The anticipation surrounding the 2025 WNBA Draft is building, with analysts taking note of standout players in collegiate women’s basketball, including NC State’s Saniya Rivers. ESPN recently forecasted that Rivers, a dynamic forward, could be a top pick for the Minnesota Lynx, highlighting her impressive performance and contributions to her team.
Rivers has made a significant impact in her time at NC State, reaching a career milestone of over 1,000 points and showcasing her scoring ability and defensive skills. Her recent 33-point performance against UConn demonstrated her capability to elevate her game in critical matchups, particularly during high-stakes contests like the NCAA tournament.

In addition to her scoring prowess, Rivers has solidified her role as a leader on the court. She was instrumental in NC State’s recent upset over No. 2 UConn, leading her team to victory and effectively rallying after a challenging start.
Her resilience and ability to perform under pressure have made her a coveted prospect for WNBA teams looking to bolster their roster with talent. ESPN’s prediction reflects the growing recognition of Rivers among scouts and analysts, as she continues to excel in a highly competitive environment.
Minnesota Lynx Projected To Select NC State’s Saniya Rivers in 2025 WNBA Draft

As it stands, Minnesota is predicted to go for Rivers in the upcoming WNBA Draft. This is detailed more in an analysis by Michael Voepel for ESPN.
Rivers and NC State teammate Aziaha James are prospective first-round picks. Right now, we lean a bit toward Rivers with her size and ability to defend a variety of players. She also has proved herself to be an adept playmaker and can run the court well. She helped lead the Wolfpack to the Final Four last season, and they are in the Sweet 16 this year. Rivers is averaging 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks. She does it all.
The Lynx, known for their commitment to developing young talent, could greatly benefit from adding a player of her caliber. Rivers’ versatility as a forward allows her to fit seamlessly into various positions, enhancing her appeal to professional teams.

As the draft approaches, the spotlight on Rivers will only intensify, adding to the excitement surrounding her future. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where she will land and how she will transition to the professional level. The combination of Rivers’ talent, experience, and achievements makes her a strong candidate for a successful career in the WNBA, where she aims to make an immediate impact.

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