At the start of this WNBA season, Page Booker seemed the obvious top pick for the Dallas Wings and the best rookie of the 2025 class. Known for her well-rounded skills and coming off recent championship wins at UConn in perfect health, expectations were high. However, the rookie class has been surprisingly strong overall, defying expectations of being a “weak” group.
Among these rookies, one player truly stands out—Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics. Having just earned Rookie of the Month for May, Iriafen impressed by averaging double-doubles early in her rookie run and quickly shedding the typical newcomer label. The Mystics, with a 3-6 record, have shown promising performances from rookies Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, and Lucy Olsen, with Iriafen being a key transitional player. The lineup featuring Iriafen, Stef Dolson, Brittney Sykes, Jade Melbourne, and Citron boasts an elite net rating of 23.5 and a strong defensive rating of 97.5. Iriafen also shines with her fast-paced play (95.10 pace), demonstrating her ability to push the ball upcourt and overpower veterans in the post, having already bested top stars like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Aliyah Boston multiple times this season.
While Iriafen earned Rookie of the Month honors, she shares the spotlight with teammate Sonia Citron. Citron averages 14 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, and is a deadly shooter from beyond the arc, hitting 40.5% on 4.1 attempts per game. Her strong defense, especially after learning from veterans like Brittney Griner, and consistent performance without rookie jitters make her and Iriafen a formidable duo in Washington’s rookie contingent.
Other notable rookies include Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao and Phoenix Mercury guard Lexie Hold. Paopao, stepping up due to teammate injuries, averages 5 points in 15.7 minutes and shoots efficiently from range. Hold had a breakout 24-point game against the Golden State Valkyries, ranking fourth in rookie scoring this season. Her teammate Satou Sabally even called her a candidate for Rookie of the Year, praising her impact on both offense and defense despite Mercury’s early-season injury challenges.
As June progresses and the Commissioners Cup heats up, the rookies’ performances will be closely watched, revealing how teams adjust defensively to contain these rising stars. This rookie class is proving to be unusual in both talent and impact, signaling exciting developments for the future of the WNBA.
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Fan Take: This rookie class is electrifying the WNBA with their talent and competitive fire, breaking down notions of any weak draft years. Their immediate impact not only raises the league’s level of play but also promises a thrilling future for fans as these players become the new faces of the sport.
