WNBA Passes on Paige Bueckers for Rising Star With Latest Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 6:51 PM ET

The WNBA had a difficult decision to make with its Rookie of the Month honor in May. Unfortunately, two players couldn't win the award.

On Wednesday, the league announced it passed on Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers and named Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen as the WNBA Rookie of the Month for May 2025.

"Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen has been named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Month, for games played in May," posted the league's official X account.

Iriafen won the award behind 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and one assist per game. The forward also had two steals and a block while shooting 47.4% from the field.

Bueckers averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2 steals per contest in May. The guard shot 43.7% overall, including 33.3% from the 3-point line.

Neither rookie led their teams to winning records. However, behind Iriafen's statistics, Washington posted a 3-4 record in May.

The Wings went 1-5 during the month.

Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen has been named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Month, for games played in May. pic.twitter.com/Dzmn7D0Ina
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) June 4, 2025

Bueckers was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft for Dallas. During her final college season, Bueckers led the UConn Huskies to the national championship while scoring 19.9 points, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Bueckers made the All-American first team during her freshman, junior and senior seasons.

Washington chose Iriafen three selections after Buckers at No. 4 overall. The forward played for the Stanford Cardinal and USC Trojans during her college career.

During the 2024-25 season, Iriafen made the All-American third team while averaging 18 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Trojans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: