The newest face of the Dallas Wings wasted no time making an impression.
Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, arrived at her introductory press conference Wednesday holding a pair of custom Kobe 5 “X-Ray” sneakers, dressed in a black and white Nike rugby polo.
Bueckers walks into the WNBA with style
The footwear, featuring a colorway reminiscent of the Wings’ own branding, was a nod to her love of basketball heritage and a signal that she’s ready to carve out her own.
After an emotional farewell to UConn, where she won a national championship and became the first women’s college player with her own signature sneaker, Bueckers is officially stepping into the pros.
Her transition marks not just the beginning of preseason for Dallas, which starts May 2, but also a new chapter for a franchise hoping to rebuild after a tough 9-31 season.
The press event introduced all five of the Wings’ 2025 draft picks, but it was Bueckers who drew the spotlight.
She received welcome gifts from the organization and shared her excitement about playing in the same city as one of her idols, Kyrie Irving.
But it wasn’t just about first-day flair, expectations are sky-high for the 23-year-old phenom.
“Exciting, exciting moment,” said general manager Curt Miller.
“Paige obviously comes off a national championship, one of the most decorated collegiate players and one of the most efficient players in college basketball history.”
He continued: “For her career, she’s over 50% field goal, over 40 from the 3-point line and nearly 90% from the foul line, so nearly for her career, 50/40/85. So media, I know every practice that you’re gonna want to talk to Paige at the end of practice-we will be shooting extra foul shots so we can get to that 90 so she can be the 50/40/90, but one special player and special addition to Dallas.”
The Wings’ roster has seen an offseason overhaul, with new talent including DiJonai Carrington, NaLyssa Smith, and Myisha Hines-Allen joining forces with Bueckers and star Arike Ogunbowale.
If Bueckers lives up to the hype, she could quickly become the cornerstone of the team’s future, and a new face for the league itself.
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