BACKNewcomers to Know: Another Elite WNBA Rookie Class
Written by: Dallin Duffy
Headlined by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the 2024 WNBA rookie class was one for the books. Somehow, the following year’s crop of newcomers is just as good. And, if you go by All-Star selections, it’s actually even better.
Compared to two first-year selections from a year prior (Clark and Reese), three rookies made the 2025 All-Star Game. Paige Bueckers, the first overall pick, participated as a starter, while the Washington duo of Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron both made the match as reserves. It marked the first time since 2011 that at least three rookies made the midseason showcase. Maya Moore, Courtney Vandersloot, Liz Cambage and Danielle Adams all earned nods during their debut campaign of 2011.
While Bueckers, Iriafen and Citron are the headliners of this newcomer class (and are the most likely candidates for Rookie of the Year), there are a handful of other youngsters shining across the league.
Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 pick, has contributed off the bench for a Storm squad with eyes on the championship. She posted the first double-double of her career with 14 points and 10 rebounds during a win over the Sky on July 24. Aneesah Morrow has had her fair share of moments with Connecticut, living up to her status as a first-round pick. As has Aziaha James, posting a run of high-scoring outings for the Wings.
College superstar Hailey Van Lith translated her skills to the Sky, Aaliyah Nye added another dangerous piece to the Aces’ offense, and third-round pick JJ Quinerly already looks like a steal thanks to her consistent production in Dallas.
Rookie tandem Janelle Salaün and Carla Leite have helped the expansion Valkyries turn in an impressive inaugural campaign. Leïla Lacan, a first-round pick of the 2024 draft, made her long-awaited debut in July and hasn’t disappointed for Connecticut, averaging 8.8 points and 1.9 steals over her first 10 outings.
Monique Akoa Makani, Lexi Held and Kathryn Westbeld are all impressing with Phoenix, while Westbeld’s sister, Maddy, is doing the same in Chicago. Connecticut’s Saniya Rivers currently leads all first-year players in blocks (23 at the time of writing) and ranks second in assists (72, behind Bueckers).
Other notable newcomers worthy of a shout include Los Angeles’ Sarah Ashlee Barker, Atlanta’s Te-Hina PaoPao, Washington’s Lucy Olsen and Indiana’s Chloe Bibby.
Tying a bow on this rookie review, we’ll go back to the three All-Stars leading the pack. Bueckers lived up to the hype of a franchise-altering talent and already produced 13 performances of at least 20 points. No other rookie has more than four such showings.
Iriafen comfortably leads her rookie class in rebounds. She averaged 8.4 boards over her first 25 appearances, while also contributing a healthy tally of points and steals.
Along with her star teammate, Citron has helped keep Washington in the postseason hunt. She’s served as a knockdown 3-point artist while delivering a handful of high-scoring showings, along with a trio of double-doubles that put her versatility on display.
Whether you’re a seasoned WNBA collector, or are looking to get in on the fun, it’s a perfect time to add Panini WNBA cards to your stash. Pick one rookie and build out a PC, or look to collect rookie cards across multiple youngsters. There are obviously ample players to choose from.
