It is the most anticipated arrival in the WNBA since … well, since 2024, when collegiate stars Catilin Clark and Angel Reese brought a spike in attention with them from the college ranks into their new pro endeavors. But the league needs to keep the momentum going, and though this year’s incoming rookie class does not have the depth of the 2024 class, there is still one player who will capture attention.
That’s Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings. And with training camp set to open on Sunday ahead of the start of the 2025 WNBA season, the league is hopeful that Bueckers can live up to the hype after a stellar season (19.9 points, 4.6 assists) with UConn that ended in a national championship.
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After she was the No. 1 pick back on April 14, Bueckers said she was taking nothing for granted. That’s fitting, given that what might have been a stellar career with the Huskies was derailed by injuries as a sophomore and junior.
Paige Bueckers on the orange carpet before the 2025 WNBA DraftMandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“You don’t ever want to assume anything in life,” Bueckers said. “Nothing is guaranteed, so for this moment to be here and it actually happen, it’s nerve-racking. You just have a level of excitement, nervousness, bittersweet feeling knowing that my journey at UConn is over, but excited for the next one to begin.
“To be able to share that moment with the people sitting at my table and also the people not sitting at my table, they played a huge role in it. So just happiness and joy.”
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Now, though, the work begins for Bueckers. It’ll be a hefty job, too, as the Wings were just 9-31 last season.
On Sunday, the team posted a photo of Bueckers’ arrival at camp.
“Day 1,” was the caption.
Fans were eager to see Bueckers get her start.
One wrote on X: “dallas take care of the (goat emoji).”
Another looked ahead, hopefully: “OUR rookie of the year.”
Said another, “Look at my ROTY.”
The Wings will open the season against the Minnesota Lynx on May 16.
