With the WNBA enjoying unprecedented growth in talent and viewership, the 2025 season has only added fuel to the league’s momentum.
While much of the spotlight in recent years has been focused on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, a new name is demanding recognition: Paige Bueckers.
After battling through a devastating ACL injury that sidelined her during the 2021-22 season, Bueckers made a triumphant return by leading UConn to a national championship earlier this year – ending a title drought that had lasted nearly a decade for the Huskies.
Her dominance at the college level carried over to the pros when the Dallas Wings selected her with the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Since then, Bueckers has proven she belongs among the best of her class.
“Paige Bueckers has dropped 20+ points in back-to-back games, leading the Wings to two straight wins,” posted SportsCenter on X. “She now has four 20-point games this season. The rest of the rookie class combined? Also four.”
Rookie of the Year race heats up as Bueckers builds momentum
Bueckers’ first year in the WNBA hasn’t been without setbacks. She missed four games due to a concussion and an illness, but when healthy, she’s delivered. Through 10 appearances, the Dallas guard is averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals-a well-rounded stat line that reflects her all-around game.
Despite Dallas holding just a 3-11 record, Bueckers has helped the Wings claim their first win streak of the season, thanks in part to her offensive leadership.
Her most explosive performance came on June 11 against the Phoenix Mercury, where she racked up a career-high 35 points in a hard-fought 93-80 loss.
Roughly a third of the way into her rookie season, Bueckers has emerged as the clear favorite for WNBA Rookie of the Year-provided she stays healthy.
Her ability to carry a struggling franchise, put up elite numbers, and play with poise and aggression speaks to a competitive fire that refuses to be overshadowed by her more hyped counterparts.
In a league where Clark and Reese have drawn the headlines, Bueckers is quietly building her own legacy-one bucket at a time.
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