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Inside the Minds of GMs: Analyzing Paige Bueckers and March Madness Guard Talent

by TodayUS
Inside the minds of gms: analyzing paige bueckers and march

2025 WNBA Draft: Top Prospects to Watch

The anticipation for the 2025 WNBA Draft is building, particularly with standout player Paige Bueckers from UConn projected as the number one overall pick. Known for her exceptional skills and leadership on the court, Bueckers has drawn significant attention since opting to utilize her fifth year of eligibility.

As Bueckers and several potential draftees continue to compete in the NCAA Tournament, the draft, scheduled for April 14 in New York City, approaches swiftly. This event will follow the NCAA Championship, where UConn is vying for its first title since 2016, a significant milestone for Bueckers as well.

Insights from WNBA General Managers

Before the commencement of the NCAA Tournament, six WNBA general managers shared their insights on upcoming draft candidates with The Athletic. Their evaluations provide a comprehensive look into the strengths and weaknesses of various prospects, particularly focusing on guards, scorers, and wings.

Key Prospects in the 2025 Draft Class

Georgia Amoore | 5-6 Guard | Kentucky

Statistics: 19.6 ppg, 6.9 apg, 36.7 mpg

Amoore is praised for her ability to run a team effectively, showcasing a high basketball IQ and the knack for facilitating scoring opportunities. However, her size may pose challenges at the professional level. Her versatility in pick-and-roll situations and scoring abilities make her a notable candidate, though her shooting off the dribble will be critical for success.

Paige Bueckers* | 5-11 Guard | UConn

Statistics: 18.7 ppg, 4.8 apg, 63.4 TS%

Said to possess All-Star potential, Bueckers can thrive in various roles, both with and without the ball. Despite concerns about her physicality, her well-rounded offensive game makes her a standout in the current draft class. Her leadership qualities and poise on and off the court add to her value as a foundational player for any franchise.

Sonia Citron | 6-1 Wing | Notre Dame

Statistics: 14.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 38.1 3-PT%

Citron is recognized for her multifaceted scoring ability and defensive versatility, making her a prime candidate for the modern game’s needs. With her high basketball IQ and ability to perform under pressure, she is viewed as a player capable of elevating any team’s performance.

Azzi Fudd* | 5-11 Guard | UConn

Statistics: 13.2 ppg, 1.2 spg, 44.8 3-PT%

While Fudd is noted for her shooting prowess, questions remain about her overall impact and health as determinants of her draft stock. Many believe she has the potential to be a valuable three-and-D player if she can maintain her health and consistency on the court.

Aziaha James | 5-9 Guard | NC State

Statistics: 17.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.7 apg

James is characterized as a dynamic player, excelling at getting to the basket and making plays offensively. Her future in the league hinges on her ability to adapt to defensive strategies and strengthen her physicality to compete at the next level.

Olivia Miles* | 5-10 Guard | Notre Dame

Statistics: 15.5 ppg, 5.9 apg, 40.1 3-PT%

Across the board, Miles is considered the second safest pick after Bueckers. Her exceptional court vision and scoring ability make her a highly valued prospect. While she displays dynamic offensive skills, improvements in her defense could further enhance her draft appeal.

Te-Hina Paopao | 5-9 Guard | South Carolina

Statistics: 9.7 ppg, 2.9 apg, 37.1 3-PT%

Paopao stands out with her leadership and ability to shoot from distance. While she shows promise, questions persist regarding her capacity to create offensive opportunities at the professional level.

Saniya Rivers | 6-1 Guard/Wing | NC State

Statistics: 11.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.6 apg

Admired for her athleticism and versatility as both a guard and a wing, Rivers presents a blend of upside and areas needing refinement. Her potential as an elite defender, coupled with her size, could make her an asset in the WNBA.

Shyanne Sellers | 6-2 Wing | Maryland

Statistics: 14.2 ppg, 4.2 apg, 41.8 3-pt%

Sellers possesses the physical attributes and scoring ability to be versatile at the next level. However, durability concerns have been noted, impacting her reliability. Her readiness for the professional stage will be pivotal for her draft stock.

Hailey Van Lith | 5-7 Guard | TCU

Statistics: 17.7 ppg, 5.5 apg, 1.2 spg

Van Lith is recognized for her tenacity and clutch performance. While her scoring ability is a strong suit, her challenge will lie in transitioning to a role with less usage in the WNBA and improving her defensive game to stay competitive.

This diverse draft class holds potential game-changers for the WNBA as teams prepare for the upcoming season. With the talent pool deep and varied, these young women are poised to make significant impacts in the league.

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