The 2025 WNBA Draft delivered on its promise of excitement and anticipation, with UConn superstar Paige Bueckers selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings. Bueckers, fresh off leading the Huskies to their twelfth NCAA championship just eight days prior, was widely expected to be the top choice. Her selection marks a pivotal moment for both the Wings franchise and the league, as she becomes the sixth UConn player to be drafted first overall, joining the ranks of legends like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart.
Bueckers’ collegiate career at UConn was nothing short of historic. The 6-foot guard from Hopkins, Minnesota, finished with the program’s highest career scoring average (19.8 points per game) and set multiple records, including the fastest to reach 2,000 career points and the most points in NCAA Tournament games by a Husky. Her efficiency was remarkable, joining the rare 50/40/85 club—shooting over 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 85% from the free-throw line. Bueckers’ accolades include three First Team All-American honors, three Big East Player of the Year awards, and two Nancy Lieberman National Point Guard of the Year titles.
The Dallas Wings, who endured a challenging 9-31 season and missed the playoffs last year, are looking to Bueckers as a franchise-changing talent. The organization, which won the draft lottery for the first time in its history, sees Bueckers as a player who can make an immediate impact on the court and help build a winning culture. Wings executives and coaches praised her leadership, resilience, and commitment to community, expressing confidence that her presence will help establish a strong foundation for future success in Dallas.
Bueckers’ emotional response to being drafted reflected her gratitude for her journey and those who supported her along the way. Surrounded by family, teammates, and friends, she spoke of an “overwhelming sense of gratitude” and emphasized the importance of staying present in the moment. As she embarks on her professional career, Bueckers carries the hopes of a franchise and the expectations of fans eager to see her translate her collegiate dominance to the WNBA stage.
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(Source: Wings WNBA.com | USA Today | ESPN)