When you land the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, you’re hoping for a game-changer. Someone who doesn’t just fill a gap but lifts the whole team. For Dallas Wings fans, that hope now has a name: Paige Bueckers.
But what’s even more exciting? She’s teaming up with a certified WNBA bucket-getter. If that doesn’t make you look twice at the Wings, nothing will. But most importantly, Bueckers is all hyped up about her new partnership with the four-time WNBA All-Star.
Paige Bueckers Hyped Up To Play Alongside Arike Ogunbowale
On Monday (April 14) night, the Wings made the obvious decision, selecting UConn star Bueckers with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. It was a long-expected move, especially after Bueckers capped her college career by delivering Connecticut a national championship. Now, she steps into the pros with big goals and an even bigger opportunity.
Dallas had a rough go in 2024, finishing 9-31, which was the second-worst in the league. But winning the lottery gave them a shot to reset. And with Bueckers coming in, their backcourt just got interesting.
She’s joining forces with Arike Ogunbowale, the four-time WNBA All-Star and 2024 All-Star Game MVP. Arike dropped 22.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season, continuing her run as one of the league’s most electric scorers. That’s something to get excited for, and Bueckers did not attempt to hide her excitement.
When asked about sharing the floor with someone like Ogunbowale, Bueckers was all smiles. “A whole lot of assists,” she said with a grin.
“She is a shot creator, don’t need to do much on the floor, but to be able to get her easier shots—to make the floor more spread, more open—that’s the whole team. I’m excited for the future.”
View this post on Instagram
There’s no doubt that with Bueckers’ next-level game and high basketball IQ, she could be the perfect complement to Ogunbowale’s scoring firepower.
Ogunbowale Reacts as Bueckers Goes No. 1 in WNBA Draft
While Bueckers was having her moment in New York City, Ogunbowale wasn’t in the room. Instead, she stayed local, celebrating with fans at the Wings’ draft watch party at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
But as soon as the pick was announced, Ogunbowale made sure the love was felt. She posted a heartfelt message on X to welcome the future WNBA star:
“yesssir!!! it’s time @paigebueckers1,” she said on social media.
yesssir!!! it’s time 😈 @paigebueckers1
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O)
The energy is real, and the Bueckers-Ogunbowale partnership is surely full of potential. With Bueckers’ 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds on over 53% shooting in her final college season, the Wings now have one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league.
Dallas had also brought in 2024’s Most Improved Player, DiJonai Carrington, and added former Fever forward NaLyssa Smith. If this group clicks, the Wings might just fly back into playoff conversations.
