We are just a week into the WNBA season, and already some players are making strong cases for Rookie of the Year. Paige Bueckers, the top prospect for the 2025 WNBA Draft, is certainly drawing attention. Notably, the Washington Mystics’ two first-round picks have also exceeded expectations.
This rookie ladder for the WNBA is unlike any we’ve seen before, and it will be updated monthly throughout the season.
#1. Sonia Citron – Washington Mystics
2025 Statistics: 14.7 points (50% FG, 33-36.4%), 3.7 rebounds, 2 assists
Sonia Citron, the Mystics’ third overall pick, has been impressive in her debut games. She led all rookies in scoring, playing a crucial role in the team’s strong start, with 19 points on 6-for-7 shooting in the season opener against the Atlanta Dream, followed by 15 points on 5-for-10 in the win over the Connecticut Sun.
Citron has also demonstrated her defensive skills, successfully limiting All-Star Rhyne Howard to just 4-for-14 shooting.
“I enjoy that challenge,” Citron stated after the game. “I mentioned to my coach that I want to play hard on both ends of the court, especially against players like Rhyne. It only makes me better.”
#2. Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics
2025 Statistics: 13.7 points (51.7% FG), 10 rebounds
Kiki Iriafen was the fourth pick overall for the Mystics, following a stellar run at Stanford and an impactful final season at USC. Standing at 6’3″, she has delivered strong performances, achieving double-doubles in her last two games and effectively competing against the bigs from Atlanta and Connecticut.
“Her poise is remarkable for a rookie,” said Mystics director Sidney Johnson following a loss to the Golden State Valkyries. “Just three games into her career, I love what I see and hope she continues to grow.”
Iriafen posted 10 points and 12 rebounds in a recent game, leaving a positive impression on her coach.
“Even when she’s not at her absolute best, she still manages a double-double,” Johnson added.
#3. Page Booker – Dallas Wings
2025 Statistics: 13.7 points (37.1% FG), 6.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds
The Dallas Wings have had a rough start at 0-3, and Booker hasn’t quite reached her peak efficiency this early on. However, she’s shown potential, putting up 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in a game against the Seattle Storm, then following up with a 12-point, 10-assist performance in Minnesota.
Interestingly, Bueckers is leading the rookie class in assists per game. In a loss to the Minnesota Lynx, she became the second-fastest rookie to earn a double-double in both points and assists during her first three games.
“I think Page is going to be something special,” said Lynx star Nafisa Collier after facing her for the first time. “She’s a versatile scorer and a superb passer.”
#4. Saniyah Rivers – Connecticut Sun
2025 Statistics: 11 points (42.9% FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Saniyah Rivers has only played one game so far but made a notable impact in her WNBA debut. The eighth pick scored 11 points while also recording 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block over 25 minutes coming off the bench for the Connecticut Sun.
Honorable mentions: Janelle Surrown (Golden State Valkyries), Kitty Jalaksa (Phoenix Mercury), Tehinapaopao (Atlanta Dream), Carlaleite (Valkyrie), Kathryn Westveld (Mercury)
