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Dallas Wings select UConn star Paige Bueckers with No. 1 pick in 2025 WNBA Draft
Apr
Paige Bueckers Goes No. 1 in 2025 WNBA Draft, Heads to Dallas
NEW YORK — Paige Bueckers, who battled through two major knee injuries during her time at UConn, was selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings on Monday night.
The 23-year-old guard becomes the sixth UConn player to be drafted first overall, joining legends like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart.
Bueckers grew emotional when asked about her UConn teammates.
“They mean everything to me. They’ve seen every side of me—the highs, the lows. The love is unconditional. I’m forever grateful.”
A Star On and Off the Court
Bueckers is a three-time AP First-Team All-American. Last season, she averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. She also made headlines off the court, signing major endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade, Dunkin’ Donuts, Verizon, and Bose.
She became the first college athlete to design and release a signature Nike basketball shoe under NIL rules: the Paige Bueckers G.T. Hustle 3.
Her rise to stardom began early. At Hopkins High School in Minnesota, she won a state title and was named both the Gatorade National Player of the Year and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 2020.
College Glory and Setbacks
Nicknamed “Paige Buckets,” she had an incredible freshman season. She led UConn to the Final Four and won every major national award, including the Naismith, Wooden, and AP Player of the Year.
Injuries followed. She had ankle surgery before her sophomore year. That same season, she suffered a fractured tibia and a torn meniscus in her left knee. She returned but lost in the championship game to South Carolina.
Then came the biggest setback—an ACL tear in 2022 that ended her junior season. But she came back strong and helped UConn capture its first national title in eight years.
“Five years in college taught me everything I need to be ready for this league,” Bueckers said.
A New Era in Dallas
The Dallas Wings, who won the draft lottery last fall, are embracing change. With a shaky 9-31 season behind them and big roster losses, they’re rebuilding fast.
Former coach Latricia Trammell was replaced by Chris Koclanes. Meanwhile, Curt Miller, formerly of the LA Sparks, was hired as Executive VP and GM.
Dallas lost stars Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard this offseason. Now, the team plans to rebuild around All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale, who averaged 22.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals last year.
“Dallas is a sports city. I’m excited to be there,” Bueckers said. “We have great pieces, great leadership, and I can’t wait to get started.”
More Moves for the Wings
Dallas added veterans DiJonai Carrington, Ty Harris, and NaLyssa Smith this offseason. They’ll join returning players Maddy Siegrist and Teaira McCowan.
Defense will be key. The Wings allowed a league-worst 92.1 points per game and nearly 48% shooting last season.
“All of us want to add dawgs to the locker room,” said Miller. “That starts on defense.”
With Bueckers now in the mix, Dallas might just have its centerpiece.
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