Everyone aims to seize the opportunity when it appears. But that’s not the universal truth, as many would assume. Nastja Claessens let go of the ‘becoming pro’ opportunity and chose to return to college. Interestingly, she was selected in the 2024 WNBA draft, which makes it even unique.
With the WNBA CBA meeting currently making the headlines, this snub could be a considerable embarrassment for the league. The college announced on social media and mentioned that she was a former draft pick in ‘W’.
Nastja Claessens Snubs Washington Mystics To Join College Team In USA
It’s normal for many franchises to waive or release rookies after they don’t fit the team’s system. In 2024, 36 rookies were selected, but only 12 are active in the league after one season. One of the 24 players not playing in the league is Nastja Claessens.
The Mystics selected the Belgian star as the 30th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. She opted to stay overseas instead of joining the ‘W’ and later joined the Kansas State College. The college made an official announcement on July 25.
The 20-year-old played in Europe and won the FIBA EuroBasket in 2025. Even though the youngster had few opportunities to shine, she averaged 5.2 points and was efficient with her 52.2% shooting. She even played for the national side at 19, in the Paris Olympics, featuring in two games.
Washington Mystics Riding High On Rookies
However, the franchise is unfazed by this snub and continues rebuilding. Currently standing in the ninth position without a superstar, the Mystics are experiencing a successful season. This is primarily due to the strong performance of their rookie players, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. They even made history with All-Star selections in their rookie season, a rare feat in WNBA history. Their success has been a key factor in the Mystics’ competitive performance and their potential playoff run.
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Getting over 20 minutes of game time in their first season helped them develop into elite and dependable players. Citron is averaging nearly 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game. Iriafen is leading the side in rebounds with an average of 8.3 rebounds and contributes 12 points per game.
Coach Sydney Johnson played a crucial role in the rookies’ development and gave them the opportunity to shine on the big stage. The Mystics’ success with their young core, particularly Citron and Iriafen, suggests a bright future for the franchise. They have the potential to build a winning team around their talented rookies.
Also Read: Olivia Miles Drops Truth Bomb On Skipping WNBA Draft And Returning To Notre Dame