Paige Bueckers Goes No. 1 in Unrivaled Draft
The Unrivaled basketball league will begin its season on January 5, with several games scheduled in Philadelphia. This year’s top draft pick was Paige Bueckers, selected first overall by The Breeze on Wednesday.
Team Selections and Structure
The Breeze is one of two new clubs introduced to the 3-on-3 league, which holds its games in Miami during the winter. The other new team, The Hive, selected Kelsey Mitchell as the second overall pick.
Players were organized into six position-based groups — guards, wings, and forwards — with six rounds of selections, alternating among eight teams.
Key Picks
- The Breeze: Paige Bueckers, Rickea Jackson, Dominique Malonga, Aari McDonald, Kate Martin, Cameron Brink.
- The Hive: Kelsey Mitchell, Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor, Natisha Hiedeman, Saniya Rivers, Monique Billings.
Returning and Protected Players
Four playoff teams from last season — the Rose, Lunar Owls, Vinyl, and Laces — were permitted to protect two players each from being drafted by expansion teams. The Phantom and Mist, who did not make the playoffs, were allowed to protect one player apiece.
Defending Champions and Notable Lineups
- The Rose: Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull, Azura Stevens, Shakira Austin, Sug Sutton.
- Lunar Owls: Marina Mabrey, Aaliyah Edwards, Rebecca Allen, Rachel Banham, Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins.
“The Unrivaled draft marks an exciting new chapter for women’s basketball as fresh talent joins veteran stars in Miami’s winter league.”
Author’s Summary: Paige Bueckers headlines the Unrivaled draft by joining The Breeze as the top pick, signaling a powerful season start for the league’s new expansion teams.