Three novice players have been selected for the 2025 WNBA All-Star team!
In a historic move, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has named three rookies as All-Star starters for the 2025 season. Paige Bueckers, a guard for the Dallas Wings, leads the trio, joined by forwards Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics.
Bueckers, who finished as the highest vote-getter across fan, player, and media voting for the All-Star starting position, has been outstanding in her first season. She has averaged an impressive 18.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across her first 14 games in the WNBA. The 20-year-old has also tallied seven games with at least 20 points, demonstrating her consistency and versatility on the court.
Citron, drafted fourth overall, and Iriafen, who was picked third, have also made significant impacts in their rookie seasons. Citron is averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 33.1 minutes per game. Iriafen, on the other hand, is contributing 12.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Both players have shown impressive shooting percentages, with Citron shooting 47.5% from the floor, 34.8% from beyond the arc, and 86.7% on free throws, and Iriafen shooting 45.9% from the field and 78.6% from the free-throw line.
This marks the fourth time since 2000 that three or more first-year players have been named WNBA All-Stars in the same season. The last time this happened was in 2011. The 2025 All-Star Game will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 19.
The rookie trio will be joined by several veteran All-Stars, including Kelsey Plum, Alyssa Thomas, and Skylar Diggins, among others. Notable first-time All-Stars this year include Kayla Thornton from the Golden State and Gabby Williams from Seattle.
The All-Star teams will be selected in a televised draft on July 18, with Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier making the selections. Paige Bueckers expressed her gratitude for being named an All-Star, stating, "It means a lot. I'm just grateful for those who respect my play."
This historic achievement for the rookie trio is a testament to their talent and the exciting future of the WNBA.
The rookie trio, led by Paige Bueckers, has been stellar in their inaugural WNBA seasons. Bueckers, the highest vote-getter across fan, player, and media voting, has averaged impressively high points, rebounds, and assists in her first 14 games. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, drafted fourth and third, respectively, have made significant impacts with their scoring, rebounding, and shooting percentages. This marks the fourth time since 2000 that three or more first-year players have been named WNBA All-Stars, with the last occurrence in 2011. Fans will get to witness these talented players, along with veteran All-Stars like Kelsey Plum and Alyssa Thomas, at the 2025 All-Star Game in Indianapolis on July 19. Paige Bueckers expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating it means a lot to be recognized for her play. The historic achievement of these rookies symbolizes the bright future that lies ahead for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
