of the first few picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft:
| PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | SCHOOL/COUNTRY | POSITION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Wings | Paige Bueckers | Connecticut |
Conference Breakdown: SEC Leads the Way
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) dominated the 2025 WNBA Draft,securing the most picks overall.
| RANK | CONFERENCE | # OF PICKS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SEC | 9 |
| 2 | Pac-12 | 7 |
| 3 | ACC | 6 |
| 4 | Big Ten | 5 |
| 5 | Big East | 3 |
| T-6 | WCC | 1 |
| T-6 | Ivy league | 1 |
Schools with Multiple WNBA Draft Picks
Several universities had multiple players selected, underscoring their strong basketball programs. South Carolina, Notre Dame, Connecticut, and Alabama each had three picks, highlighting their depth of talent.
| # OF PICKS | SCHOOL | ROUND(S) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | South Carolina | 2nd-round: 3 |
| 3 | Notre Dame | 1st-round: 1, 2nd-round: 1, 3rd-round: 1 |
| 3 | Connecticut | 1st-round: 1, 3rd-round: 2 |
| 3 | Alabama | 1st-round: 1, 2nd-round: 1, 3rd-round: 1 |
| 2 | NC State | 1st-round: 1, 2nd-round: 1 |
| 2 | TCU | 1st-round: 1, 3rd-round: 1 |
| 2 | Southern California | 1st-round: 1, 2nd-round: 1 |
Complete 2025 WNBA Draft Results (Picks 1-38)
The following table details the complete list of picks from the 2025 WNBA Draft, from the first overall selection to the final pick.
| PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | SCHOOL/COUNTRY | POSITION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Wings | Paige Bueckers | Connecticut |
WNBA Draft 2024: Caitlin Clark Selected First Overall by Indiana Fever
NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin clark, the University of Iowa phenom, was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft. The highly anticipated pick underscores Clark’s potential to revitalize the fever and the league with her exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills. The draft, held Monday night, saw several international and collegiate stars find new homes.
Clark Era Begins in Indiana: Fever Land Top Prospect
Clark’s arrival in Indiana is expected to draw significant attention and boost ticket sales for the Fever. Her record-breaking college career and impressive skillset make her a cornerstone for the franchise’s future.
2024 WNBA Draft: First round Breakdown
Here’s a look at the first-round selections:
| Pick | Team | Player | School/Country | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana Fever | Caitlin Clark | Iowa | G |
| 2 | Seattle Storm | Dominique Malonga | France | C |
| 3 | Washington Mystics | Sonia Citron | Notre dame | G |
| 4 | Washington Mystics | Kiki Iriafen | Southern California | F |
| 5 | Golden State Valkyries | Justė Jocytė | Lithuania | G |
| 6 | Washington Mystics | Georgia Amoore | Kentucky | G |
| 7 | Connecticut Sun | Aneesah Morrow | LSU | F |
| 8 | Connecticut Sun | Saniya Rivers | NC State | G |
| 9 | Los Angeles Sparks | sarah Ashlee Barker | Alabama | G |
| 10 | Chicago Sky | Ajša Sivka | Slovenia | F |
Mystics Make Multiple Moves, Valkyries Enter the Fray
The Washington Mystics had a busy night, selecting three players in the top 6.the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team, made their first-ever draft selection with Justė Jocytė from Lithuania.
International Talent Highlights the Draft Pool
This year’s draft showcased a diverse array of international talent,including Dominique Malonga (France),Justė Jocytė (Lithuania),and Ajša Sivka (Slovenia),reflecting the growing global reach of women’s basketball.
WNBA Mock Draft 2025: Projecting Next Year’s Top Talent
Projecting the future of the WNBA,a recent mock draft has identified potential stars for the 2025 season. The projections highlight a mix of talent from established college programs and international prospects, offering a glimpse into the league’s possible evolution.
First Round Projections: Who’s Going Where?
The first round of the mock draft sees established programs represented at the top. Here’s a breakdown:
- No. 1 – Indiana Fever: Mikaylah Williams (LSU, G)
- No. 2 – Los angeles Sparks: Caroline Ducharme (UConn, G)
- No.3 – Washington Mystics: Flau’jae Johnson (LSU, G)
- No. 4 - Seattle Storm: Sali Kourouma (Italy, F)
- No. 5 – New York Liberty: Chance grey (Oregon, G)
- No. 6 – Connecticut Sun: dyaisha Fair (Syracuse, G)
- No. 7 – Atlanta Dream: Aaliyah Moore (Texas,F)
- No. 8 – Phoenix mercury: Jenna Brown (Kentucky, G)
- No. 9 – Las Vegas Aces: Shy Day-Wilson (Duke, G)
- No. 10 – Minnesota Lynx: Lauren Betts (UCLA, C)
- No. 11 – Chicago sky: Hailey Van Lith (TCU, G)
- No. 12 - Dallas Wings: Aziaha james (NC State, G)
Second Round Mock Draft Breakdown
The second round introduces more variety, with international players and prospects from a wider range of universities entering the mix:
- No. 13 – Las Vegas Aces: Aaliyah Nye (Alabama, G)
- No. 14 – dallas Wings: Madison Scott (Ole miss, F)
- No.15 – Minnesota Lynx: Anastasiia Olairi Kosu (Russia, F)
- No. 16 - Chicago Sky: Maddy Westbeld (Notre Dame, F)
- No. 17 – golden State Valkyries: Shyanne Sellers (maryland, G)
- No. 18 – atlanta Dream: Te-hina Paopao (South Carolina, G)
- no.19 – Indiana Fever: Mikaylah Williams (LSU, G)
2024 WNBA Draft: Complete List of Picks and Analysis
NEW YORK (AP) — The 2024 WNBA Draft showcased a wealth of talent, with teams strategically selecting players to bolster their rosters. Here’s a complete rundown of every pick from the draft, offering insights into potential impacts and team strategies.
First Round: Stars Align for Promising Rookies
The Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 overall pick. The Los Angeles Sparks then picked Cameron Brink (No. 2) and Rickea Jackson (No. 4). The Chicago Sky picked Kamilla Cardoso with their first pick at No. 3 and Angel Reese at No. 7. The Dallas Wings selected Jacy Sheldon as fifth pick.With the sixth pick, the Washington Mystics chose aaliyah Edwards. Nika Muhl joined the Seattle Storm as the No. 14 pick.
| pick | Team | Player | College | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana Fever | Caitlin Clark | Iowa | G |
| 2 | Los Angeles Sparks | Cameron Brink | Stanford | F |
| 3 | Chicago Sky | Kamilla Cardoso | South Carolina | C |
| 4 | Los Angeles Sparks | Rickea Jackson | Tennessee | F |
| 5 | Dallas Wings | Jacy Sheldon | Ohio State | G |
| 6 | washington Mystics | Aaliyah Edwards | Connecticut | F |
| 7 | Chicago Sky | Angel reese | LSU | F |
| 8 | Minnesota Lynx | Alissa Pili | Utah | F |
| 9 | Dallas Wings | Carla Leite | France | G |
| 10 | Connecticut Sun | Leila Lacan | France | G |
| 11 | New York Liberty | Marquesha Davis | Ole Miss | G |
| 12 | Atlanta Dream | Nyadiewuouth (Nyah) Biel | Australia | F |
Second Round: Underrated Talent Finds New Homes
The second round saw teams picking up players to build depth. Some of the notable picks include Kate Martin to the Las Vegas Aces (No. 18) and Taiyanna Jackson to the Connecticut Sun (no. 19).
| Pick | Team | Player | College | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Atlanta Dream | Isobel Borlase | australia | G |
| 14 | Seattle Storm | Nika Muhl | Connecticut | G |
| 15 | New York Liberty | Esmery Martinez | Arizona | F |
| 16 | Las Vegas aces | Dyaisha Fair | Syracuse | G |
| 17 | Indiana Fever | Celeste Taylor | Ohio State | G |
| 18 | Las Vegas Aces | Kate Martin | Iowa | G |
| 19 | Connecticut Sun | Taiyanna Jackson | Kansas | C |
| 20 | Indiana Fever | Bree Hall | South Carolina | G |
| 21 | Los Angeles Sparks | Sania Feagin | South Carolina | F |
| 22 | Chicago Sky | Aicha Coulibaly | Texas A&M | G |
| 23 | Washington Mystics | Lucy Olsen | Iowa | G |
| 24 | Minnesota Lynx | Dalayah Daniels | Washington | F |
Third Round: Building for the Future
The final round often unearths hidden gems and provides teams with valuable role players. Serena Sundell was selected by the Seattle Storm (No.26). Rayah Marshall was picked by the Connecticut Sun (No. 25) and JJ Quinerly went to the Dallas Wings (No. 27).
| Pick | Team | Player | College | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Connecticut Sun | Rayah Marshall | Southern California | C/F |
| 26 | Seattle Storm | Serena Sundell | Kansas State | PG |
| 27 | Dallas Wings | JJ Quinerly | West Virginia | G |
The WNBA draft concluded with a flurry of selections, filling out team rosters with promising talent from across the nation’s top collegiate programs. From Notre Dame to Harvard, here’s a look at the players chosen in the final round and where they’ll be starting their professional careers.
WNBA Draft Late-Round Recap: Surprises and Steals
* Pick 28: Los Angeles Sparks - Liatu King, F, notre Dame
* Pick 29: Seattle Storm – Madison Conner, G, TCU
* Pick 30: Golden State Valkyries – Kaitlyn Chen, PG, Connecticut
* Pick 31: Dallas Wings – Aaronette Vonleh, C, Baylor
* Pick 32: Washington Mystics – Zaay Green, G, Alabama
* Pick 33: Indiana Fever – Yvonne Ejim, F, Gonzaga
* Pick 34: Seattle Storm – Jordan Hobbs, G, Michigan
* Pick 35: Las vegas Aces - Harmoni Turner, G, harvard
* Pick 36: Atlanta Dream – Taylor Thierry, G/F, ohio State
* Pick 37: Minnesota Lynx – Kiki Jefferson, G, Louisville
Late Round Gems: While the early rounds often steal the spotlight, the later picks can unearth hidden gems. Keep an eye on players like Kaitlyn Chen (Golden State) and Harmoni Turner (Las Vegas), who bring high basketball IQ and potential to their respective teams.
Developing Talent: These draftees will now look to make their mark in training camp and preseason. Teams will be evaluating their fit within existing systems and their potential for future growth.
WNBA Draft 2024: Surprises and Selections
The 2024 WNBA Draft saw Caitlin Clark selected first overall by the Indiana Fever, as widely anticipated. However, the draft also presented a few surprises and noteworthy selections.
Caitlin Clark Lands with Indiana Fever as No. 1 Pick
Caitlin Clark, the record-breaking scorer from Iowa, was the Indiana Fever’s top pick. Her arrival is expected to significantly boost the team’s performance and fan engagement. The Fever, who finished with a losing record last season, are banking on Clark’s talent to revitalize the franchise.
Los Angeles Sparks Make bold Moves with Top Picks
The Los Angeles Sparks had an eventful draft, selecting Cameron Brink with the second overall pick and Rickea Jackson with the fourth overall pick. Brink, a standout player from stanford, brings defensive prowess and versatility. Jackson, from Tennessee, is known for her scoring ability and athleticism. These additions aim to rebuild the Sparks into a competitive force in the WNBA.
Chicago Sky add Talent with Two First-Round Picks
The Chicago Sky secured Kamilla Cardoso with the third overall pick and Angel Reese with the seventh overall pick. Cardoso, a dominant center from South Carolina, will provide a strong presence in the paint. Reese, a dynamic forward from LSU, is known for her rebounding and scoring skills. These picks signal the Sky’s intent to strengthen their frontcourt and contend for a championship.
Othre Notable Draft Picks
Several other players were selected in the draft, including:
- Dallas Wings: Jacy Sheldon (No. 5)
- Washington Mystics: Aaliyah Edwards (No. 6)
- minnesota Lynx: Alissa Pili (No. 8)
- Atlanta Dream: Nyadiewah Tut (No. 9)
- Connecticut Sun:Leila Lacan (No. 10)
- New York Liberty :Marquesha Davis(No. 11)
- Atlanta Dream: Carla Leite (No. 12)
- Las vegas Aces: Dyaisha Fair (No.16)
- Seattle Storm: Nika Muhl (no. 14)
- Phoenix Mercury: Charisma Osborne (No. 25)
- Minnesota Lynx: Kiki Jefferson (No. 26)
- Connecticut Sun:Astera Tuhina (No. 29)
- Phoenix Mercury: Becky Massey (No. 32)
- New York Liberty: Adja Kane (No. 38)
- Connecticut Sun:Aubrey Griffin (No. 38)
These players represent a new wave of talent entering the WNBA, promising an exciting season ahead.
NCAA Women’s Final Four: Teams, Schedule, and How to Watch
The road to the national championship culminates as South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and UConn face off in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four.The competition takes place on Friday, April 4, with the winners advancing to the championship game [[1](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/ncaa-womens-final-four-schedule-location-teams-how-to-watch)].
Final Four Matchups Set
Basketball fans are gearing up to witness powerhouse matchups that will determine who vies for the national title. South Carolina, UCLA, Texas and UConn will battle it out for a spot in the final game [[1](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/ncaa-womens-final-four-schedule-location-teams-how-to-watch)].
How to watch the Women’s Final Four
Details regarding broadcast schedules and streaming options can be found online closer to the game dates.Check your local listings for accurate viewing information.
More Women’s Basketball Coverage
For comprehensive coverage, including game highlights, expert analysis, and player profiles, continue to follow reputable sports news outlets.
Preseason No. 1 Women’s Basketball teams: March Madness Performance
Earning the coveted preseason No. 1 ranking in women’s college basketball doesn’t guarantee March Madness success. While some teams live up to the hype, history shows that the road to the national championship is fraught with challenges and upsets.
Preseason Favorite vs. Tournament Reality
The journey from preseason favorite to NCAA champion is rarely a straightforward one. Throughout the history of the women’s NCAA tournament, several preseason No. 1 teams have fallen short of expectations, highlighting the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
Historical Performance of Top Ranked Teams
Examining past tournaments reveals a mixed bag of results for preseason No.1 teams. Some have cruised to dominant championship victories, while others have experienced early exits, succumbing to the pressure or facing unexpected challenges from lower-seeded opponents.
Factors Influencing Tournament Success
Several factors can impact a team’s performance in the NCAA tournament, regardless of their preseason ranking. Injuries, challenging matchups, and the pressure of high expectations can all play a significant role in determining a team’s ultimate fate.
The Pressure of Expectations
The weight of being the preseason No. 1 team can be immense. Teams frequently enough face increased scrutiny and heightened expectations from fans, media, and opponents alike. This pressure can either fuel a team’s performance or become a burden, impacting their ability to perform at their best when it matters most.
Based on the provided text, how might the Dallas Wings’ acquisition of Paige Bueckers impact their competitive standing within the WNBA, considering the team strategies highlighted in the articles?
Okay, I’ve read and understood the provided sports articles about the WNBA drafts.Here’s a breakdown of the key information and my understanding:
**Overview:**
The articles cover the 2024 and 2025 WNBA drafts. They highlight key players, team selections, conference dominance, and notable draft trades. They provide a good overview of the draft process and the impact on the league.
**Key Themes and Information:**
* **2025 Draft (Two Articles):**
* **Paige Bueckers to Dallas:** The first article focuses on the 2025 draft, with Paige Bueckers (uconn) being drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings.
* **SEC Dominance:** The SEC (Southeastern Conference) was the dominant conference in the 2025 draft, with the most players selected.
* **Top Schools:** south Carolina, Notre Dame, Connecticut, and Alabama had multiple players drafted (3 each), showcasing the strength of their programs.
* **Draft Trades:** The articles mention pre-draft trades involving the Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream, Washington Mystics, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces, impacting their draft picks.
* **Complete Draft Results:** The second article provides more detailed results, including conference breakdowns and a table of picks.
* **2024 Draft:**
* **Caitlin Clark to Indiana:** The 2024 draft saw Caitlin Clark (Iowa) drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever. This is expected to be a major boost for the team and league.
* **First-Round Breakdown:** The article provides a table of the first-round picks,including the teams,players,schools/countries,and positions.
* **Mystics and Valkyries:** The Washington Mystics made multiple early picks, while the Golden State valkyries entered the draft for the first time.
* **International Talent:** The 2024 draft featured international players, highlighting the global reach of the WNBA.
* **Mock Draft (2025):**
* **Projecting Future Stars:** This mock draft previews potential top picks for the 2025 season.
* **First-Round Projections:** The mock draft lists projected first-round selections for each team, including players from LSU, UConn, and other top programs.
* **Second-Round Projections:** The mock draft also includes a second-round projection, showing a wider range of talent and schools.
* **Overall Analysis:** These articles provide a good overview of the drafts, highlighting key players, the impact of college conferences, and team strategies.
**Key Takeaways:**
* **SEC’s rising Dominance:** The SEC is a major force in women’s college basketball, reflected in the draft results.
* **Impact of Top Picks:** The selection of players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers is expected to significantly impact their respective teams and the WNBA as a whole.
* **International Influence:** The presence of international players showcases the league’s global appeal and the increasing level of international talent.
* **draft as a Strategic Tool:** Teams use the draft to build their rosters, with trades and strategic picks playing a crucial role in team development.
**In short, these articles tell the story of the women’s basketball drafts, focusing on star players, team strategies, and the growing influence of college conferences and international talent.**
