Paige Bueckers finds herself navigating life within the WNBA a bit of over a month after profitable a nationwide championship with UConn. As she pushes by means of her early weeks within the execs, one of many league’s prime stars handed on some recommendation to the No. 1 choose.
Within the early days of the 2025 marketing campaign, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier has gotten a great have a look at Bueckers. The Lynx has already confronted off towards the Dallas Wings twice, most just lately on Might 21.
Bueckers shined within the second assembly between these groups, posting the primary double-double of her professional profession (12 factors, 10 assists). Nevertheless, this was not sufficient to get the Wings over the hump as they misplaced in a nail-biter, 85-81.
When requested in regards to the younger guard, Collier praised her recreation and urged her to take advantage of her expanded minutes on the level guard place.
“I believe Paige is gonna be actually good,” Collier said. “Rookie 12 months is actually onerous so I might simply inform her there’s gonna be up-and-downs, however from what I’ve seen she’s staying aggressive in these first couple video games. I would inform her preserve doing that and lead the group.”
Regardless of adjusting to the professionals on the fly, Bueckers appears to be doing nicely. By her first three video games, she is averaging 13.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 6.7 APG.
Given the fast turnaround between the school and WNBA seasons, prospects of all ranges are anticipated to expertise rising pains.
Whereas it hasn’t gotten them within the win column but, the Wings ought to be ok with the participant they drafted first total. Bueckers is already exhibiting robust flashes as a scorer and facilitator.
The numbers do not bounce off the web page, however are a serious constructive for Dallas. Bueckers’ manufacturing will solely improve as she will get extra comfy on the WNBA stage.