The 2025 WNBA draft has already had several surprises. Talented stars such as now-TCU guard Olivia Miles and UConn's Azzi Fudd decided against making themselves available for selection. The news may have already sent franchises back to the drawing board as they desperately scour the collegiate ranks for their next superstar. Despite giving up the No. 3 overall pick in the Ariel Atkins trade, the Chicago Sky should still be confident they can select the perfect partner for gifted rookie Angel Reese and manufacture a roster that will allow her to thrive on both ends of the court.
Who should the Sky look out for before the madness of the 2025 WNBA Draft ensues on Monday at 7:30 p.m. EDT?
10th-overall pick: Hailey Van Lith, Guard, TCU
Hailey Van Lith has seen her draft stock soar after a terrific year with TCU. She led the Horned Frogs to their 1st-ever Sweet 16 appearance during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Van Lith displayed her scoring prowess as she averaged 17.9 points per game while hitting just above 45% of her shots from the floor, an attribute that the Sky will need to inherit after the departure of a leading scorer in Chennedy Carter.
However, it may be the point guard's improved playmaking ability that will turn the heads of the Sky's front office after she chalked up a career-high 5.4 assists per game for her teammates. Creating an offensive identity will be paramount as new head coach Tyler Marsh looks to propel the Sky to the playoffs this year. The addition of a primary ball handler such as Van Lith could be a master move and a steal later in the first round.
Not only does the TCU graduate guard exhibit all the attributes of a top-tier point guard, but she also has a previous connection with Reese at LSU that could allow for a smoother transition into the world of the professional game.
HVL.
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 29, 2025
16th-overall pick: Anastasiia Kosu, Forward, UMMC Ekaterinburg
Sky fans may not have the same enthusiasm for the 6-foot-1 forward as Van Lith. Nevertheless, the shrewd acquisition of Kosu could be a needed piece in building up the Sky's defense. Chicago slumped to a defensive rating of 103.5 in 2024, good enough for eighth in the WNBA.
Despite only being 19 years old, Kosu has already established a reputation as a defensive menace. She tallied one block and 1.8 steals per game despite only averaging just under 19 minutes on the floor. A February article from The Next's Hunter Cruse described the exciting forward as one of the best athletes in this year’s draft. Adding another talented defender to the roster would alleviate the pressure on Reese and the talented Kamilla Cardoso.
Kosu is rightfully renowned for her defense. Still, the Sky should not overlook her offensive capabilities. She has averaged a reasonable 9.7 points per game despite the forward's reduced minutes on the court.
22nd-overall pick: JJ Quinerly, Guard, West Virginia
The second backcourt selection of the 2025 WNBA draft for the Sky should be JJ Quinerly. The shooting guard can boost the offensive woes Chicago possessed last season. She scored an impressive career high of 20.4 points per game during her senior year. In addition to being devastating on the offensive end, the 22-year-old guard has fast hands and a defensive tenacity that is sure to vastly improved her draft stock. She stole the ball three times per game last season, which contributed to West Virginia's fast transition offense.
Quinerly will have the perfect tutor in legendary point guard Courtney Vandersloot as she works to become a more complete player. Vandersloot is regarded as one of the greatest playmakers in WNBA history. She has led the WNBA in assists in a record seven seasons, including five times in a row from 2017-21. Quinerly must improve her assist marks to build a dynasty alongside Reese and Van Lith.