Podcast Summary: No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show Episode: 2025 WNBA Pre-Draft Predictions + Players to Know
Release Date: April 11, 2025

1. Episode Overview

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keda, Chantel Jennings, Sabrina Merchant, and Ben Pickman delve into the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft. They provide comprehensive insights into draft predictions, key players to watch, and the evolving landscape of women's basketball. The discussion spans from transfer portal updates and retirement news to detailed analyses of prospective draftees and team strategies.

2. WNBA Transfer Portal Update

Zena Keda kicks off the conversation by highlighting the frenzy within the NCAA transfer portal, comparing it to WNBA free agency. She remarks, “The NCAA transfer portal has been crazy. It's feeling like the WNBA free agency in college” ([03:00]). Notable moves include Cody McMahon’s commitment to Ole Miss, enhancing their already robust offense and defense, and significant transfers at UCLA, leaving fans uncertain about the future composition of their team.

3. Retirement News: Elena Deldon

The hosts pay tribute to Elena Deldon, a two-time WNBA MVP and 2019 champion, who announced her retirement. Zena Keda shares a personal anecdote about facing Deldon on the court, stating, “I'm always honored that Brittney Griner and Elena Deldon took serious buckets on me when I was at Yale” ([06:57]). The panel lauds Deldon’s phenomenal career and anticipates her jersey retirement in Washington or Chicago.

4. Brianna Stewart's New Contract

Brianna Stewart, one of the current WNBA champions, is set to return to the New York Liberty with a one-year extension worth $208,400. Ben Pickman explains, “The fact that it's a one-year deal was not surprising at all considering that every single, pretty much every other veteran player who is in free agency this year also signed for a one-year deal” ([04:55]). This move underscores Stewart’s commitment to the Liberty and their plans to defend their title.

5. WNBA Draft 101: How the Draft Works

For listeners new to the WNBA, Sabrina Merchant breaks down the draft structure: “The WNBA draft is three rounds long. Each team gets a pick in every round at the outset” ([09:01]). She emphasizes that while the draft spans three rounds, the first 15 picks are typically where players secure rotations on their teams, noting the high competitiveness and low success rate of second-round picks.

6. Scouting and Recruitment Process Differences from NBA

The panel discusses the condensed scouting period for the WNBA compared to the NBA. Ben Pickman highlights, “The process is so abridged. It's also like, you think about the NFL... in the WNBA because again, this process is so abridged” ([11:07]). Unlike the NBA’s extensive interviews and combines, the WNBA relies heavily on year-round scouting with limited in-person evaluations leading up to the draft.

7. Intersport Combine and Its Impact

Zena Keda introduces the Intersport Combine, a pivotal event for WNBA prospects. Ben Pickman clarifies, “This past weekend in Tampa, there was... an unofficial official combine” ([13:04]). This two-day event provides teams with essential data on players’ physical attributes and performance metrics, crucial for teams that lack comprehensive scouting infrastructures.

8. Key Draft Predictions and Player Analysis

a. Dominique Malanga

Dominique Malanga emerges as a standout international prospect. Ben Pickman praises her, stating, “She moves like a guard at 6’6”. Her fluidity and athleticism make her a top contender, with potential comparisons to NBA star Victor Wembanyama. Sabrina Merchant adds, “She has the skill set to do everything that those great power forwards are already doing” ([35:13]).

b. Other International Stars

The discussion highlights other international talents like Aja Sifka from Slovenia, noted for her size and skill, and Juste Josite from Lithuania, who has been compared to Luka Dončić for her early professional career. These players bring diverse skill sets and international experience, adding depth to their draft profiles.

c. Domestic Top Picks

Paige Beckers is projected as the likely first overall pick due to her exceptional college performance. Ben Pickman also discusses Georgia Amor and Haley Van Lish, examining their collegiate achievements and potential draft positions.

9. Teams to Watch in the Draft

a. Washington Mystics

With Dominique Malanga likely entering their ranks, the Mystics hold the 3rd, 4th, and 6th picks. Sabrina Merchant suggests, “If Dominique Malanga emerges as the best player in this draft, it would be an incredible story” ([46:20]). The team may focus on balancing international stars with domestic talent to rebuild effectively.

b. Connecticut Sun

Under new leadership with Morgan Tuck as GM, the Sun hold the 7th and 8th picks. Ben Pickman speculates that Connecticut might prioritize best player available strategies, potentially selecting both domestic and international talents to fill their roster needs ([25:20]).

c. Golden State Valkyries

As the newest team in the WNBA, Golden State holds the 5th pick with an international-heavy roster. Sabrina Merchant emphasizes the team’s focus on building a competitive squad: “We just need to build a team that people want to come see in 2025” ([28:43]). They aim to integrate new players like Janelle Salouan to create a balanced and dynamic team.

10. Notable Performances at Lilly All-Star Game

The Lilly All-Star Game showcased standout performances from college seniors, particularly Diamond Johnson from Norfolk State. Sabrina Merchant highlights her impactful display: “She hit the shot that ended the game” ([40:46]). Such performances can significantly influence draft stock, bringing lesser-known players into the spotlight.

11. Final Predictions and Predictions on Athletic Website

While the hosts discuss various prospective scenarios, Zena Keda encourages listeners to review detailed draft predictions available on The Athletic’s website. Sabrina Merchant mentions, “I did make 12 predictions,” urging fans to explore her mock draft for in-depth analysis ([49:04]).

12. Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing excitement for the upcoming draft event and teasing their live coverage. They emphasize the importance of development for drafted players, especially international prospects, and encourage listeners to stay engaged through The Athletic’s platforms for the latest updates and expert analyses.

Notable Quotes

1. Zena Keda on NCAA Transfer Portal:
   “The NCAA transfer portal has been crazy. It's feeling like the WNBA free agency in college.”
   [03:00]

2. Ben Pickman on Brianna Stewart’s Contract:
   “The fact that it's a one-year deal was not surprising at all...”
   [04:55]

3. Sabrina Merchant on WNBA Draft Structure:
   “The WNBA draft is three rounds long. Each team gets a pick in every round at the outset.”
   [09:01]

4. Ben Pickman on Scouting Processes:
   “The process is so abridged. It's also like, you think about the NFL...”
   [11:07]

5. Sabrina Merchant on Dominique Malanga’s Versatility:
   “She has the skill set to do everything that those great power forwards are already doing.”
   [35:13]

6. Zena Keda on International Heavy Draft:
   “If Dominique Malanga emerges as the best player in this draft, it would be an incredible story.”
   [46:20]

For more in-depth predictions and exclusive content, visit The Athletic's Women's Basketball Hub.