If you were building a franchise from scratch, would you pass up on a 6’1” defensive Swiss army knife with freak athleticism and an engine that doesn’t quit? Yeah, neither would we. And that’s exactly why Saniya Rivers’ name is surfacing across almost every major WNBA mock draft. The NC State standout isn’t just projected to go in the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft. She’s expected to make an immediate impact wherever she lands.

NC State head coach Wes Moore praised Rivers’s leadership and defensive prowess, stating, “Saniya is doing it all. I try to peek at the conference rankings every week, and she’s ranked in steals, assists…”

So the question isn’t whether she goes early. It’s where she fits best. Where can a player with her size, versatility, and two-way play truly thrive?

What are the top landing spots for Saniya Rivers in the 2025 WNBA Draft?

Let’s start with the team that’s practically bursting with draft capital: the Washington Mystics. With multiple first-round picks and a clear appetite for defensive-minded athletes, the Mystics are eyeing Rivers as a potential spark plug. They need size on the perimeter. They need energy. Someone who can defend 1 through 3 and still push the pace in transition. Rivers fit that bill to a T. The Athletic’s mock draft has her landing here, and it makes sense. “Another high-upside pick for the Mystics,” wrote Sabreena Merchant. “Rivers is potentially the best pure athlete in this draft.”

But it is not just the team that would need Rivers’ help; she needs it as well, to better her decision-making on offense and her shooting form. The mystics have time, though, and we don’t see any reason why they would be willing to let go of a long-term shining potential. Washington’s coaching staff has a track record of developing young guards—think Ariel Atkins. If Rivers can refine her shot, she could be a steal at No. 6. For now, her fit feels like a bet on potential, one the Mystics can afford to make.

But the Mystics aren’t alone. Enter: the Golden State Valkyries. Expansion teams don’t get many shots to get it right from the get-go. One wrong move and the rebuild stretches for years. One smart pick, though, and you’re looking at a future cornerstone. This draft will prove to be pretty crucial for them as they had their expansion draft in December and shocked everyone by going for veterans instead of emerging players. So, now, they finally have the chance to balance out their roster.

The Valkyries want a player they can mold, someone with an upside and the ability to disrupt passing lanes and make opposing guards think twice. Rivers isn’t just that player; she’s the prototype for what Golden State wants to build. Think gritty, smart, athletic, and defensive-first. Add that to a team with nothing to lose and everything to gain? That’s a dream.

Still, let’s not overlook the Connecticut Sun. They’re in a soft rebuild, leaning toward retooling rather than tearing it all down. Rivers’ profile makes her an intriguing piece for them. Someone who can develop while still logging quality minutes. Her ability to disrupt plays defensively and move without the ball makes her the glue player any retooling roster needs.

The Sun’s roster, thin on playmakers after Thomas’ departure, could use Rivers’ ability to create for herself and others. “She’s proven she can guard multiple positions, which always matters in our league,” Jeff Pagliocca said. “Because with length you can cause some problems with point guards and wings. So you’ve got to pay attention to players like that“.

These landing spots aren’t just guesses. They’re strategic fits based on team needs, front office whispers, and Rivers’ skillset. But what is it exactly that Saniya Rivers brings to the table that sets her apart?

Who is Saniya Rivers’s player comparison in the WNBA?

Think Brittney Sykes with an even higher motor, Natasha Cloud with a longer wingspan and more raw upside, and Nia Coffey in transition with a killer defensive stance.

Rivers is that rare type of player who disrupts the opposing offense just by being on the floor. Her defensive instincts are elite. Her hands? Sticky. Her feet? Lightning. She’s that guard who can hound the ball for 94 feet, then flip the court and find the open cutter in stride. You don’t teach that. You just unleash it.

Brittney Sykes is a natural comparison because of the shared DNA: defensive dogs who thrive in transition and refuse to be outworked. Like Sykes, Rivers reads the court; Anticipating, jumping, and forcing chaos.

Then there’s Natasha Cloud, the veteran presence who leads with grit and grind. Rivers may not have Cloud’s vocal leadership yet, but her impact on both ends mirrors what Cloud brings every night. The vision, the poise under pressure, the calm amid chaos? It’s all there, waiting to be polished.

And if we’re talking athleticism, it’s hard not to see shades of Nia Coffey. Rivers elevates. She glides. And in a league where defensive versatility has become currency, she’s worth her weight in gold.

In the 2024–25 season, Saniya Rivers delivered standout performances, 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in 35.2 minutes per game. Her shooting efficiency was notable, with a field goal percentage of 42.1% and a 3-point shooting percentage of 25.7%

So yes, Saniya Rivers is a top pick. But she’s more than that. She’s a bet on what’s next. A signal that your franchise understands where the league is going.

And the real question every front office should be asking? Are we the ones who saw it coming or the ones who let her slip by?