Paige Bueckers (pictured above)
Dallas Wings, Pick No. 1, Hopkins, Minnesota
How are you feeling now that the draft is over?
Really, just so much excitement for the next chapter. Women’s sports are so beautiful. We compete at a high level. We invest so much into ourselves, into the game. And we love it.
What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get home later?
Drink a pop!
Meaning a soda?
No, a pop is a pop. I’m from the Midwest.
Saniya Rivers
Connecticut Sun, Pick No. 8, Wilmington, North Carolina
What was it like waiting to hear your name?
All my stress went to my back. I had hope that I was going to get called. I felt like I had a really great chance, but you never know. When I got called, I felt relieved and my back didn’t hurt as bad.
Dominique Malonga
Seattle Storm, Pick No. 2, Paris, France
Can you walk us through what you’re wearing?
I’m wearing a classic Louis Vuitton suit. Everything is from Louis Vuitton, even the shirt. I wanted something classic pimped out with a lot of jewelry. That was the goal.
Sonia Citron
Washington Mystics, Pick No. 3, Eastchester
I love the socks.
I added them last minute just to make it a little bit different. I didn’t want to feel like I was walking into a business meeting. It also makes walking more comfortable.
Hailey Van Lith
Chicago Sky, Pick No. 11, Wenatchee, Washington
What are your plans after this?
I’m excited to go back to my room and look at myself in the mirror and really see myself stepping into this version of myself. I need to be a pro. And then I’m going to go to my party with my family and we’re going to celebrate.
Aneesah Morrow
Connecticut Sun, Pick No. 7, Chicago, Illinois
Have you checked your phone yet?
Not yet. Hopefully, the first text I get is from one of my coaches who wasn’t able to be here — Coach Gary. I know he’s extremely proud of me. He’s kept it real with me and challenged me every day.
Kiki Iriafen
Washington Mystics, Pick No. 4, Los Angeles, California
Who is your role model?
Serena. She’s iconic.
Sania Feagin
Los Angeles Sparks, Pick No. 21, Ellenwood, Georgia
Did you listen to a hype song before the draft?
I listen to a lot of gospel music. The song I listened to the most leading up to this is probably “Intentional,” by Travis Greene.
Shyanne Sellers
Golden State Valkyries, Pick No. 17, Aurora, Ohio
Is there a mantra your coaches have taught you over the years?
“Trust the process.” I know it’s kind of corny and simple, but really, trust the process. You’re going to go through highs; you’re going to go through lows. You’re going to have good days; you’re going to have bad days. But how do you pivot out of that? I just say trust the process.
Madison Scott
Dallas Wings, Pick No. 14, Indian Head, Maryland
Who has had the biggest influence on your getting to this moment?
I can name a couple people, but I want to shout out my siblings. I have three younger siblings — London, Summer, and Zion. They’re my heart. I want them to see their big sis doing big things. I want to show them they can do whatever they put their mind to. I have to be successful so I can show my siblings the right way.
Georgia Amoore
Washington Mystics, Pick No. 6, Ballarat, Australia
I know Russell Westbrook designed your outfit. What instruction did you give him?
I requested black. I didn’t request the silver, but it’s a lovely touch. The other thing I told him was “Don’t make me look bad.”
Sarah Ashlee Barker
Los Angeles Sparks, Pick No. 9, Birmingham, Alabama
How do you feel about going to Los Angeles?
So grateful. Kobe Bryant was my guy growing up. I watched him a lot. So it’s actually pretty surreal. Look at me now: I’m going to L.A.!
Aziaha James
Dallas Wings, Pick No. 12, Virginia Beach, Virginia
When did you know you wanted to be in the WNBA?
It’s been in my head since I picked up a basketball. My brothers and I used to play in the yard every day and night. Our neighbor used to call my mom and say, “They need to stop.” That’s how hard we went. I made it here today, and I’m so proud just seeing that little girl’s dreams come true.
Photographs by Frankie Alduino
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