Saniya Rivers

For a player who profiled as perhaps the 2025 WNBA Draft’s “best athlete,” and one boasting switchability across the defensive perimeter, Saniya Rivers couldn’t have asked for a better first test than the Las Vegas Aces’ all-world backcourt trio. Like a windshield wiper swiping at rain, Rivers uses her 6-foot-5 wingspan to win a high-profile matchup against Chelsea Gray, pickpocketing "The Point Gawd" before immediately turboing into the open floor. Urgent, and yet unrushed at once with Jackie Young threatening to contest, the No. 8 pick finished the remarkable opening-half sequence with an off-the-glass finish. In a well-paid tribute to her late mother, Rivers stood as one of the Connecticut Sun’s fittingly-bright spots in May 20, 2025’s loss. Pressuring Las Vegas’ celebrated offense throughout, Rivers closed her WNBA debut chapter through an 11-point, four-rebound, two-assist, two-steal, two-block, one-triple contribution.

Three-Star Rookie