Paige Bueckers reminded the world this season why she’s built for the big stage. Averaging 19.9 points and 4.6 assists per game, she led UConn to its 12th national championship — cementing her comeback story and making head coach Geno Auriemma beam with pride.
With her elite shot creation and unmatched poise under pressure, many analysts are already projecting Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. But for now, let’s look at the best No. 1 picks in the WNBA over the last 10 years — players who met expectations and redefined the league in their own way.
Ranking No. 1 Picks in the Last Decade
As we anticipate Bueckers potentially joining this exclusive club, let’s break down the past decade’s most impactful No. 1 selections — players who transformed their teams and the league itself.
1) Caitlin Clark (2024 – Indiana Fever)
No list can start without Caitlin Clark. Her NCAA career was nothing short of extraordinary, becoming the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader with 3,865 career points.
The Indiana Fever selected her as the first overall pick in 2024, and in her rookie season, she averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists per game. Beyond her on-court brilliance, Clark’s cultural impact has been unprecedented — shattering viewership records, selling out arenas nationwide, and bringing new fans to women’s basketball.
2) A’ja Wilson (2018 – Las Vegas Aces)
Wilson’s combination of dominance and consistency has made her the cornerstone of the Aces’ rise to a dynasty. The two-time WNBA MVP and champion has developed into arguably the league’s most complete two-way force — controlling games with her scoring, rebounding, and rim protection.
She was selected first overall by the Aces in 2018. Last season, she averaged 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Her leadership helped Las Vegas secure back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.
3) Breanna Stewart (2016 – Seattle Storm)
When Stewart joined the Seattle Storm, it marked the start of a new era — one that led to championships in 2018 and 2020. Her rare versatility on both ends of the court made her a nightmare for opponents — hitting threes on one end and protecting the rim on the other.
Her move to the New York Liberty in 2023 only solidified her legacy, adding another title in 2024 while putting up 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
4) Sabrina Ionescu (2020 – New York Liberty)
After a rookie year disrupted by injuries, Ionescu grew into one of the top guards in the WNBA and the face of an up-and-coming Liberty team. Her triple-double ability and clutch shooting turned New York into a legit title contender.
Teaming up with Stewart, Ionescu helped New York win a championship last season. During the 2024 campaign, she averaged 18.2 points and 6.2 assists per game.
5) Kelsey Plum (2017 – San Antonio Stars/Las Vegas Aces)
Plum’s rise wasn’t immediate, but her evolution into an Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion proved she was worth the No. 1 pick. Known for her lethal perimeter shooting and improved playmaking, Plum became a key piece of the Aces’ championship core.
Her numbers dipped a bit last season, averaging 17.8 points and 4.2 assists per game, but her value to Las Vegas remains high.
6) Aliyah Boston (2023 – Indiana Fever)
The anchor of South Carolina’s title run, Boston brought her defensive dominance and efficient post play to the Fever as the top pick in 2023. Her rookie season earned her Rookie of the Year honors.
She took a leap last season, averaging 14.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while adding range to her shot and improving as a playmaker. Boston’s development is a blueprint for the modern WNBA center.
7) Charli Collier (2021 – Dallas Wings)
The Wings bet on Collier’s potential, and she’s worked her way into a reliable frontcourt role despite early struggles. Her improved offensive skill set and defensive positioning have made her a more important contributor for Dallas.
Last season, she averaged just 2.0 points across 17 games — but she’s carved out a role through effort and development.
8) Jackie Young (2019 – Las Vegas Aces)
Young’s rise from role player to All-Star guard speaks volumes. Her defensive versatility and added three-point shooting turned her into a key weapon for the Aces.
She averaged 15.8 points and 5.3 assists per game last season. With two Olympic gold medals and championship rings, Young is now considered one of the league’s best two-way guards.
9) Rhyne Howard (2022 – Atlanta Dream)
Howard came in NBA-ready and proved it right away. Her ability to score and defend at a high level earned her Rookie of the Year and helped make the Dream a playoff threat.
Last season, she averaged 17.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game — further cementing her role as Atlanta’s franchise player.
10) Jewell Loyd (2015 – Seattle Storm)
Loyd’s growth from a raw athlete to a multiple-time champion and Olympic gold medalist shows the payoff of the No. 1 pick. Nicknamed “Gold Mamba” by the late Kobe Bryant, her scoring touch and clutch gene have made her one of the league’s most feared guards.
Last season, she posted 19.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, adding to her decorated resume.