Paige Bueckers’ ROTY Hopes in Danger? Meet the 21-Year-Old Star Who Might Eclipse the Wings’ Star

History has a habit of favoring the top pick. In fact, two out of every three No. 1 selections end up getting crowned Rookie of the Year. Whether that coronation is unanimous or contested often rests on two things: the strength of the draft class and the rookie’s ability to dodge the injury bug. Just ask Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum. Their bids were undone by an ankle and an ill-timed injury. But lately, the WNBA’s been in agreement: Aliyah Boston in 2023, Caitlin Clark in 2024. So, can Paige Bueckers make it a hat-trick in 2025? Let’s find out. But first, here’s the math that makes our opening claim more than just a hunch.

Year
#1 Overall Draft Pick
Rookie of the Year
Matching the pattern

2024
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark
Yes

2023
Aliyah Boston
Aliyah Boston
Yes

2022
Rhyne Howard
Rhyne Howard
Yes

2021
Charli Collier
Michaela Onyenwere
No

2020
Sabrina Ionescu
Crystal Dangerfield
No

2019
Jackie Young
Napheesa Collier
No

2018
A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson
Yes

2017
Kelsey Plum
Allisha Gray
No

2016
Breanna Stewart
Breanna Stewart
Yes

2015
Jewell Loyd
Jewell Loyd
Yes

2014
Chiney Ogwumike
Chiney Ogwumike
Yes

2013
Brittney Griner
Elena Delle Donne
No

2012
Nneka Ogwumike
Nneka Ogwumike
Yes

2011
Maya Moore
Maya Moore
Yes

2010
Tina Charles
Tina Charles
Yes

That’s 10 out of 15 “yes” votes and a clean 66.7% hit rate that bodes well for Paige Bueckers. Still, this year’s crowning might not come by unanimous decree. There’s another rookie setting the league alight, a player her Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey once dubbed the queen. “To be the queen that she is… it’s almost like she’s been forced into the fire, and she’s handled herself so well. She’s basically doing whatever we need,” Ivey said. You guessed it, the Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron, and she’s playing like she’s got a crown to claim.

The Rookie of the Year race isn’t over yet Sonia Citron is making a strong late-season push with her squad battling for a playoff spot. Also, her efficiency hovers over Paige. If Paige Bueckers does win it, it’s not looking unanimous like it once did. Let’s go Sonia pic.twitter.com/5eb79BxMnp

— Jaime Lardis (@JaimeLardis) August 9, 2025

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