Under 25 and Already Making Waves

The WNBA is experiencing a surge of young talent, with a new crop of players under the age of 25 making a significant impact on the league. Among them are Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Dominique Malonga, who are not only dominating on the court but also showcasing their potential to become future MVPs.

Clark, the 23-year-old point guard for the Indiana Fever, has been limited to just 13 games this season due to injuries, but her impact when healthy is enormous. A four-time All-American at Iowa, Clark was named the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2022, averaging 26.5 points and 9.5 assists per game. She stretches the floor with her shooting range, pushing the pace and picking defenses apart with her passing. Clark’s confidence is contagious, and her presence on the court is a significant factor in the Fever’s success. With a 6’5″ frame and a 6’8″ wingspan, Clark is a nightmare to defend, and her ability to draw fouls has made her one of the league’s top free-throw shooters.

Bueckers, the 21-year-old guard for the Dallas Wings, has lived up to the hype surrounding her arrival in the pros. A two-time national player of the year at UConn, Bueckers averaged 22.4 points and 6.7 assists per game in her rookie season, leading the Wings to a playoff berth. Her efficiency has carried over from her time at UConn, where she shot 46.6% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. Bueckers’ midrange game is a rare sight in modern basketball, and her crowning achievement came last week when she became the first player to drop 40-plus points in a game on 80% efficiency. With a 6’1″ frame and a 6’4″ wingspan, Bueckers is a dynamic scorer who can get hot in a hurry.

Malonga, the 19-year-old center for the Seattle Storm, has blossomed in August, averaging 13.5 points and 7.4 rebounds on 60% shooting. A 6’8″ center from France, Malonga was the 11th overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft. She was named the WNBA Rookie of the Week in August, thanks to her impressive performances against the Wings and the Minnesota Lynx. Malonga’s athleticism and touch as a shooter make her a unique asset to the Storm, and her MVP potential is undeniable. With a strong post game and the ability to stretch the floor, Malonga is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

These three players, along with several others under the age of 25, are transforming the WNBA with their talent, work ethic, and dedication. Aliyah Boston, the 22-year-old center for the Fever, has become a crucial part of the team’s success, averaging 14.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Sonia Citron, the 20-year-old guard for the Wings, has emerged as a legitimate perimeter stopper, averaging 7.5 points and 3.5 steals per game. Leila Lacan, the 21-year-old forward for the Sun, has revitalized the team with her two-way impact, averaging 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see how these young players develop and contribute to the league’s success. One thing is certain – the future of the WNBA is bright, and these under-25 stars will be leading the charge.