Paige Bueckers is making waves just weeks into her WNBA career, and the former UConn star is already proving why she was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings. In her first preseason game, Bueckers scored 10 points on an efficient 4-of-7 shooting, including two from beyond the arc, while also grabbing four rebounds — a solid debut that has fans buzzing with excitement.
Though she only recently shed her UConn Huskies jersey after a national title run, Bueckers is rapidly adjusting to the pace and pressure of professional basketball. Speaking to reporters after her debut, she shared how surreal the transition has been:
“To think about, like, three weeks ago—or a month ago now—that we were playing the national title at UConn, and now we’re here in the WNBA and we’re playing the first preseason game. It’s just been a whirlwind.”
Known for her finesse and court vision, Bueckers described her playing style as a balance of aggression and intelligence.
“I’ve always been pretty finesse, weaving my way through traffic. Not necessarily avoiding contact, but being smart about deciding when to take advantage of the ball and when you want to slow down.”
She also emphasized the importance of knowing when to push through contact and when to protect her body after a long collegiate season.
“The key is knowing the balance between not wanting to be too physical, especially after a long season and exhausting my body, but also being willing to accept contact on both sides of the court and use it to my advantage.”
Beyond basketball, Paige remains grounded through her family life and her role as a big sister, which she described as “one of the best days of her life.”
“Just for [my siblings] to be able to look up to the big, big sister and want to fill those shoes—it motivates me every day,” she said.
She also recognizes her growing influence on young fans, particularly girls and aspiring athletes:
“It doesn’t even mean basketball-wise, but who I am as a person. It means everything to me. It just makes your interactions with kids a little bit special because you know how much it can impact them.”
The Wings are betting big on Bueckers to help turn the team around after a tough season where they managed just nine wins and missed the playoffs. The early signs are promising, and all eyes will be on Paige as Dallas prepares to face Japan’s Toyota Antelopes on May 10 before officially opening the WNBA regular season at home against the Minnesota Lynx on May 16.
Related topics: