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Pre-March Madness WNBA mock draft: Paige Bueckers remains on top, Azzi Fudd rises

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2025

Pre-March Madness WNBA mock draft: Paige Bueckers remains on top, Azzi Fudd rises

As the college basketball world gears up for March Madness, this is the last chance for seniors to make an impression on WNBA talent evaluators ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft, which will be held eight days after the national championship.

Unlike on the men’s side, tournament risers aren’t as prevalent, thanks to four years of tape on most prospects. However, a strong run of play to close the season can’t hurt. In recent memory, Maddy Siegrist (2023) and Emily Engstler (2022) vaulted themselves into the lottery with their performances in February and March.

With WNBA free agency and trade season essentially behind us but with the NCAA finishing kick yet to come, here is how the top prospects stack up in The Athletic’s latest mock draft.

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Not that there were any doubts about Paige Bueckers being the top choice in this draft, but if there were, those were summarily put to rest with Bueckers’ most outstanding player tour de force in her final Big East tournament, with Dallas general manager Curt Miller and head coach Chris Koclanes looking on from the stands. Bueckers showcased the full gamut of skills that make her such a tantalizing prospect: shot-making, shot creation, controlling the tempo and defensive playmaking. She also demonstrated the leadership and aggression any team looks for in a potential franchise player.

The primary knock on Bueckers in her college career has been that she is deferential to a fault. That shouldn’t be a concern with the WNBA’s talent level; regardless, her career average of 19.6 points per game would have been seventh in the league in 2024. Combine that with an extraordinary level of efficiency — for her career, Bueckers has made 58.5 percent of her 2-pointers, 42 percent of her 3s and 85 percent of her free throws — and it’s hard to imagine the Huskies star being unable to impact winning right away.

There is a high standard for Bueckers to live up to as a top pick from UConn, a group that includes Breanna Stewart, Maya Moore, Tina Charles, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird. Bueckers’ collegiate production indicates that she is a worthy addition to this lineage.

Miles is a generational playmaker whose ability to read the floor in pick-and-rolls, in transition and against any kind of junk defense leaps off the screen. She has led the ACC in assists in each of her three full seasons. She’s also a value-add on defense with her size, rebounding and understanding of schemes. Considering how shallow the point guard pool is in the WNBA, she is a safe pick to eventually be one of the best players at her position.

The upside with Miles comes with her scoring. She has always been excellent at attacking the rim and is a strong finisher. This season, she added a jumper and has been elite at shooting from 3-point range. That will enable her to play on and off the ball as a pro, making her a natural fit next to former Notre Dame guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, but also the heir apparent at point guard when the 34-year-old veteran moves on. Miles’ overall defense and turnover rate lag behind that of Bueckers, which is why she isn’t in the conversation for the No. 1 pick, but the Storm should be thrilled to have Miles as a foundation for their future.

The Storm received this pick from the Los Angeles Sparks.

Bueckers will be the No. 1 pick in this draft, but there is a chance that Malonga ends up as the best player. At 19 years old (she won’t turn 20 until after the 2025 WNBA season), Malonga is a full four years younger than Bueckers, and at least three years younger than the other domestic draft prospects. Nevertheless, she competes against veterans in France’s top league and is already producing.

In a league dominated by post play — the teams with superstar power forwards and centers tend to win titles — Malonga is the future of this position. She is long and athletic and has the mobility to defend multiple positions. Her free-throw shooting has improved in every professional season, from 60 percent in 2021-22 to 71.4 percent this season, which bodes well for Malonga eventually stretching out her game. She’s already making 32.3 percent of her 3-pointers, albeit on limited volume (10 of 31).

It bears repeating that Malonga is succeeding against professionals as a teen. Her development curve is just getting started, and she was already good enough to make the silver-medal French Olympic team in 2024. The sky is the limit with Malonga, with the only major concern being her availability, as the French national team demands heavy commitment during the summers.

The Mystics received this pick from the Chicago Sky.

Citron was five spots lower in the last mock draft, as I prioritized players with more offensive potential. Citron has never been the No. 1 option at Notre Dame, and translating role players to the WNBA is a trickier exercise. But the Irish senior is such a spectacular secondary (or tertiary) option that it’s unlikely she will fall past Washington in the draft, whether that is at the fourth pick or the sixth pick.

Citron can defend multiple positions without much help with her size and IQ, though she could probably stand to add strength in the W. She has successfully taken on the Bueckers and JuJu Watkins assignments the last two seasons, leading Notre Dame to a 3-0 record against the Huskies and the Trojans. She is a consistent 3-point shooter, making 37 percent of her attempts in her college career. Citron also has enough of a handle that she can put the ball on the floor and attack a closeout, if not run the offense.

The Mystics have enough young frontcourt players with Shakira Austin, Aaliyah Edwards, and potentially Sika Koné and Emily Engstler. After drafting Malonga, it makes sense to try to build up the backcourt. With her versatility, Citron should be a fixture in the league for a long time.

Iriafen is an outstanding athlete at her position and has a nose for the glass, especially as an offensive rebounder. The most disappointing outcome of a USC possession has to be playing good defense, forcing a miss from Watkins, and then watching Iriafen come in for a putback. Her positioning is excellent, and her second jump makes her a tough cover. That’s a skill that will immediately translate to the WNBA.

This is also a good landing spot for Iriafen to get more reps at a high level. She has been playing heavy minutes for only the last two seasons, in two dramatically different systems, and could use some development time before the Valkyries are ready to compete with the best teams in the W. Golden State’s roster is stocked with players who can play power forward, but none has Iriafen’s scoring ability. She can shoulder a high offensive usage right away.

Washington is essentially only beginning its rebuild, so it isn’t necessary to use its three picks on a big, a wing and a point guard. The Mystics aren’t building an Unrivaled team, after all. However, the best player available at this spot is Saniya Rivers, which makes for a happy accident.

Rivers is a tremendous passer, especially in transition. Her outlets and hit-aheads are jaw-dropping. She is also a top-tier athlete — she’ll step into the WNBA as one of the most athletic players in the league already with her speed, her bounce and her lateral quickness. That is part of what makes her an elite defender both at the point of attack and on the wing.

The knock on Rivers is her shooting. Her jumper is broken and needs a complete overhaul. Consequently, defenders sag on her, which limits her willingness to get to the rim. Even when she does drive, her touch at the basket isn’t great. She’ll need to work on her scoring package, and Washington has the time to develop her. Even so, her passing, defense and physical attributes are too impressive to pass up.

Washington received this pick from the Atlanta Dream via the Dallas Wings.

Morrow doesn’t have the size of a prototypical power forward. Listed at 6-1, the LSU media guide may be exaggerating even that number. However, her production in the paint is undeniable. She is an efficient finisher and a voracious rebounder. Although she lacks the size to defend from behind in the post, she can front and has good hands, allowing her to deflect passes and cause turnovers. Were she a few inches taller, she’d be a lottery pick, but her size creates questions. Connecticut has succeeded with players who didn’t fit a particular archetype, and the Sun need talent, especially in the frontcourt.

The Sun received this pick from the Phoenix Mercury via the New York Liberty.

There wouldn’t be a point to hiring Rachid Meziane if the Sun weren’t going to step into international waters, and Jocytė is the most intriguing European prospect after Malonga. Her dream is to play in the WNBA, and she specifically confirmed her draft eligibility — although she grew up in Lithuania, she was born in the U.S., which could have subjected her to the collegiate age limit rule. Jocytė has been successful competing in FIBA, leading Lithuania to a U-18 gold medal in 2022. She currently plays with Malonga in Lyon. Although her 2-point shooting has dipped in 2024-25, she is a solid 3-point shooter and excellent from the foul line, which indicates that she could be a 3-and-D wing going forward. At 19 years old, even if she doesn’t come over right away (EuroBasket will take place this summer), Jocytė could still contribute in Connecticut for a long time.

Connecticut received this pick from the Indiana Fever.

Assuming she is healthy, Fudd has first-round talent. She is a big guard who can defend the two and three positions. Her jumper is pristine. You’d like a player with her size to make more plays on defense and get to the line more often, but that’s why Fudd isn’t a lottery pick. There’s also the hope that as she gains more confidence in her body, she’ll become more aggressive as a defender and driver. The Sparks could desperately use a shooter of Fudd’s caliber, even if she isn’t a three-level scorer. The 3-pointer and midrange is enough for now.

The Sparks received this pick from the Seattle Storm.

The Sky are in win-now mode, after trading the No. 3 pick in this draft, plus swapping rights in 2027, for Ariel Atkins. In that respect, drafting a fifth-year senior who has won a national title and immediately fits on Chicago’s roster is the move. Paopao can back up Courtney Vandersloot and Atkins at the one and two. She is an excellent shooter off the catch and off screens, and she knows how to play with ball-dominant bigs. Plus, she will have immediate chemistry with Kamilla Cardoso, her former Gamecocks teammate. Coach Tyler Marsh emphasized movement shooting as an area of need when Chicago hired him, and there is no one better than Paopao at that specific skill.

Chicago received this pick from the Connecticut Sun.

The Lynx could go international at this selection to find a wing — someone like Slovenia’s Ajša Sivka, who can slot next to Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride, seems like a good fit. However, Minnesota suffered from a lack of playmaking in the WNBA Finals, as Courtney Williams, McBride and Collier are all scorers first. Getting a true point guard, even if she comes off the bench, to help move the ball and organize the offense seems useful. Amoore is already adept at running pick-and-roll and the Lynx’s size at the other positions will help cover for her defensively. Amoore can help create easier shots for those stars to keep them fresher at the end of games.

Curt Miller’s best player development success stories as Connecticut’s general manager were with Maryland players: Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones. Why not go back to the Brenda Frese well? Sellers is a solid defender, an above-average 3-point shooter, and her point guard reps have expanded her shot-creation abilities. She has struggled with knee issues as a senior, but even taking a year off to recover wouldn’t be the worst outcome. Dallas already has a glut of guards with Arike Ogunbowale, DiJonai Carrington, Ty Harris and likely Bueckers. They can let Sellers rebuild her body, and she can enter the league when the value of a rookie scale contract is much higher in 2026.

Dallas received this pick from the New York Liberty via the Phoenix Mercury.

(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; Photos of Aneesah Morrow, Paige Bueckers and Olivia Miles: Jacob Kupferman, Justin Casterline, Joe Buglewicz / Getty Images

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AJ Brown trade outcome: Dianna Russini paid a heavy price while Mike Vrabel emerged unscathed

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3 hours ago

June 3, 2026

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AJ Brown trade outcome: Dianna Russini paid a heavy price while Mike Vrabel emerged unscathed

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Mike Vrabel and A.J. Brown were winning on Tuesday because the long-rumored trade that reunited them was finally complete. Brown was free of his recent unhappiness with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Vrabel spoke easily and smartly about how his Super Bowl team was getting better.

It was one lovely victory lap for everybody.

Except for Dianna Russini.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel celebrates after the AFC championship game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver, Colo., on Jan. 25, 2026. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

MIKE VRABEL BREAKS HIS SILENCE ON DIANNA RUSSINI CONTROVERSY

Yes, this is about her as much as Vrabel and Brown. Those three names will be linked for a long time in NFL circles based on what happened going back as far as September of 2025, and then definitely through this offseason that was about, well, the relationship between the coach and the reporter.

If you aren’t up to speed on that relationship, you’ve got homework. And you will probably catch up easily because the reference material is everywhere — the photos of Russini and Vrabel together, the denials of anything untoward between two married people, the collapse of the professional friendship narrative, and everything after.

So, to the uninitiated, you’re excused. Go now and read the soap opera’s opening chapters. Because this might be the saga’s end, barring a major surprise.

And let me cut to that end:

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown walks on the field during an NFL training camp in Philadelphia on July 29, 2025. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

Brown wins. He’s wholly unscathed, in fact, and happy as a clam with a new team he grew up adoring.

Vrabel wins, too. Yes, he took some lumps, suffered some humiliating moments in front of reporters and had some family conversations he termed “very difficult,” but he’s ultimately none the worse for wear.

And then there’s Russini. She lost. Big time.

FORMER NFL REPORTER MICHELE TAFOYA WEIGHS IN ON WHY RUSSINI’S CREDIBILITY IS GONE

It was saddening to watch Vrabel’s presser because it was Russini who first reported teams were calling the Eagles about Brown back in September of 2025. She first reported the Eagles weren’t interested in trading Brown.

Russini called it when she told everyone the Patriots were interested (so were the Los Angeles Rams, by the way). And she was right again when she said earlier this year that Brown wouldn’t be traded around the start of the league year in March but watch out for June.

She was dead-on accurate with practically all of it.

Dianna Russini, left, and Mike Vrabel, right, are shown in a split composite image featuring Russini with an ESPN microphone and Vrabel on the Titans sideline wearing a headset. (Imagn Images)

But everyone has surmised all that information came out of her relationship with Vrabel. All that insider work came from other alleged inside work.

Russini’s information was great but how she seemingly attained it eventually led to her resigning from The Athletic. And sullying her professional reputation.

Losses.

MIKE VRABEL STEPS AWAY INDEFINITELY TO SEEK COUNSELING

Vrabel? He seemed just fine on Tuesday.

About the hardest thing he had to do was answer a question about Brown’s obvious displeasure last year in Philly.

“I don’t know what happened,” Vrabel said. “I’m not trying to figure out what happened in Philadelphia. I’m trying to focus on what’s going to happen here and trying to get him acclimated to what we do and how we do it.”

Vrabel, during this press conference, congratulated a reporter for winning a marathon. He thanked Executive Vice President for Player Personnel Eliot Wolf for making the trade happen. And he took a bunch of football questions.

Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

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There was not one question about whether he indeed for months leaked to Russini details of where the Patriots and Eagles talks were. Not one question about how his family “counseling” sessions are going or if his marriage is certain to survive.

There was nothing uncomfortable because it seems the local media lost interest or its curiosity on a day the story that Russini beat them on for months was laid bare before them.

And, the thing is, if Vrabel didn’t have to sweat this occasion, he’s probably in the clear. He’s not likely to get tough questions about the whole affair (pardon the pun) again unless more facts come out that raise the issue from the grave.

So, yeah, Mike Vrabel has survived. He’s won.

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Armando Salguero is OutKick’s Senior NFL Writer.

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Nelly Korda, Michelle Wie West and more: Who to watch at U.S. Women’s Open

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3 hours ago

June 3, 2026

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Nelly Korda, Michelle Wie West and more: Who to watch at U.S. Women’s Open

Reaching the summit is a dream. But staying there? That’s an altogether different challenge.

Maja Stark has a special appreciation for that now, a year after winning the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills and feeling the hefty weight of expectation that came along with it.

For her, the aftermath of that victory brought heightened anxiety, and searing criticism from outsiders when the Swedish professional’s play took a dip.

“You get comments and stuff saying, ‘What happened? You just won a major; why do you suck all of a sudden?‘” Stark said at the Chevron Championship in April. “That does take some energy and just makes you focus on the wrong things. Then I got even more stressed and anxious.”

Maja Stark plays a shot from a bunker on the 17th hole during the third round of the Chevron Championship on April 25.

(Alex Slitz / Getty Images)

Stark said she sought professional help in the form of a mental coach, sports psychologist and therapist and now believes she’s better able to withstand the scrutiny that comes with winning at the highest tier.

That career-shaping pressure will be on display again this week when the USGA brings the U.S. Women’s Open to Riviera Country Club for the first time, merging the game’s most prestigious women’s championship with a historic venue celebrating its centennial year. The tournament takes place Thursday through Sunday.

Riviera is a theater, sitting low beneath high hillsides that almost serve as balconies. Players have described the course as a stage because it can feel as if you’re being watched even when you’re alone.

“I think there’s something very nostalgic about the facility,” said Jim Richerson, Riviera’s general manager. “The golf course has never had any major renovations or changes. The clubhouse is the exact same footprint today as it was when it was built in the 1920s.”

The U.S. Women’s Open is the oldest of the LPGA Tour’s five majors, and has long served as the standard by which women’s golf measures itself. It’s open to professionals and elite amateurs through a qualifying process, and the tournament is known for identifying the player who can withstand the most pressure under the most demanding conditions.

NBC will televise the championship and although Mike Tirico will not call the event, he knows the significance of holding it at Riviera.

“Without there being a Masters for women’s golf, that tournament really is the crown jewel of the sport,” Tirico said. “It has become the event people dream of winning. … It’s just appropriate that it’s contested at a place like Riviera that for so many generations has come to define a great championship test of golf.”

A look at some of the players to watch:

Nelly Korda

The world’s No. 1 player is a major needle mover for women’s golf and is a significant source of ratings when she’s in contention. She had a record five consecutive victories last season and seven overall. Her missing major is the U.S. Women’s Open. She finished in a runner-up spot last year and left Erin Hills firmly believing a win was within reach.

Jeeno Thitikul

The former World No. 1 is still in pursuit of her first major championship. She’s a big question mark in the field.

Lydia Ko

This Hall of Fame player is the only golfer in modern Olympic history to win a complete set of medals — gold, silver and bronze — across three different Olympic Games. She’s still looking for her first U.S. Women’s Open win.

Charley Hull

A colorful character who went viral during the 2024 Open for smoking a cigarette while signing autographs and playing. She was among a cluster who finished second in that tournament. She has three victories on the LPGA Tour but has yet to win a major.

Rose Zhang

Zhang, who has been splitting time between Stanford and the LPGA, amassed a remarkable collection of victories as an amateur and three years ago, became the first player in 72 years to win an LPGA Tour event in her professional debut.

Minjee Lee

Lee, an Australian star, has won three majors including the U.S. Women’s Open in 2022. Her younger brother, Min Woo, won the 2016 U.S. Junior Amateur, making them the first brother-sister tandem to win the USGA’s junior championships.

Yuka Saso

She is the anomaly of anomalies, with zero wins on the LPGA Tour with the exception of two U.S. Women’s Open victories. She won the first of those at 19 years, 11 months and seven days — astoundingly tying her for the youngest player to win the Open with Inbee Park, who was precisely that old when she won in 2008.

Lilia Vu

Vu grew up in Fountain Valley and was a standout at UCLA. She won two majors in 2023 but lately has been battling back problems.

Michelle Wie West

Wie West retired three years ago after the Open at Pebble Beach, but is coming out of retirement to use her last year of exemption to play at Riviera. Her husband, Jonnie West, son of late NBA icon Jerry West, will be caddying for her.

Sports

Tomas Hertl scores game-winner as Golden Knights rally to beat Hurricanes in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

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13 hours ago

June 2, 2026

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Tomas Hertl scores game-winner as Golden Knights rally to beat Hurricanes in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

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The Vegas Golden Knights have taken Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, erasing the Carolina Hurricanes’ early 2-0 lead to win a thrilling 5-4 game in Raleigh and set the tone for this best-of-seven series.

It’s a seven-game win streak for Vegas now, as they haven’t lost since Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Anaheim Ducks. They surprisingly swept the Colorado Avalanche to win the West, and they kept that momentum going on the road.

Tomas Hertl was the hero for the Golden Knights in Game 1, as he scored the game-winning goal on a snipe with 3:25 left in the third period.

Tomas Hertl of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates a goal during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game One of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 2, 2026. (Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

But it wasn’t easy for Vegas in the first period when the Hurricanes were quick to assert their home-ice advantage just 25 seconds into the game.

It was the first shot on goal for either side when Nikolaj Ehlers poked a puck past an aggressive Shea Theodore for Vegas, and he sprinted down ice toward Carter Hart, who mans the Golden Knights’ net. Ehlers, though, had the perfect shot, ringing the post and sending the Hurricanes faithful into a frenzy with the 1-0 lead before some could even get to their seats.

DESPITE POTENTIAL RATINGS NIGHTMARE FOR NHL, VEGAS-CAROLINA STANLEY CUP FINAL STILL HAS PLENTY OF INTRIGUE

Then, midway through the period, Ehlers found himself in yet another breakaway scenario, and he didn’t squander the opportunity to take advantage. He put a nifty move on Hart, and his backhand found the net to make it 2-0.

Jalen Chatfield also had his eye down ice, recognizing that Ehlers was uncovered and quickly turned Jack Eichel’s turnover into the opportunity.

But if there’s anything the Golden Knights have proved in these Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s to never count them out. Another example of that was seen on Tuesday night.

Theodore made up for his mishap to start the game with an absolute rocket off his stick on a one-timer that saw its way through traffic and past Frederik Anderson in net to get Vegas on the board shortly after Ehlers’ second goal.

Then, as the second period got underway, it was Ivan Barbashev who decided to return the favor of scoring in 30 seconds or less. As Vegas entered the offensive zone with speed, the puck found Jack Eichel’s stick. He quickly spotted Ivan Barbashev cutting through the slot, and Barbashev fired a shot over Frederik Andersen’s right shoulder before the goalie could react.

Nikolaj Ehlers of the Carolina Hurricanes scores his second goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period in Game One of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., on June 2, 2026. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

With that, the Golden Knights tied this game up, but they didn’t let the momentum go. William Karlsson, who already has a cup under his belt for Vegas, did his part in seeking the next trophy. Mitch Marner had a tremendous backhand pass from behind the net that found Karlsson’s stick all alone out in front, and Anderson had no chance as Vegas took a 3-2 lead.

At that moment, the air in the Lenovo Center was taken right out of the fans’ sails, but a trusty veteran restored that later in the period. Jordan Staal, who watched his brother and 2006 Stanley Cup champion with the Hurricanes, Eric Staal, get the crowd going with the siren at puck drop, potted his third goal of these playoffs.

Jordan Staal snapped a wrister past Hart thanks to a heads-up play by K’Andre Miller to keep the puck onside and find his teammate fast for the grade-A chance.

The bleeding was stopped, but the third period was bound to be a thriller based on how these two teams were finding clear chances to score. Who broke the tie first was the major question, and Brett Howden had the answer just 1:21 into the period.

The playoff leader in goals, Howden had a beautiful tip on a shot by Theodore for his 11th of the playoffs and perhaps his most important in Game 1. The scoreboard remained silent for some time after that, with both teams trying to set up solid forechecks, but to no avail. The Hurricanes even had a power play, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.

William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period of Game One of the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., on June 2, 2026. (Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)

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Then, with 8:41 left, some puck luck found the Hurricanes, as defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere saw an offensive zone face-off biscuit fall right into his lap with no one around. He secured the puck on his stick blade and wristed it past Hart for the 4-4 tie.

However, the rollercoaster ride for the Hurricanes didn’t have a happy ending when they got off, with Hertl’s goal, assisted on a crafty Sissons’ pass following a face-off, being the final say in this one.

Game 2 of this series will be played once more in Raleigh on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.