Wings Make Paige Bueckers the Top Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft
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Shamini
- . April 15, 2025
- . Update: April 15, 2025 3:59 pm
The Dallas Wings opened a new chapter in franchise history on April 15 by choosing UConn star Paige Bueckers with the No.1 overall pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft. Bueckers, who just guided the Huskies to their first NCAA title in nine years, is the sixth UConn player to be chosen first, joining with legends like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart.
A Hopkins, Minnesota standout, Paige Bueckers concluded her phenomenal college career with attractive career averages of 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest which solidified her place as one of UConn’s most well rounded and steady performer. Her legacy was not only defined by awards like the Naismith and Wooden Awards but by grit, having persevered through several knee injuries including an ACL tear that forced her to sit out the 2022-23 season.
The Wings who had a brutal 9-31 season are in the midst of a franchise rebuild with a new coach, GM and now their second ever No.1 draft pick. “It’s not a rebuild, it’s a build” Bueckers stated.
GM Curt Miller, referring to her choice as a long awaited present, added that “Very early on, it was Paige and Paige only.” Coach Chris Koclanes complimented her unselfishness and leadership skills. Her combination with All-Star Arike Ogunbowale can create one of the league’s top backcourts.
The 2025 draft also included international flair with France’s Dominique Malonga being chosen No.2 and Lithuanian Juste Jocyte selected fifth by the Golden State Valkyries. But it was Bueckers who stole the show marking a bold new era for the Wings and a new beginning for women’s basketball.