Paige Bueckers Prepares for WNBA Challenge with Dallas Wings

DALLAS, Texas — Paige Bueckers, the star guard who led the UConn Huskies to an NCAA championship, has officially joined the Dallas Wings for her first WNBA training camp. Less than two weeks into the camp, Bueckers is already feeling the intensity of playing against professional athletes, a marked step up from her college experience.

Throughout the 2023-24 season, Bueckers played primarily as a power forward due to injuries that plagued her team. Despite the tough circumstances, she averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, solidifying her reputation as a versatile player.

“It definitely adds another layer to competitiveness,” Bueckers said during a WNBA season launch press conference via Zoom. “The physicality here is at a different level, but I’m excited to take on the challenge.”

After clinching the NCAA title in mid-April, Bueckers was drafted first overall by the Wings on April 14. She expressed gratitude for the organization’s support as she transitions to professional basketball, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical recovery resources available to her.

“I’m learning every single day, and it’s something that I’m going to adjust to and handle every single practice, every single game,” Bueckers said, acknowledging the guidance from coaches and teammates.

Bueckers is also carrying motivation from past disappointments, including the previous season’s semifinal loss to Iowa, which left a lasting impact. “I’m still sick about that game,” she admitted. “But it’s only fueled my drive to succeed.”

In her rookie season, Bueckers hopes to help the Wings bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, where they missed the playoffs. Wings General Manager Curt Miller praised her ability to handle pressure, stating, “How she navigated that and thrived through that was really, really special to witness.”

As the start of the WNBA season approaches on May 16, all eyes will be on Bueckers as she looks to make an immediate impact for her new team and continue the trajectory of her burgeoning career.