Intriguing WNBA Draft Prospects: Bueckers Leads the Way, but Malonga and Others Spark Excitement

Paige Bueckers may be the most recognized name in Monday's WNBA draft, but French forward Dominique Malonga is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing players.

Malonga's growing hype stems from her 6-foot-6 frame, athleticism, and versatile skill set, making her a player to watch. Former Washington Mystics general manager Mike Thibault praised her as "an unbelievably intriguing player" due to her size, range, and wide array of skills.

While Bueckers is expected to make an immediate impact in Dallas as the top pick, Malonga’s future is less certain. Still only 19, Malonga has already showcased her abilities at the international level, playing for France’s national team during last year's Paris Olympics. This past season, she averaged 15.0 points and 10.3 rebounds while playing for Lyon in the French professional league.

Thibault noted that if Malonga were in the U.S., she'd essentially be a college sophomore with immense potential. "She has a lot of growth left, and that’s what makes her so appealing," he added.

ESPN analyst Debbie Antonelli is optimistic about this draft class, despite the lack of high-profile players like those in last year's draft. With the league's expansion, increased franchise value, and growing popularity of women's basketball, Antonelli believes this class will provide exciting talent.

Interestingly, five teams won’t have first-round picks. New York, Indiana, Phoenix, and Atlanta all traded away their picks, while Las Vegas forfeited its pick due to league violations. Teams like Washington and Connecticut, who have multiple first-round picks, could see rookies earn significant playing time as they rebuild. The expansion Golden State franchise also presents an opportunity for players to secure open spots.

Here are some other notable players who could make an impact in the draft:

French Connection:
In addition to Malonga, her Lyon teammate Juste Jocyte is expected to be selected in the first round. Jocyte, a versatile 19-year-old Lithuanian, is effective as a guard and has a strong pick-and-roll game. If Seattle picks her second, she could complement an already strong frontcourt alongside Ezi Magbegor and Nneka Ogwumike, forming a formidable trio. Thibault describes Jocyte as "smart" and "fundamentally sound," praising her ability to play with or without the ball.

Morrow’s Time Is Now:
Aneesah Morrow has earned attention for her exceptional rebounding skills and relentless pursuit of the ball. Standing at 6-1, Morrow led the nation in double-doubles while averaging 18.7 points and 13.5 rebounds at LSU. Her knack for snagging boards over taller opponents and her efficiency near the basket make her a standout. While she needs to improve her shooting range, her rebounding prowess could help her make an immediate impact in the WNBA.

Scorers Who Facilitate:
Georgia Amoore and Hailey Van Lith are combo guards who can score and facilitate for their teammates. Amoore averaged 19.6 points and 6.9 assists at Kentucky after transferring from Virginia Tech. However, her 5-6 frame may pose challenges against taller defenders in the WNBA. Meanwhile, Van Lith, who earned a bronze medal with Team USA’s 3-on-3 team at the Olympics, averaged 17.7 points and 5.4 assists in helping TCU make a historic Elite Eight run.

As the draft approaches, these players and others will look to find their place in the WNBA, where their skills could play a major role in shaping the future of the league.