WNBA Rooks Just Gentrified the Game!

The WNBA Kids Are Alright (And by “Alright” I Mean Stealing Your Job With No Warning)

WNBA All-Star Weekend? Nah.

This game was the beginning of hostile rookie takeover with a splash of glitter and a side of career reevaluation for the vets.

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis wasn’t a showcase — it was a heist. Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron didn’t just get invited to the party — they showed up early, changed the playlist, took over the aux, and locked the damn door behind them.

For the league this was a historic moment. It’s the first time since 2011 that three rookies made the All-Star Game. Back in 2011, Courtney Vandersloot, Maya Moore, Liz Cambage, and Danielle Adams all made the mid season showcase as rookies.

For the 2025 edition of the game, this wasn’t some sweet little “aww, look at the kids playing with the grown-ups” moment. No.

This was a full-blown generational mugging, and the rookies left the court with your sneakers, your role, and probably your Gatorade sponsorship too.

Kiki Iriafen Broke Angel Reese’s Record!

For Kiki Iriafen, the gifted forward became the youngest player in WNBA history to drop a double-double in an All-Star Game.

Let’s run that back: youngest. Ever. To double up. At the All-Star Game.

While most rookies are still figuring out how to get their laundry done on the road.

Angel Reese set the record last year and funny enough Iriafen also joined Reese as the only rookies in WNBA history to record a double-double in an All-Star Game.

Kiki saw the record, shrugged, and snatched it like a loose rebound with malicious intent. Iriaifen finished the game with 11 points and 10 boards, and made it look like something she does on accident while shopping for protein bars.

The defense? Like she got a bonus for every forced miss. In an All-Star Game. Where people usually play defense like it’s a courtesy, not a responsibility.

If you’re a WNBA coach watching that tape, go ahead and call your therapist now. She’ll see you Wednesday.

Paige Bueckers Didn’t Flinch!!

Now enter Paige “Don’t Call Me a Rookie” Bueckers.

Floor general. Human cheat code. Threat to your career earnings.

Paige started the game hitting the first shot of the game, a straight bomb from 4pt range.

Bueckers then followed up the next with a sweet dime for a Napheesa Collier baseline jumpshot.

Bueckers continued to show her overall game and nearly finished with a double double of her own with 9 points and 8 assists, and could’ve had 15 dimes if people finished the plays!

Watching Bueckers run the offense was like watching NASA launch a play in real time. Every pass had a purpose. Every move had intention. Every dribble screamed, “Don’t switch on me unless you wanna be humbled on ESPN2.”

She didn’t just play in the All-Star Game — she rebranded the word “rookie” in real time. This wasn’t a debut. It was a press release.

Sonia Citron Showed Up Like a Human Energy Drink!

If Kiki is the hammer and Paige is the brain, then Sonia Citron is the caffeine-fueled chaos demon that makes it all click.

First of all credit to Citron for joining the Sabrina Ionescu inaugural 3pt shootout (Wer;e only calling it that because, did you see her 2nd performance? Hotter than fish grease.)

Citron though was a good sport in that contest, and in All-Star game she picked up her talented ways.

Citron checked in, sprinted through three screens, locked up a vet, and drilled 13 points off the bench like she was trying to impress a scout with no off switch.

Citron plays like she’s late to something, and that something is usually your best player’s ego.

Citron crashes boards like she’s collecting rent. She closes out on shooters like they insulted her grandma. And she’ll casually knock down a three like she’s answering an email.

If hustle were a flavor, Sonia would be Ghost Pepper.

This Isn’t the Future. This Is a Rookie Uprising With a Jump Shot.

Let’s be clear: this is not a youth movement. This is a youth overthrow.

The rookies didn’t show up to learn. They showed up to compete, conquer, and collect receipts. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert even said it:

“They aren’t just rookies — they are the future” said Engelbert.

And guess what? The future already has a box score, a shoe deal, and probably your rotation minutes.

Social media? On fire.

Jerseys? Gone.

Defense? Optional — unless your name is Kiki Iriafen. Then it’s punishable by law.

So here’s the warning: if you’re a vet in the W, start stretching earlier. Hydrate more. Check your mirrors like you’re in a Final Destination sequel. Because these rookies aren’t coming for your job.

They already clocked in.