Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
WNBA Draft Prospects: Standout Players and Team Strategies
As the highly anticipated WNBA draft approaches, several prospects have emerged as potential game-changers. Beyond Paige Bueckers, who is widely regarded as a top talent, several other players are poised to make an immediate impact in the league. This draft is rich with versatile wings and combo forwards, making it particularly valuable for teams seeking flexibility and long-term growth. Key prospects like Kiki Iriafen, Dominique Malonga, and Hailey Van Lith are generating significant buzz.
Top WNBA-Ready Prospects (Besides Paige Bueckers)
Kiki Iriafen
Forward Kiki Iriafen appears to be a seamless fit for the WNBA. Her nimbleness, rebounding instincts, and face-up scoring ability suggest she can contribute immediately. Iriafen’s defensive versatility and consistent mid-range jump shot further enhance her appeal. After transferring to USC, she displayed refinement and composure against elite opponents, qualities that should translate effectively to the professional level. Her remarkable 36-point performance in the NCAA Tournament, following JuJu Watkins’ injury, solidified her draft projection.
Dominique Malonga
Dominique Malonga is anticipated to be a top pick, and for good reason. At just 19 years old, Malonga is on track to become the highest-drafted international player in WNBA history. Her versatility is unmatched: possessing dunking ability, elite shooting, and strong driving skills. Remarkably, she is considered to be far from reaching her full potential.
Hailey Van Lith
Hailey Van Lith, aged 23, has proven herself as one of the most dynamic guards in college basketball this past season, averaging impressive statistics for TCU. Her performance indicates that with the ball in her hands, she can excel at any level of competition.
This Draft is Strong For…
Versatile Wings and Combo Forwards
This draft class is particularly strong in flexible wings and combo forwards. With league expansion and several teams in rebuilding phases, players like Saniya Rivers, Sonia Citron, and Justė Jocytė – who can defend multiple positions and handle the ball – will be highly sought after. Teams prioritizing adaptability and future potential will find numerous valuable options.
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Intriguing Team Draft Strategies
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics’ draft strategy is particularly interesting as they hold the No. 3, 4, and 6 picks in the first round. With a strong draft class, players like Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are exceptional talents who could be available. If within reach, drafting Shyanne Sellers at No. 6 would be considered a significant value pick for the Mystics.
Dallas Wings
For the Dallas Wings, adding Paige Bueckers to their backcourt, alongside Arike Ogunbowale, would instantly elevate them into the conversation for the league’s best backcourt. Even with the loss of Satou Sabally in free agency, Bueckers’ addition allows the Wings to quickly retool and compete for a championship during Ogunbowale’s prime.
Rising Draft Stock
Sania Feagin
Sania Feagin’s draft stock has significantly risen, placing her into first-round consideration. Increased playing time, following Ashlyn Watkins’ injury, allowed the 6-foot-3 forward to demonstrate her defensive range and scoring ability for South Carolina. Previously eclipsed by other Gamecocks stars, she is now viewed as a potential sleeper who could contribute early, particularly for teams needing post depth.
Hailey Van Lith (Stock Rise)
Hailey Van Lith’s draft prospects have improved considerably. Initially projected as a solid second-round pick at the season’s start, she has since proven her worthiness of a first-round selection.
Hailey Van Lith’s Journey
During her impressive tenure at Louisville, Van Lith consistently performed at a first-round WNBA draft pick level. However, a transfer to LSU cast doubt on her professional future until her resurgence at TCU. This season, she played a key role in the Horned Frogs achieving a 34-4 record and reaching their first Elite Eight.
Best Fit for Caitlin Clark in Indiana
Madison Scott
Madison Scott could be a sleeper pick in the second round for Indiana. The 6-foot-2 Ole Miss wing is a standout defender who thrives in transition and contributes without needing to dominate possession. Caitlin Clark’s offensive gravity would allow Scott to capitalize on cuts and mismatches, while also providing Indiana with another versatile perimeter defender.
Annika Soltau
Annika Soltau would be an excellent addition for the Fever in the second round. Her height (6-foot-4) and defensive skills are notable. While her minutes may vary, she consistently makes a significant impact when on the court.
Sarah Te-Biasu
Sarah Te-Biasu brings a physical defensive style, common among players from Montreal, despite her 5-foot-5 stature. Her offensive game progressed notably at Maryland, where she achieved a 45% three-point shooting percentage and scored in double figures in 12 of her last 15 games, leading the Terrapins to the Sweet 16.
International Player to Watch
Justė Jocytė
Justė Jocytė possesses genuine star potential. The 6-foot-1 Lithuanian guard is already excelling in EuroLeague play, displaying advanced court awareness, shooting range, and maturity beyond her 19 years. If she joins the WNBA this year, she could integrate into a rotation by midseason. Even if “stashed” overseas for development, she remains a top long-term prospect in this draft class.
Ajsa Sivka
The absence of Ajsa Sivka from the first round in mock drafts is surprising. At 6-foot-3, she is capable of defending almost any player on the court. Her three-point shooting is exceptional, and similar to Malonga, her young age (19) indicates substantial development potential.
Annika Soltau (International)
Annika Soltau, the German forward, has demonstrated remarkable productivity overseas. She averaged 21.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.8 STOCKS in the Swiss Basketball League, earning her a call-up to the German national team. Such output at 20 years old is rare, making Soltau a worthwhile draft consideration.
Lower-Round Gem
Harmoni Turner
Harmoni Turner is a mid-major playmaker to monitor. The Harvard standout dominated Ivy League defenses and was among the most efficient pick-and-roll scorers nationally. Her ability to create offense off the dribble and defend in the backcourt could make her a valuable second-unit player.
Deasia Merrill
Deasia Merrill, alongside Turner’s rising profile in recent weeks, emerged as one of the most exciting players in the NCAA Tournament, a testament given TCU’s strong performance.
Te-Hina Paopao
Te-Hina Paopao might slip in the draft due to her smaller stature and older age. However, the 22-year-old guard plays with a mature, two-way style, evidenced by her consistent 40% three-point shooting throughout her five-year college career, including her final two seasons as a starter for Dawn Staley’s South Carolina team.
Best Drafting Team Last Year
Indiana Fever
Despite the obvious choice, the Indiana Fever, who drafted Caitlin Clark at No. 1 to pair with Aliyah Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, were clearly the best drafters. Clark’s elite shooting and playmaking addressed a critical need and immediately transformed Indiana into a captivating team with playoff aspirations. It was the franchise-changing pick anticipated by many.
Indiana Fever (Again)
The Fever’s successful draft is undeniable. Words may not fully capture Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA. The anticipation is high for Cameron Brink’s professional debut, and the Chicago Sky’s acquisition of Angel Reese at No. 7 was also a noteworthy draft success.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks also had a strong draft. Cameron Brink lived up to her projection as a modern-day unicorn, averaging 2.3 blocks before an ACL injury limited her season. Rickea Jackson showcased her offensive abilities, averaging 13.4 points with efficient shooting percentages.
Projected First Round Draft Picks
Bag’s Projections
BAG predicts 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
SK’s Projections
SK’s projected first round:
- 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
OW’s Projections
OW’s first round predictions:
- 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