Dallas Wings Make History, Select Paige Bueckers First Overall in WNBA Draft
Dallas Wings made history. They selected Paige Bueckers first overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft. At UConn, Bueckers shined as a star player. She now steps into the professional world after a bright college career.
In 2024, Bueckers excelled. She averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 38 games. Her shooting placed her skills close to the basket. She made 53.4% of her field goals and 41.9% of her deep shots. Her numbers show her strength as a scorer.
Bueckers ended her college days as a national champion with UConn. This win crowned her journey and fulfilled a long-held dream. After a tough two-year spell of injuries, she returned with new strength. In the 2023–24 season, she raised her average to 21.9 points per game. Her comeback shows her resolve and talent.
During a recent title celebration, strong feelings linked her to coach Geno Auriemma. Their bond grew from years together. Coach Auriemma spoke clearly: "Some conversations are light and fun and don’t mean anything. But today was the first one in five years that all the emotions that have been building inside of me came out." He let his true feelings shine out.
Paige earned praise early in her career. In her freshman year, she was named the 2021 AP Player of the Year. Although peers like Caitlin Clark drew attention, Bueckers stayed supreme in talent. She is now ready to help the WNBA grow as its audience rises.
Now, as she moves to the professional stage, Bueckers feels deep thanks for her past. "I feel gratitude for all that Coach [Auriemma] has meant to me and how he has shaped both the person I am and the basketball player I am over these five years," she said. "Putting it all together in one hug shows our journey."
With her skill set and drive, Paige Bueckers is set to boost the Dallas Wings. Fans wait eagerly to see how close her talent will connect with the game.
