Being the top pick in the WNBA Draft is never easy, but Paige Bueckers has made the transition look almost effortless, even when the league threw its toughest challenges her way.
After a historic college career at UConn, where she rewrote the record books and captured a national title, Bueckers entered the professional ranks with high expectations. Still, nothing truly prepares a rookie for the leap to the WNBA.
Bueckers‘ introduction to the league could have rattled anyone. Her preseason debut for the Dallas Wings came against the two-time defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, and the physicality hit her right away. Jackie Young, one of the league’s premier defenders, delivered a body check that Bueckers later described as her official “welcome to the WNBA” moment.
Recalling the play in an interview with ESPN, she said, “Welcome to the W moment. It’s actually a preseason. I caught a Jackie Young shoulder check right to the gut. I just bent over.” Yet Bueckers, never one to shrink from a challenge, bounced back quickly. “I had to catch my breath for a second. Everybody’s like, yo, you good? I’m like, yeah, I just need a second. So she’s pretty strong. She’s so jacked. Jackie Young.”
Paige Bueckers’ Rapid Growth is Fueling Dallas’ Season
Where some rookies might have struggled, Bueckers took the setback in stride and used it as fuel. Her ability to adjust was clear from the start. Instead of forcing shots or getting overwhelmed by the moment, she showed the patience and composure that made her a legend at UConn. Even Geno Auriemma, her college coach, was quick to note how adversity only made her stronger.
After that debut, it was obvious Bueckers belonged at the professional level. Although her first game saw her limited to 10 points on efficient shooting, she quickly found her rhythm. She has since blossomed into the Wings‘ most reliable option, currently leading the team in points, assists, and minutes played. With averages of 18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, Bueckers is setting the standard for rookies across the league.
Her resilience has become a defining trait. When a midseason concussion threatened to derail her progress, Bueckers responded with the same steady hand she showed in college, returning to the court and immediately contributing at a high level. Her shooting splits reflect her consistency and efficiency, making her an even more valuable asset to the Wings.
Bueckers‘ season has been full of standout moments. She earned the distinction of being the only rookie starter in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game and made history by sinking the event’s first ever four-point shot. She has matched up with some of the league’s best, including a full-circle game against Jackie Young and the Aces, where she scored 20 points and played nearly the entire contest. That performance underscored just how far she has come in a matter of weeks.
The Dallas Wings may be fighting for every win, but with Bueckers leading the charge, the future is bright. She has shown that she can handle anything the WNBA throws her way and has already exceeded the lofty expectations that came with her draft status. Bueckers is not just adapting to the league-she is beginning to shape it.
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