Final month has been a whirlwind month for Paige Bueckers. On April 6, she led the UConn Huskies to their twelfth NCAA Girls’s Basketball Championship by scoring 17 factors in an announcement win over South Carolina (82-59).
Her efficiency proved why she’s some of the electrifying gamers in ladies’s basketball, instantly making her a high prospect for the NBA.
Simply days later, Bueckers’ dream got here true when the Dallas Wings chosen her because the No. 1 total decide within the 2025 WNBA Draft. Since then, the basketball world has been buzzing: When will Bueckers make her WNBA debut?
Is Paige Bueckers Taking part in Tonight vs. the Minnesota Lynx?
Preliminary reviews prompt followers must wait till Could 16, when the Wings open their common season towards the Minnesota Lynx. However now, there’s some thrilling information for UConn devoted and Bueckers supporters in every single place—she’s suiting up tonight.
Bueckers will formally make her preseason debut towards the Las Vegas Aces on Could 2, giving followers an early glimpse of her abilities on the skilled stage.
It’s a serious enhance for the Wings, who need to construct momentum heading into the common season, and likewise for the league, which continues to develop in recognition because of incoming stars like Bueckers.
“It’s simply extraordinarily spectacular, proper? The grace that she’s [handled] every part that’s thrown in her approach. And you then get her on the ground, and it simply makes the sport look simple,” mentioned Wings coach Chris Koclanes about Bueckers (as per Dallas Hoops Journal).
Throughout her ultimate 12 months at UConn, Bueckers put collectively one in every of her finest performances of her profession. She averaged 19.9 factors, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, which highlighted her skill to guide the group successfully.
Her presence may also be an enormous assist to Dallas star guard Arike Ogunbowale.
With Bueckers drawing defensive consideration and distributing the ball successfully, Ogunbowale may have extra freedom to function and create scoring alternatives.
“I’m making an attempt to return in and earn everyone’s respect by means of ardour, coronary heart, communication, and constructing that chemistry on and off the court docket. Simply connecting with everyone,” mentioned Bueckers (as per Dallas Hoops Journal).
Tonight’s preseason matchup received’t depend within the standings, however for followers and analysts alike, it’s a must-watch. It’s a preview of what’s to return: Bueckers bringing her profitable mentality, elite expertise, and magnetic power to the skilled recreation.
Bueckers Praised Aces Star A’ja Wilson Earlier than the Matchup
Bueckers could also be coming into the WNBA with a profitable mentality and sky-high expectations, however the former UConn star is holding her ft firmly on the bottom.
Following a latest follow session, Bueckers took a second to reward Aces ahead A’ja Wilson, one of many league’s most dominant forces.
“The most effective gamers within the league. Within the MVP race each single 12 months, might win it each single 12 months. Simply so expert, you possibly can inform she has such an amazing work ethic. She will get higher each single 12 months she has been within the league. She’s an issue,” Bueckers mentioned during the interview.
Wilson, a three-time MVP, is coming off an distinctive 2024 season the place she averaged 26.9 factors and 11.9 rebounds per recreation. With a matchup like this on deck, the preseason recreation guarantees to be electrical.
