Michael Voepellapr 11, 2025, 08:00 at
Clowemichael Voepel is a senior writer covering the WNBA, women’s college basketball and other university sports. Voepel began covering women’s basketball in 1984 and has been appointed ESPN since 1996.
The Paige Bueckers whirlwind is completely leaning, and may not alleviate until the second half of autumn.
Like the last two No. 1 WNBA draft picks, Alija Boston in South Carolina and Kate Rinklerk in Iowa, Booker moves from the final four to the draft, looking back on his college career as the next step is just around the corner.
The Bueckers are expected to be the top pick on Monday in the WNBA Draft (EST, ESPN 7:30pm) at Hudson Yard sheds in New York City. Who will follow her?
Since the final mock draft, three prominent college players have been out of the first round. Guard Olivia Miles previously in the second slot, but has been in the college for her fifth season and has recently transferred to TCU.
Guard Haley Vanlis and Centre Sedona Prince just finished their college careers helping TCU make the Elite Eight, previously ranked 9th and 12th. Current Inter from around the league predicts that they are likely to be their second pick, but if they become the right team, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
This is the latest mock draft of ESPN’s first round.
UConn Huskies | Point Guard | 6ft | Senior
Bueckers just added a national championship to her resume, no. 1 is a simple choice. She finished her senior season averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists, shooting 53.4% from the field and 41.9% from the 3-point range. She can become a player who changes franchise.
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Previous Next: Page Booker
Relive the rise of Page Bookers from his early days in Minnesota to becoming UConn national champion.
France|Center|6-6
The 19-year-old Malonga played for France at the Olympics last summer and played in November. She has been playing in France’s top professional women’s league since she was 15 years old and currently averages 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists for the feminine at Lyon Asbel. Her ceiling appears to be high.
Editor’s Pick
2 Related
USC Trojan Horse | Forward Power | 6-3 | Senior
Currently in rebuilding mode with new coaches and general managers, Mystics has three of the top six picks. Iriafen spent his breakout season as a junior at Stanford. As a senior at USC, she averaged 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The Trojans won the Big 10 regular season title and created the Elite Eight.
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1:57
Kiki Iriafen’s 36-point game will help you advance USC to Sweet 16
Kiki Iriafen finishes with 36 points, nine rebounds and two blocks as USC defeated Mississippi State.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Shooting Guard | 6-1 | Senior
Citron averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists as seniors, with Notre Dame taking on a share in the ACC regular season title and reaching the Sweet 16. Her defensive versatility helps her case become a lottery pick.
LSU Tigers | Small forward | 6-1 | Senior
Morrow has led Division I with rebounds (13.5 rpg) and double doubles (30) this season, averaging 18.7 points. LSU advanced to the Elite Eight in both her years after she transferred from DePaul. Moreau made just 24 three-pointers in his two years at Baton Rouge, but 53 knocked down as a sophomore at DePaul Show.
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Maryland Terrapins | Point Guard | 6-2 | Senior
The seller’s ability to play point guards in her size may be one of her greatest advantages to being chosen in the first round. She shot a career-leading 40.8% from the 3-point range this season, averaging 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Terps, who made the Sweet 16.
Slovenia | Frontwards | 6-4
The Sun is in a reconstruction mode with new coach, France’s Rachid Meziane. The 19-year-old Shivka plays for the Slovenian national team and competes professionally in France. She can become a draft and start prospect in the WNBA this season or play. Her size and shooting ability are assets.
NC State Wolfpack | Shooting Guard | 5-9 | Senior
James is one of the most explosive surrounding scorers available in this draft. She helped NC state make the Final Four in 2024 and this year she helped make the Sweet 16. As a senior, she averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. She has become a reliable three-point shooter for the past two seasons, reaching 3, 75 and 76, respectively.
Kentucky Wildcats | Point Guard | 5-6 | Senior
Amoore averaged 19.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 6.9 assists while playing 36.7 minutes per game with the Wildcats this season. She spent her first four seasons at Virginia Tech, helping to lead to the 2023 Final Four. Amoore made a 408 3-pointer in college and shot 35.6% from behind the arc.
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5:19
How Georgia Amoor’s Kenny Brooks Rebuilds Kentucky to SEC Power
Ryan McGee explores the Odyssey of SEC assisted leader Georgia Amoor, from Australia to Virginia Tech and Kentucky’s bluegrass.
South Carolina Gamecock | Forward Power | 6-3 | Senior
Fairgin was a late-college bluemer, mostly because they chose Aliya Boston and Camila Cardoso on WNBA lottery picks. She responded as Ashlyn Watkins’ injury took Feagin to the forefront this season, and the Gamecocks advanced to the National Championship Games. Feijin can join Kaldoso in the sky just by scratching the surface of what she can do.
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Lithuania | Shooting Guard | 6-1
Jocyte is a teammate of Asvel Feminin’s Malonga, averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. She could play in the backcourt and on the wings and was compared to New York’s Leonie Fevich. Jocyte wants to play in the WNBA this year, but if her team wants her as a draft and start, she’s willing to sit and sit this season.
NC State Wolfpack | Small forward | 6-1 | Senior
Rivers is an offensive player of all types and can also develop into a powerful pro defender. She won an NCAA title against South Carolina as a freshman before transferring to NC. She helped guide the Wolfpack to Final 4 and Sweet 16 last season. This year he averaged 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steel and 1.3 blocks.
