Connecticut Sun select USC women's basketball's Rayah Marshall 25th overall in WNBA Draft

Coach Lindsay Gottlieb is building one of the best programs in the nation with the USC women's basketball team. While some things can't be measured, having players go on to be drafted is usually a strong indication that something is being done right.

The night started early with Kiki Iriafen being drafted with the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics. Then in the second round, Rayah Marshall heard her name called as well, as she was drafted with the No. 25 pick by the Connecticut Sun. 

Having spent all four years with USCWBB during her collegiate career, the center will be deeply missed in Los Angeles. Her hustle and determination quickly became staples of her game. The LA native made an instant impact with the Trojans.

Her play on both ends of the court and energy is contagious. Connecticut fans learning about her game will love the effort and all-around ability that she'll bring to the Sun. From securing boards to contesting shots and giving her team second-chance looks, Marshall is someone who will likely have an easier transition than most when she steps foot on the WNBA court for the first time.

She will join a Sun side that has Tina Charles at center. Learning from a veteran who has performed at a high level in the league and is returning to the team that drafted her will only help Marshall as she navigates her time as a pro. During the WNBA Draft, the broadcast spoke on the relevant issue not being when a player gets drafted, but where.

Considering who Marshall will be able to learn from and compete against, the Sun are something of an ideal landing spot for her. She will be on a team that (for now) has Marina Mabrey.

Unique opportunity for former USC women's basketball C

On the same night, the organization brought in two other rookies. They selected forward Aneesah Morrow from LSU. Guard Saniya Rivers from NC State also joined this year's class. Considering the changes, chances are that the first-year players will be asked to grow up fast in their first year in the W. 

At one point during last season, this was a Sun team that looked to be unstoppable. Since then, a lot of the players have changed jerseys, and coach Rachid Meziane will have a new-look lineup to work with for the 2025 season. Fortunately for him, he'll have an excellent now-former USC women's basketball player who will be eager to prove herself and absorb everything being taught to her as a pro.