New City, New Beginnings: Paige Bueckers Starts a New Era with the Dallas Wings

Paige Bueckers joins forces with new teammates, ready to build chemistry and compete with the Dallas Wings.

A new era has arrived in Dallas and it aligns with Paige Bueckers. With a revamped front office led by Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller, head coach Chris Koclanes, and a retooled roster built on versatility and depth, the Dallas Wings are setting a new course for the future. At the heart of it all is Bueckers, the 2025 number one overall pick, who now embarks on the next chapter of her basketball journey as she begins her rookie season in the WNBA.

“Super fun, just excited for things to finally get going, feel like we've been on the move for the past couple weeks so to get settled down. start this next chapter with this group of women and the coaching staff and an entire new organization, really exciting.” Bueckers states the excitement after her first training camp practice with the Dallas Wings.

Bueckers finished her college career in style as she won the NCAA championship, she was acknowledged as a First-Team All-American, voted as the Big East Player of the Year and recorded 50/40/85 shooting splits while doing it. The former UCONN guard averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals in her final season. Bueckers became the sixth UConn player to be selected number one overall in the WNBA Draft. Bueckers joined Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart.

Bueckers brings elite court vision to the Wings, held a 3.52 assist-to-turnover ratio, which ranked second nationally in her last season at UCONN. With the Wings needing a true floor general, Bueckers is the ideal partner to pair with Arike Ogunbowale. Bueckers can take pressure off Ogunbowale, allowing the All-WNBA guard more freedom off the ball and the ability to get easier shot attempts. Bueckers’ calm demeanor under pressure and clutch scoring ability ensures defenses can’t overcommit to Ogunbowale like the past several years. Imagine them as a modern production of music in motion: Ogunbowale, the artist drawing every eye to the buckets, and Bueckers, the conductor orchestrating the flow and harmony through the chaos of a game.

During the first day of training camp, the chemistry between Ogunbowale, Bueckers, newcomer DiJonai Carrington and returning guard Ty Harris, was really good and fun to witness. They were the most vocal in the first day of Dallas Wings training camp. Chemistry is always a luxury for a rookie beginning their season in the WNBA.

“I played against some of them through USA basketball, just through college basketball and high school, so just to have that, and we're all friends, we're all cool in the basketball world, so obviously when you're on the same team you’re closer, but it's really fun. I think chemistry, like you said, it is very underrated part of basketball. So in order to build that, come in and try to earn everybody's respect. I stay connected with everybody, it makes things a lot easier.” Bueckers responds to the importance of chemistry on a team.

Bueckers can also play off the ball and space the floor with her ability to shoot, she shot 53.4% from the floor in her last season at UCONN, which was fifth among all Division-1 guards and 41.9% from the three-point line, which was over 40% for 3rd time in career.

Bueckers has achieved a lot of success individually but she is not one to have expectations in her rookie season with the Wings.

“I'm not one to build expectations because I think that puts a ceiling on things, but just to live every day for itself, try to get better every single day, grow closer to my teammates and be a great leader, be a great teammate. Do things that contribute to winning and wear the Dallas uniform with pride. Be present, enjoy every single moment and maximize each day.”

Bueckers wants to build the trust from her teammates and coaching staff. She wants to build respect with her voice, as a teammate and as a leader of the team. Earning everybody’s respect is the top priority for her ahead of the 2025 WNBA season.

Dallas finished last season with a 9-31 record, but the team isn't looking to start over. Instead, they restructured the entire roster, bringing in players who can help drive success this season. The team returns key contributors like Arike Ogunbowale, Maddy Siegrist, and Teaira McCowan, while adding a strong core that includes Paige Bueckers, DiJonai Carrington, Myisha Hines-Allen, Ty Harris, NaLyssa Smith, Aziaha James, and Madison Scott.

“I think we're all excited to be here, there’s a lot of new, so I think the team’s mentality is just to get better every single day and our chemistry going, growing our work ethic, play with passion, energy and intensity that doesn't matter how long we're playing together. Obviously, there will be ups and downs, as there is to every single season for every single team but continue to grow together, stay together, really enjoy playing with each other.” Bueckers on the team’s mentality for this season.

Bueckers is a connector on the court, does what is needed to achieve the victory. She is a player who makes everyone better by simplifying the game. Ogunbowale is set to benefit from a more balanced offensive system, allowing her to get easier shots without the pressure of carrying the load as she has had in past seasons. McCowan is primed to excel with high-percentage looks in the paint. Siegrist, a proven scorer, will find her rhythm through the timing and space created by Bueckers. Carrington and Harris will thrive in transition, capitalizing on easy buckets and off-ball movements designed by Koclanes. At the core of it all, Bueckers will orchestrate the offense, ensuring ball movement and creating opportunities for her teammates.

Although Bueckers doesn’t have any games circled on her calendar this season, she mentioned a few players she’s looking forward to play against.

“Nobody circled, but I’m excited for everything honestly. Obviously, it'll be a little bit different playing against my former teammates. Like we haven’t played against each other, so Aaliyah Edwards, Nika Muhl, Olivia [Nelson-Ododa], Christyn Williams with the Minnesota Lynx right now, Dorka [Juhász] just those to name a few.”

Bueckers has millions of followers and a huge brand but in reality, she enjoys the normality of life. She likes to hang out with her teammates, kick it with her friends, watch movies/TV shows and go out to eat. Despite the fame, she values her personal time and often seeks out low-key activities to relax. Her calm nature shines through as she balances publicity with staying grounded and connected to those who matter most.

Following Bueckers' selection as the number one overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers’ former stops have shown appreciation toward her.

The city of Hopkins, Minnesota (Bueckers hometown) voted to rename the city as “Paige Bueckers, Minnesota” on May 16th for the day and will celebrate it as “Paige Bueckers Day”. May 16th is the Dallas Wings season opener as Bueckers makes her official WNBA debut against the Minnesota Lynx.

UCONN is recognizing Bueckers' transition to the WNBA by selling her Wings apparel and jersey on campus. This move showcases the growing support from fans in her journey at the professional level.

Bueckers ended the interview with the best advice she has been given for her new city and new beginnings.

“Be present, enjoy every single day. Don't worry about the future. Don't worry about the past. Enjoy where your feet are and just focus on that.”