WNBA All-Star Trio Dominates Reserve List: Angel Reese, Alyssa Thomas, and Skylar Diggins Create Big Surprise
Who would have thought this year’s All-Star race would be so dramatic?
The WNBA has officially announced its 12-player reserve list for the 2025 All-Star Game, and the names chosen have created a wave of heated discussion among women’s basketball fans. Leading the list are the three superstars: Angel Reese (Chicago Sky), Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury), and Skylar Diggins (Seattle Storm).
The Unprecedented Rookie Generation
The most notable thing on this year’s list is the appearance of 3 rookies, the highest number since 2011. In addition to Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) who was selected as a starter, two rookies of Washington Mystics, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, also appeared on the reserve team.
Citron, selected at the 3rd position in the 2025 Draft, has proven his talent with impressive achievements: ranked 2nd in scoring (14.6 points/game), 3rd in rebounds (4.9) and 5th in assists (2.0) among rookies. Meanwhile, Iriafen (4th pick) has become one of the most effective rebounders in the league with 8.3 rebounds/game, ranked 4th in the whole league.
Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever Dominate
The two teams with the most representatives in this year’s All-Star Game are the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever, each with three players selected. The Storm have the trio of Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins and Gabby Williams, while the Fever have Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.
Gabby Williams is particularly impressive with career-high numbers: 13.3 points and 4.7 assists/game. Statistically, Seattle has a win rate of more than 25 points/100 possessions when Williams is on the court.
Shocking Names Excluded
The coaches’ decisions have created quite a bit of controversy. Brionna Jones (Atlanta Dream) is considered one of the most regrettable absences. The 6’3″ center has eight double-doubles in her first 18 games, after having only 12 double-doubles in her entire eight-year career.
Dan Padover, the Dream’s GM, couldn’t hide his frustration: “The fact that Jones wasn’t selected is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve seen in a long time.”
Brittney Sykes (Washington Mystics) is also a name that causes regret. With 17.9 points and 4.6 assists per game – both personal records – many believe she deserves a spot on the All-Star team.
The Captains Race Is Full of Fun
Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) will be the two captains, chosen based on the highest number of votes from fans. The two superstars will have the right to choose their teams, with starters selected first, then reserves.
Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) will lead Team Clark, while Sandy Brondello (New York Liberty) will coach Team Collier.
A Game That Promises to Be a Star
With a mix of veteran stars and talented rookies, the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis promises to deliver some top-notch performances.
Can Angel Reese make a splash off the bench? Or will Alyssa Thomas and Skylar Diggins be the brightest stars? The answer will be revealed on the night of the highly anticipated All-Star Game.
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will take place on July 19 in Indianapolis, with 24 of the league’s best players competing.
