Latest news with #WNBA-ready
Fox Sports
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Diana Taurasi says Paige Bueckers will one day be 'the best player' in WNBA
No one can accuse future Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi of a failure to know ball, so when she speaks on a basketball player, it's probably time to listen. Taurasi made a bold prediction while speaking to the Athletic, saying of 2025's first-overall pick, Paige Bueckers, that the Dallas Wings' guard will someday become "the best player in the league, for sure." Taurasi, in a discussion about what it's like to be drafted first-overall and end up on a rebuilding team, praised Bueckers for already improving from game to game. "The WNBA, it's a different beast. There's different challenges, you know, as an individual, as a team. When you get drafted number one, you usually go to a team that's rebuilding, that's starting to try something new. There's a lot of challenges when you get to a team and a franchise that's rebuilding, and you know you kind of have to change your outlook on wins and losses. You take the wins as far as getting better every single game, and as you can tell already Paige, from game one to game two she was a different player. And from game two to game 10 she's going to be a different player." Bueckers, four games in, is averaging 13 points per game, and 6.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals. The Wings are currently 0-4, but you can already see hints of the player that Bueckers will become, such as when she scored 19 points in her second pro game and logged 10 assists in her third. Taurasi was the first pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, when the Phoenix Mercury selected her out of UConn. The Mercury had gone 8-26 in 2003 to earn that first pick – WNBA seasons were shorter then – then slowly improved as Taurasi did, until they won their first-ever championship in 2007 after a 23-11 campaign. Taurasi would go on to play 20 seasons in the WNBA (despite sitting out 2015), securing Rookie of the Year honors, 10 All-WNBA first team selections, an MVP, 11 All-Star nods, and three championships in total. Bueckers finds herself in a similar starting point, at least, coming from UConn's program to a rebuilding team that she could very well be the leader of with just a few seasons under her belt. Like with Taurasi, it's possible that she'll end up the best player in the league at some point, such as when she won MVP honors in 2009. Taurasi certainly believes it's possible. "The one thing I know about Paige is she's so grounded, she's so patient, she's so prepared. And I think she's learned that in the last four or five years and all those things that she learned at Connecticut, they're going to change the way you look at that team. One day she's going to end up being the best player in the league, for sure." The WNBA is loaded with exceptionally talented players, of course, and Bueckers is merely a handful of games into her own pro career, so a lot could happen between now and "one day." She was already one of the top players at the college level, though, and UConn certainly has a proven track record of sending WNBA-ready players to the draft – players who then end up thriving, as Taurasi did. It's entirely possible that Bueckers will be the next such case. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Paige Bueckers Dallas Wings Women's National Basketball Association recommended Get more from Women's National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WNBA draft 2025 predictions: Paige Bueckers is No 1. But who goes next?
WNBA draft 2025 predictions: Paige Bueckers is No 1. But who goes next? Paige Bueckers is almost certainly the No 1 overall pick in this year's draft. Photograph: Chris O'Meara/AP The most WNBA-ready prospect not named Paige Bueckers … Kiki Iriafen looks like a plug-and-play forward whose agility, rebounding instincts and face-up scoring will make her an immediate asset. She can defend across positions and has a reliable mid-range game. After transferring to USC, she showcased polish and poise against top-tier competition, traits that will translate quickly to the pro level. Her 36-point outburst in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after JuJu Watkins went down with a knee injury only solidified her standing. BAG Dominique Malonga, and not just because she's widely expected to be the No 2 pick. At 19, Malonga is set to become the highest-drafted foreign player in WNBA history and defines versatility: she can dunk, her shooting is elite, and she can drive – and she's nowhere near her peak. SK Hailey Van Lith. The 23-year-old proved to be one of the most dynamic guards in college basketball this season, averaging 17.9 points and 5.4 assists for TCU. She proved as long as the ball is in her hands, she will excel at any level. OW Related: The national title was a test the great Paige Bueckers didn't need to pass Advertisement This will be a good draft for … This is a strong draft for versatile wings and combo forwards. With expansion looming and multiple teams rebuilding, players like Saniya Rivers, Sonia Citron and Justė Jocytė – who can guard multiple spots and handle the ball – will be at a premium. Teams craving flexibility and upside will find plenty of options. BAG I'm really intrigued about what the Washington Mystics are about to do. They have No 3, 4, and 6 in the first round. This draft class is strong, and Citron and Iriafen are fantastic players if available – both are the two best options in terms of their positions. If the Mystics can, drafting Shyanne Sellers at No 6 would be a steal. SK The Dallas Wings. Adding Bueckers to a backcourt alongside Arike Ogunbowale immediately vaunts the Wings into the 'best backcourt in the league' conversation. Despite losing Satou Sabally in free agency, Bueckers allows the Wings to quickly retool and try to win on the 28-year-old Ogunbowale's timeline. OW Whose stock has risen the most in the last month? Sania Feagin has surged into first-round consideration. Given more minutes after Ashlyn Watkins' ACL injury, the 6ft 3in forward showcased her defensive range and scoring touch for South Carolina's national runners-up. Long overshadowed by the Gamecocks' other frontcourt stars, she's now viewed as a sleeper big who could contribute early, especially for teams thin in the post. BAG Hailey Van Lith. She was already a strong second-round prospect at the beginning of the season, but she has since proven she fully deserves to be drafted in the first round. SK During an impressive three years at Louisville, Van Lith looked every part of a first-round WNBA draft pick. However, a regrettable transfer to LSU left her WNBA future in doubt until she came soaring back on to the scene at TCU this season, helping the Horned Frogs go 34-4 and reach their first Elite Eight. OW Advertisement Who is the best fit for Caitlin Clark in Indiana (if they don't trade)? Madison Scott could be a sneaky-good second-round fit. The 6ft 2in Ole Miss wing is a defensive ace who thrives in transition and doesn't need touches to make an impact. Clark's offensive gravity would let Scott feast on cuts and mismatches while giving Indiana another switchable perimeter defender. BAG The Fever aren't likely to be major players in this draft, but there are a few strong options for their second-round picks. Annika Soltau would be an awesome addition: she's tall (6ft 4in) and defensively strong – she doesn't always get a lot of minutes but when she does, she makes them count. SK Sarah Te-Biasu. Like many players from Montreal, Te-Biasu plays a physical brand of defense despite being just 5ft 5in. Meanwhile, her offensive game progressed this season at Maryland, where she shot 45% from deep and scored in double figures in 12 of her last 15 games, leading the Terrapins to the Sweet 16. OW Which international player could surprise? Justė Jocytė has real star potential. The 6ft 1in Lithuanian guard already excels in EuroLeague play, showcasing advanced reads, range and maturity beyond her 19 years. If she joins the WNBA this year, she could crack a rotation by midseason. If stashed, she's still one of the class's better long-term bets. BAG I am definitely surprised by any mock draft that doesn't have Ajsa Sivka in the first round. She's 6ft 3in and can guard just about anyone on the court, her three-point shooting is exceptional and, like Malonga, she's only 19 – so there's plenty of time for her to develop. SK Advertisement Annika Soltau. The German forward averaged 21.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.8 STOCKS for Baden Basket 54 of the Swiss Basketball League, playing so well that she received a call-up to the German national team. There isn't much precedent for a 20-year-old being that productive overseas, making Soltau a worthwhile bet. OW Lower-round gem to watch … Harmoni Turner is the mid-major playmaker to watch. The Harvard standout lit up Ivy League defenses and was one of the most efficient pick-and-roll scorers in the country. Her ability to generate offense off the bounce and defend across the backcourt could make her a valuable second-unit weapon. BAG Turner has made a major name for herself in the last few weeks and Deasia Merrill was one of the most exciting players to watch during the NCAA Tournament (which is saying something, considering how well TCU played). SK Advertisement Te-Hina Paopao. While Paopao might slip due to being on the smaller and older side of the draft, the 22-year-old guard plays a mature, two-way brand of basketball that saw her shoot 40% from three throughout her five-year college career, including the final two as a starter for Dawn Staley's South Carolina. OW The team who drafted best last year were … Sure, it would have been hard to screw up, but it's the Indiana Fever, who landed Caitlin Clark at No 1 to pair with 2023 Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston. Clark's elite shooting and playmaking filled a glaring need and instantly transformed Indiana into a must-watch team with playoff potential. The franchise-altering pick everyone expected. BAG Clearly the Fever, full stop. Will there ever be enough words to fully describe Clark's impact on the WNBA? I am looking forward to Cameron Brink having the opportunity to show the world what she can really do, and also will forever be in awe of the Sky managing to snag Angel Reese at No 7. SK Advertisement Los Angeles Sparks. Brink looked every bit the modern-day unicorn she was projected to be coming out of Stanford, averaging 2.3 blocks before a torn ACL limited her to 15 games. Rickea Jackson, meanwhile, showcased her on-ball juice by averaging 13.4 points while shooting 49.8% from two and 34.7% from three. OW The first round will be: 1) Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers, guard, UConn 2) Seattle Storm – Dominique Malonga, forward-center, France 3) Washington Mystics – Sonia Citron, guard, Notre Dame 4) Washington Mystics – Kiki Iriafen, forward, USC 5) Golden State Valkyries – Saniya Rivers, guard, NC State Advertisement 6) Washington Mystics – Shyanne Sellers, guard, Maryland 7) Connecticut Sun – Aneesah Morrow forward, LSU 8) Connecticut Sun – Justė Jocytė, guard, Lithuania 9) Los Angeles Sparks – Georgia Amoore, guard, Kentucky 10) Chicago Sky – Te-Hina Paopao, guard, South Carolina 11) Chicago Sky – Sania Feagin, forward, South Carolina 12) Dallas Wings – Sarah Ashlee Barker, guard, Alabama BAG ---- 1) Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers, guard, UConn 2) Seattle Storm, Dominique Malonga, forward-center, France 3) Washington Mystics, Sonia Citron, guard, Notre Dame 4) Washington Mystics, Kiki Iriafen, forward, USC 5) Golden State Valkyries, Aneesah Morrow, forward, LSU Advertisement 6) Washington Mystics, Shyanne Sellers, guard, Maryland 7) Connecticut Sun, Ajsa Sivka, forward, Slovenia 8) Connecticut Sun, Hailey Van Lith, guard, TCU 9) Los Angeles Sparks, Georgia Amoore, guard, Kentucky 10) Chicago Sky, Saniya Rivers, guard, NC State 11) Chicago Sky, Sarah Ashlee Barker, guard, Alabama 12) Dallas Wings, Justė Jocytė, guard, Lithuania SK ---- 1) Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers, guard, UConn 2) Seattle Storm, Dominique Malonga, forward-center, France 3) Washington Mystics, Kiki Iriafen, forward, USC 4) Washington Mystics, Sonia Citron, guard, Notre Dame 5) Golden State Valkyries, Saniya Rivers, guard, NC State Advertisement 6) Washington Mystics, Hailey Van Lith, guard, TCU 7) Connecticut Sun, Aneesah Morrow, forward, LSU 8) Connecticut Sun, Shyanne Sellers, guard, Maryland 9) Los Angeles Sparks, Aziaha James, guard, NC State 10) Chicago Sky, Georgia Amoore, guard, Kentucky 11) Chicago Sky, Justė Jocytė, guard, Lithuania 12) Dallas Wings, Sedona Prince, Center, TCU OW
The Guardian
14-04-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
WNBA draft 2025 predictions: Paige Bueckers is No 1. But who goes next?
The most WNBA-ready prospect not named Paige Bueckers … Kiki Iriafen looks like a plug-and-play forward whose agility, rebounding instincts and face-up scoring will make her an immediate asset. She can defend across positions and has a reliable mid-range game. After transferring to USC, she showcased polish and poise against top-tier competition, traits that will translate quickly to the pro level. Her 36-point outburst in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after JuJu Watkins went down with a knee injury only solidified her standing. BAG Dominique Malonga, and not just because she's widely expected to be the No 2 pick. At 19, Malonga is set to become the highest-drafted foreign player in WNBA history and defines versatility: she can dunk, her shooting is elite, and she can drive – and she's nowhere near her peak. SK Hailey Van Lith. The 23-year-old proved to be one of the most dynamic guards in college basketball this season, averaging 17.9 points and 5.4 assists for TCU. She proved as long as the ball is in her hands, she will excel at any level. OW This will be a good draft for … This is a strong draft for versatile wings and combo forwards. With expansion looming and multiple teams rebuilding, players like Saniya Rivers, Sonia Citron and Justė Jocytė – who can guard multiple spots and handle the ball – will be at a premium. Teams craving flexibility and upside will find plenty of options. BAG I'm really intrigued about what the Washington Mystics are about to do. They have No 3, 4, and 6 in the first round. This draft class is strong, and Citron and Iriafen are fantastic players if available – both are the two best options in terms of their positions. If the Mystics can, drafting Shyanne Sellers at No 6 would be a steal. SK The Dallas Wings. Adding Bueckers to a backcourt alongside Arike Ogunbowale immediately vaunts the Wings into the 'best backcourt in the league' conversation. Despite losing Satou Sabally in free agency, Bueckers allows the Wings to quickly retool and try to win on the 28-year-old Ogunbowale's timeline. OW Whose stock has risen the most in the last month? Sania Feagin has surged into first-round consideration. Given more minutes after Ashlyn Watkins' ACL injury, the 6ft 3in forward showcased her defensive range and scoring touch for South Carolina's national runners-up. Long overshadowed by the Gamecocks' other frontcourt stars, she's now viewed as a sleeper big who could contribute early, especially for teams thin in the post. BAG Hailey Van Lith. She was already a strong second-round prospect at the beginning of the season, but she has since proven she fully deserves to be drafted in the first round. SK During an impressive three years at Louisville, Van Lith looked every part of a first-round WNBA draft pick. However, a regrettable transfer to LSU left her WNBA future in doubt until she came soaring back on to the scene at TCU this season, helping the Horned Frogs go 34-4 and reach their first Elite Eight. OW Who is the best fit for Caitlin Clark in Indiana (if they don't trade)? Madison Scott could be a sneaky-good second-round fit. The 6ft 2in Ole Miss wing is a defensive ace who thrives in transition and doesn't need touches to make an impact. Clark's offensive gravity would let Scott feast on cuts and mismatches while giving Indiana another switchable perimeter defender. BAG The Fever aren't likely to be major players in this draft, but there are a few strong options for their second-round picks. Annika Soltau would be an awesome addition: she's tall (6ft 4in) and defensively strong – she doesn't always get a lot of minutes but when she does, she makes them count. SK Sarah Te-Biasu. Like many players from Montreal, Te-Biasu plays a physical brand of defense despite being just 5ft 5in. Meanwhile, her offensive game progressed this season at Maryland, where she shot 45% from deep and scored in double figures in 12 of her last 15 games, leading the Terrapins to the Sweet 16. OW Which international player could surprise? Justė Jocytė has real star potential. The 6ft 1in Lithuanian guard already excels in EuroLeague play, showcasing advanced reads, range and maturity beyond her 19 years. If she joins the WNBA this year, she could crack a rotation by midseason. If stashed, she's still one of the class's better long-term bets. BAG I am definitely surprised by any mock draft that doesn't have Ajsa Sivka in the first round. She's 6ft 3in and can guard just about anyone on the court, her three-point shooting is exceptional and, like Malonga, she's only 19 – so there's plenty of time for her to develop. SK Annika Soltau. The German forward averaged 21.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.8 STOCKS for Baden Basket 54 of the Swiss Basketball League, playing so well that she received a call-up to the German national team. There isn't much precedent for a 20-year-old being that productive overseas, making Soltau a worthwhile bet. OW Lower-round gem to watch … Harmoni Turner is the mid-major playmaker to watch. The Harvard standout lit up Ivy League defenses and was one of the most efficient pick-and-roll scorers in the country. Her ability to generate offense off the bounce and defend across the backcourt could make her a valuable second-unit weapon. BAG Turner has made a major name for herself in the last few weeks and Deasia Merrill was one of the most exciting players to watch during the NCAA Tournament (which is saying something, considering how well TCU played). SK Te-Hina Paopao. While Paopao might slip due to being on the smaller and older side of the draft, the 22-year-old guard plays a mature, two-way brand of basketball that saw her shoot 40% from three throughout her five-year college career, including the final two as a starter for Dawn Staley's South Carolina. OW The team who drafted best last year were … Sure, it would have been hard to screw up, but it's the Indiana Fever, who landed Caitlin Clark at No 1 to pair with 2023 Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston. Clark's elite shooting and playmaking filled a glaring need and instantly transformed Indiana into a must-watch team with playoff potential. The franchise-altering pick everyone expected. BAG Clearly the Fever, full stop. Will there ever be enough words to fully describe Clark's impact on the WNBA? I am looking forward to Cameron Brink having the opportunity to show the world what she can really do, and also will forever be in awe of the Sky managing to snag Angel Reese at No 7. SK Los Angeles Sparks. Brink looked every bit the modern-day unicorn she was projected to be coming out of Stanford, averaging 2.3 blocks before a torn ACL limited her to 15 games. Rickea Jackson, meanwhile, showcased her on-ball juice by averaging 13.4 points while shooting 49.8% from two and 34.7% from three. OW The first round will be: 1) Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers, guard, UConn 2) Seattle Storm – Dominique Malonga, forward-center, France 3) Washington Mystics – Sonia Citron, guard, Notre Dame 4) Washington Mystics – Kiki Iriafen, forward, USC 5) Golden State Valkyries – Saniya Rivers, guard, NC State 6) Washington Mystics – Shyanne Sellers, guard, Maryland 7) Connecticut Sun – Aneesah Morrow forward, LSU 8) Connecticut Sun – Justė Jocytė, guard, Lithuania 9) Los Angeles Sparks – Georgia Amoore, guard, Kentucky 10) Chicago Sky – Te-Hina Paopao, guard, South Carolina 11) Chicago Sky – Sania Feagin, forward, South Carolina 12) Dallas Wings – Sarah Ashlee Barker, guard, Alabama BAG ---- 1) Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers, guard, UConn 2) Seattle Storm, Dominique Malonga, forward-center, France 3) Washington Mystics, Sonia Citron, guard, Notre Dame 4) Washington Mystics, Kiki Iriafen, forward, USC 5) Golden State Valkyries, Aneesah Morrow, forward, LSU 6) Washington Mystics, Shyanne Sellers, guard, Maryland 7) Connecticut Sun, Ajsa Sivka, forward, Slovenia 8) Connecticut Sun, Hailey Van Lith, guard, TCU 9) Los Angeles Sparks, Georgia Amoore, guard, Kentucky 10) Chicago Sky, Saniya Rivers, guard, NC State 11) Chicago Sky, Sarah Ashlee Barker, guard, Alabama 12) Dallas Wings, Justė Jocytė, guard, Lithuania SK ---- 1) Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers, guard, UConn 2) Seattle Storm, Dominique Malonga, forward-center, France 3) Washington Mystics, Kiki Iriafen, forward, USC 4) Washington Mystics, Sonia Citron, guard, Notre Dame 5) Golden State Valkyries, Saniya Rivers, guard, NC State 6) Washington Mystics, Hailey Van Lith, guard, TCU 7) Connecticut Sun, Aneesah Morrow, forward, LSU 8) Connecticut Sun, Shyanne Sellers, guard, Maryland 9) Los Angeles Sparks, Aziaha James, guard, NC State 10) Chicago Sky, Georgia Amoore, guard, Kentucky 11) Chicago Sky, Justė Jocytė, guard, Lithuania 12) Dallas Wings, Sedona Prince, Center, TCU OW
