The transition from college stardom to professional basketball is never seamless, and for Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, the early stages of her WNBA career have reflected that reality.
The 2025 season has begun on a rough note for the Wings, who have yet to find a win in their first four outings, and Bueckers, though promising, is still finding her rhythm.
Averaging 13.0 points on 34% shooting from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, Bueckers‘ adjustment to the pace and physicality of the WNBA has been evident.
Still, one of the sport’s most respected voices, Diana Taurasi, believes Bueckers is on the right track – and destined for greatness.
Taurasi praises Bueckers’ potential despite slow team start
Speaking on the No Offseason WNBA podcast, Taurasi reflected on the challenge of moving from a dominant college program like UConn to the pros, saying,
“The best thing about playing in Connecticut is that you don’t lose a lot of games. And the worst thing about playing in Connecticut is that you don’t lose a lot of games.” That contrast, Taurasi explained, can make the WNBA’s steep learning curve feel even more jarring.
Dallas finished 9-31 last year, and this season’s 0-4 start suggests the rebuild is ongoing. But Taurasi sees signs of growth.
“You take the wins as far as getting better every single game,” Taurasi said. “As you can tell already, Paige from Game 1 to Game 2, she’s a different player. From Game 2 to Game 10, she’s gonna be a different player. That’s going to go for their team as well.”
Taurasi emphasized Bueckers‘ mental strength, noting her composure and preparation.
“The one thing I know about Paige, she is so grounded, she’s so patient and she’s so prepared. And I think she’s learned that in the last four, five years,” Taurasi said. “All the things she learned at Connecticut, they’re going to change the way you look at that team.”
When asked how Bueckers stacks up against other rising stars like Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Angel Reese, and Dominique Malonga, Taurasi didn’t hesitate to put her at the top. “One day, she’s going to end up being the best player in the league, for sure,” she said. “Absolutely.”
“Paige’s instincts on the court are just incredible,” Taurasi added. “There’s a special skill and talent when you can galvanize a group of people.
“And I’ve been around her long enough to know that once they get the right group around her, with her skillset – to be able to distribute and score – Paige just has tremendous talent. Once it’s unlocked, I am going to be excited to watch her play.”
Though the results may not yet reflect her potential, Bueckers is earning respect where it matters most – from legends who know what it takes to rise in the WNBA. If Taurasi‘s prediction holds true, it’s only a matter of time before Bueckers takes her place among the elite.
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