The 2025 WNBA Draft Surprises the Chicago Sky by Selecting Former Auburn Guard Aicha Coulibaly

A Change in the Auburn Story

DeYona Gaston, the dynamic forward who transferred from Texas to Auburn and dominated the stat sheet with 22.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in her lone season on the Plains, was the focus of the majority of mock drafts. However, it was Coulibaly, not Gaston, whose name was announced when the Sky selected in the second round.

Additionally, the moment felt more like long-overdue recognition to those who have followed Coulibaly's quietly resilient journey than it did like a surprise.

The WNBA, Aggies, and Tigers

After three seasons at Auburn, Coulibaly transferred to Texas A&M for her final two seasons as a five-year collegiate veteran. The athletic guard has a well-rounded style that strikes a mix between physicality and skill during her 2024–25 season with the Aggies, averaging 12.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks over 19 games.

However, she really made her impact at Auburn, where she was named to the Second Team All-SEC twice in a row. During the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, she scored the most points for the Tigers, averaging 17.1 and 16.0 points per game, respectively.

Coulibaly averaged 13.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.8 steals in 76 games while wearing an Auburn jersey.

The Draft Night in Chicago The Sky, who seem to be restocking their roster with a tactical and global perspective, selected Haul Coulibaly as their fourth pick of the evening. Earlier that night, they decided on:

Slovenian forward Ajsa Sivka, who is ranked No. 10 overall, shows promise.

The explosive playmaking of TCU guard Hailey Van Lith (No. 11)

Notre Dame forward Maddy Westbeld is a versatile player (No. 16).

Chicago is obviously preparing for a rebuild, one that is relying on both undeveloped talent and proven experience. The team concluded the 2024 season with a 13-27 record and missed the playoffs.

A New Era Begins

On May 16, the WNBA will begin its 29th season, marking the beginning of a new era that will see the Golden State Valkyries join the league's 13 teams.

The Dallas Wings selected Paige Bueckers, the brilliant Connecticut guard who has long been hailed as a future league face, with the first overall pick on draft night at The Shed in New York.

Aicha Coulibaly's name, however, left its own kind of mark amidst the flashbulbs and bright headlines—not with pyrotechnics, but with the calm strength of a player who has consistently put in the effort, persevered, and earned her seat at the table.