The 2025 WNBA Draft delivered fresh talent on April 14, headlined by Paige Bueckers’ historic No. 1 selection.
The Indiana Fever, which held the No. 1 pick in the last two consecutive drafts, fortified their roster with three picks to elevate their championship pursuit.
Bueckers, the UConn phenom, was drafted by the Dallas Wings first overall. The 22-year-old guard called it “surreal” to join a rebuilding franchise.
Washington Mystics secured Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron (No. 3) and University of Southern California forward Kiki Iriafen (No. 7), adding firepower to their young core.
The Fever, holding picks No. 19, 20 and 33, prioritized defense and depth.
Indiana selected Florida State forward Makayla Timpson, South Carolina guard Bree Hall and Gonzaga forward Yvonne Ejim.
Fever general manager Amber Cox believes two-way play is what the team needs.
“We wanted to (boost) our defense and add versatility,” Cox said. “These players bring unique skills to complement our offense.”
Indiana enters 2025 with title aspirations. The team boasts 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, All-Star Aliyah Boston and veteran Kelsey Mitchell. Sportsbooks rank them third in championship odds.
Timpson, a 6-foot-2 forward, adds rim protection. As a senior, she averaged 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks. Her 1,094 rebounds and 290 blocks set Florida State records.
“Makayla was high on our board,” Cox said. “Her length and motor fit our identity.”
Hall, a 6-foot guard, brings championship pedigree. She won two NCAA titles at South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley.
“Bree is an elite perimeter defender,” Cox said. “She does the little things to win.”
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Ejim, a 6-foot-1 forward, offers post scoring. The Canadian averaged 14.8 points on 55.1% shooting at Gonzaga. She leaves as the program’s all-time leading scorer.
“Yvonne gives us a different look inside,” Cox said. “Her footwork is exceptional.”
Timpson thanked her family after the draft.
“This is a dream,” Timpson said. “I’m ready to work.”
Hall echoed the sentiment.
“Defense wins games,” Hall said. “I’ll bring that every night.”
Ejim, who trained with Canada’s national team, called the moment “humbling.”
The Mystics’ Citron, drafted third, called playing in New York “special.” The Scarsdale native grew up attending draft events.
Iriafen, picked seventh, teared up discussing her Nigerian roots.
“I want to inspire girls who look like me,” Iriafen said.
Other first-round picks included LSU forward Aneesah Morrow (No. 5 to Connecticut) and Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore (No. 9 to Washington).
Indiana’s picks address last season’s defensive woes. The team allowed 85.3 points per game, ninth in the league.
Timpson’s shot-blocking could ease Boston’s interior workload. Hall’s perimeter defense may free Mitchell for offensive bursts. Ejim’s post scoring adds depth behind NaLyssa Smith.
The Fever open their season against the Chicago Sky on May 17. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indy.
“We’re building something special,” Cox said. “These rookies will help us take the next step.”
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more sports from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
