Predictions
30 November, 2025
As we approach the two-month mark in the WNBA season, the competition for Rookie of the Year is heating up more than anyone anticipated. Paige Bueckers has been performing well, living up to expectations, while the No. 3 (Sonia Citron) and No. 4 (Kiki Iriafen) picks have surprisingly propelled the Washington Mystics to a strong start. Yet, they aren’t the only first-year players making waves in the league.
A crop of young talents from this dynamic rookie class is stepping into the spotlight. This includes both recent college graduates and international players who have been signed. ESPN’s rankings for the top eight rookies thus far showcase these emerging stars, along with a spotlight on two additional players.
Before the WNBA draft, a general manager remarked that Bueckers could “immediately impact the league” and “be a threat right away.” So far, she has validated those statements.
The first overall pick is showcasing the same scoring versatility, efficiency, and court awareness that led her to a national championship with UConn in April. Despite missing four games due to concussion protocols and illness, she still leads all rookies in both scoring (17.7 points per game) and assists (5.8). Although Kiki Iriafen initially overtook her as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, Bueckers has since regained her top spot.
However, Bueckers’ stellar individual performance hasn’t translated into team success. The Wings have struggled with a 4-12 record, earning the lowest grade in ESPN’s one-month assessment. It’s tough to place the weight of a franchise’s fortunes on the shoulders of a 22-year-old rookie, yet Bueckers continues to meet the high expectations placed upon her.
Kiki Iriafen, the No. 4 pick from the Mystics, has also made headlines. She quickly rose to the top of the Rookie of the Year race by helping the Mystics achieve a surprising 4-6 start amid a rebuilding phase. In her 15 games, she averages 13.3 points on nearly 50% shooting, ranking third in rookie scoring and shooting percentage among those playing at least 12 minutes.
Her toughness and rebounding prowess stand out; she leads the rookie class in rebounds with 8.8 per game and has recorded five double-doubles, including four in a row in May.
Meanwhile, Sonia Citron has been a perfect complement to Iriafen, averaging 14.2 points with a shooting percentage of 47.1%. Her versatility as a defender allows her to adapt to various roles as needed. During her tenure at Notre Dame, she built a reputation as a three-level scorer, and she has continued that trend in the pros.
Among the other notable rookies, Held, who went undrafted in 2022, has emerged as a bright spot for the Phoenix Mercury. Despite not starting, she played a pivotal role while a teammate was sidelined due to injury. She has shown her clutch capabilities, scoring a career-high 24 points recently.
Looking ahead, two more rookies to keep an eye on are Malonga and Hailey Van Lith. Malonga, with immense potential, has yet to see significant playing time, while Van Lith is steadily increasing her minutes as she fills in for an injured veteran. Both players have the capability to make substantial contributions as the season progresses.
The emergence of these rookies in the WNBA signals a promising future for the league. With several players exceeding expectations, the competition will only intensify. As these young talents develop, their impact on their respective teams could reshape the league’s landscape.
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