Rashard Hall's WNBA Mock Draft 3.0
New year, new mock! No Cap Space WBB insider Rashard Hall unveils his Mock Draft 3.0, updated as 2025 gets into full swing.
New year, new mock! With the WNBA Expansion Draft now behind us, the most exciting part of the college season is here—conference play!
As free agency approaches, we’ll get a clearer picture of which players teams might target in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This year’s draft class is loaded with talent and is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. In this updated mock, I’ll break down my first-round projections, factoring in team needs, current rosters, and the recent expansion draft.
What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts or takes in the comments—I'd love to hear your opinions!
Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers
UConn | Point Guard | 6-foot-0 | Senior
Selecting Paige Bueckers at No. 1 for the Dallas Wings feels like a no-brainer. The Wings have the talent and depth to compete for a WNBA title but have long been missing one crucial piece: a true do-it-all point guard. Standing at 6 feet tall, Bueckers is posting impressive numbers this season—20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game—while shooting a remarkable 55.5% from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc. Her potential pairing with superstar Arike Ogunbowale could create one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league, posing a nightmare matchup for opponents.
That said, there’s still a chance Bueckers opts to stay at UConn for another season, as she has one year of eligibility remaining.
Los Angeles Sparks: Olivia Miles
Notre Dame | Point Guard | 5-foot-10 | Junior
The reactions from Sparks players and fans were palpable when the Dallas Wings secured the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft Lottery.
While Los Angeles missed out on the chance to draft Paige Bueckers, they can take solace in this draft class being stacked with talent. For the Sparks, the focus should be on selecting the best available player who also fits their system—and that player is Olivia Miles from Notre Dame.
Miles has been exceptional this season, averaging 16.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 55.9% from the field and 45.9% from beyond the arc. She has also notched three triple-doubles, underscoring her all-around dominance.
With a roster featuring Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, and Azurá Stevens, the Sparks could greatly benefit from adding a versatile point guard to the mix. Passing on a standout from #GuardU wouldn’t be wise.
Chicago Sky: Sonia Citron
Notre Dame | Shooting Guard/Wing | 6-foot-1 | Senior
The Chicago Sky have made their priorities for the upcoming WNBA Draft crystal clear: length, versatility, and consistent three-point shooting.
If the Sky address their need for a point guard via free agency or trade, selecting Sonia Citron with the No. 3 pick would be an ideal move.
After a slow start to the season, Citron has steadily elevated her game. The senior guard is averaging 14.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 46.2% from the field, 39.3% from three, and an outstanding 95.2% from the free-throw line. On the defensive end, Citron has excelled at guarding opponents' top players, posting 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Her ability to contribute on both sides of the floor makes her a perfect fit for the Sky’s roster.
Washington Mystics: Kiki Iriafen
USC | Forward | 6-foot-3 | Senior
Kiki Iriafen's move to USC, teaming up with JuJu Watkins, has been a thrilling storyline this season. She’s averaging 18.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 52.7% from the field. Iriafen’s ability to contribute on both ends of the court makes her a strong candidate to bolster the Washington Mystics' frontcourt alongside Shakira Austin, Aaliyah Edwards, and Stephanie Dolson.
While Iriafen is shooting an impressive 40% from three this season, she’s only attempted five shots from beyond the arc—a facet of her game scouts would like to see more of as she develops.
Golden State Valkyries: Dominique Malonga
France | Center | 6-foot-6
With the conclusion of the WNBA Expansion Draft, we now have a clearer sense of the direction Golden State’s Valkyries might take in the upcoming WNBA Draft.
The Valkyries leaned heavily on international talent in the expansion draft, selecting seven players from outside the United States—more than half of their initial roster.
Holding the fifth pick, could the Valkyries add another international star by selecting Dominique Malonga from France? It’s a strong possibility. Malonga earned a spot on the French Olympic team this year, a testament to her immense talent and potential. With her impressive size and untapped upside, she has all the tools to justify a first-round selection.
Washington Mystics: Aziaha James
NC State | Shooting Guard | 5-foot-9 | Senior
James embodies a true scorer’s mentality, with the ability to knock down shots from deep and attack the rim with precision, making her a consistent offensive threat. Her size and strength also make her a valuable contributor on the boards. This season, she’s averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 44.0% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc.
Selecting James at No. 6 would provide the Mystics with another reliable scoring option in the backcourt, enhancing their depth and adding versatility to their offensive arsenal.
New York Liberty: Shyanne Sellers
Maryland | Guard | 6-foot-2 | Senior
The 2024 season marked a rare instance where the New York Liberty had significant depth at the wing position, a factor that played a pivotal role in their championship run. However, with the departure of Kayla Thornton, who was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Expansion Draft, Shyanne Sellers could be an excellent addition for the Liberty at No. 7.
Standing at 6'2", the Maryland guard brings positional versatility and a well-rounded skill set. Sellers is averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, shooting an efficient 48.0% from the field and 31.8% from beyond the arc. As one of the most versatile players in this draft class, she has the potential to make an immediate impact.
Learning under players such as Laney-Hamilton, Fiebich, Burke, and potentially a returning Gardner, Sellers could seamlessly adapt and contribute to the Liberty’s system.
Indiana Fever: Aneesah Morrow
LSU | Forward | 6-foot-1 | Senior
Aneesah Morrow has been a double-double machine throughout her college career. Currently, she’s averaging 17.9 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game for LSU, while shooting a career-best 52.9% from the field.
Morrow’s high motor and relentless pursuit of the glass make her a standout, but there are areas in her game that still need refinement, such as her ball-handling and outside shooting. She’s shooting 46.2% from three this season, though her attempts have been limited to just thirteen.
Overall, Morrow would be a valuable addition to Indiana's young and promising squad, which already features the past two Rookie of the Year award winners, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Seattle Storm: Te-Hina Paopao
South Carolina | Combo Guard | 5-foot-9 | Senior
Seattle’s perimeter shooting struggles were glaring last season, as the team converted just 29% of their three-point attempts. Te-Hina Paopao could be the solution. A dynamic sharpshooter, Paopao has been impressive this season, hitting 42.6% of her three-point attempts. Beyond her shooting ability, she is also a capable playmaker, averaging 2.0 assists per game. Adding Paopao would not only improve the Storm’s floor spacing but also enhance their offensive flow, addressing a crucial area of need.
Chicago Sky: Sammie Puisis
USF | Guard | 6-foot-1 | Senior
Sammie Puisis perfectly aligns with what General Manager Jeff Pagliocca is seeking in the upcoming draft. A career 37.8% shooter from beyond the arc, Puisis has made a strong comeback this season after missing the previous year due to injury.
In her senior year, she’s been outstanding, averaging 15.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 43.3% from three. Her standout performances against top-tier teams like South Carolina and Duke highlight her ability to compete with the best.
Puisis would be a smart pick for Chicago, offering the floor spacing necessary to maximize the impact of their post players.
Minnesota Lynx: Zaay Green
Alabama | Guard | 6-foot-2 | Senior
The 6-foot-2 senior from Duncanville has consistently competed at a high level throughout her college career. Now playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Green is averaging 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
She’s shooting a career-best 53.8% from the field and 36.8% from three this season, showcasing her improved efficiency. Green’s well-rounded game could catch the eye of Cheryl Reeve and the Minnesota Lynx, as her versatility would be a valuable asset to their roster.
Phoenix Mercury: Hailey Van Lith
TCU | Guard | 5-foot-9 | Senior
Hailey Van Lith’s drop in this mock draft is not a reflection of any shortcomings on her part. She has been outstanding for TCU this season, but the recent expansion draft has brought some clarity regarding the direction of the Golden State Valkyries.
Averaging 18.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and a career-best 6.1 assists per game, Van Lith is proving her doubters wrong. Her lone season at LSU, which sparked much of the criticism, is firmly in the rearview mirror, and it’s time for fans to move on, just as she has.
Van Lith has had standout performances against top teams like Notre Dame and South Carolina, often appearing as the best guard on the floor in both matchups. We all know she can score at will (shooting 46.5% from the field), but pairing her with Natasha Cloud and fellow Olympian Kahleah Copper could elevate her game to new heights—especially on the defensive end.
I don’t know about your last three picks. Janiah Barker has previously said that she intends to forego her final year of eligibility and to make herself available for the 2025 draft. If she hasn’t changed her mind, I can’t see her being drafted after HVL and two soon-to-be 25-year-old guards with very limited upside. If she’s available for the draft, I think that Azzi Fudd, despite her injury history, will also be selected before any of the three players named. Azzi, if she can finally stay healthy, Ajsa Sivka, if she continues to develop overseas, and even Raven Johnson and Saniya Rivers, if they can develop their offensive games, all have upside that the three players named do not.
“Standing at 6 feet tall, Bueckers is posting impressive numbers this season—20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game—while shooting a remarkable 55.5% from the field and 46.4% from beyond the arc.”
According to ESPN and College BB Ref, she’s shooting 40% from three? Still impressive but that’s a big error.
It’s also interesting you (1) call Paige a PG, a position she hasn’t played for four years, and (2) a “do it all” PG when Miles has better all around stats (16.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game)? I assume you think she projects as a W point guard but we will see how she is used.
The bottom part of this draft is wild but I like the lack of groupthink that went into it.