The 2025 WNBA season is officially underway, and with it begins what many are calling the Paige Bueckers era. As she takes the court for the Dallas Wings, the No. 1 overall pick aims to carve out a Caitlin Clark-like impact—becoming not only a statistical leader but a transformative presence for her team and the league as a whole.
Though the Wings have stumbled out of the gate with an 0-3 record in their first three games, Bueckers has been a bright spot amid the struggles. She’s shown plenty of promise, putting up solid numbers with an average of 13.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Her ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game underscores her potential to be a cornerstone for the Wings’ future success.
Paige Bueckers Reveals the WNBA Matchup She’s Most Excited About
Ahead of the WNBA season, PFSN caught up with Bueckers and asked who her most-anticipated matchup of the season is, to which she gave a very simple but sweet response: “Any one of my former UConn teammates.”
As of now, the only former UConn teammate of Bueckers who’s active in the WNBA is Aaliyah Edwards of the Washington Mystics.
While it promises to be an exciting matchup, it’s a bit disappointing that Bueckers won’t have more opportunities to face off against former teammates.
Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin, both drafted in the same class as Bueckers, are currently unavailable. Chen was waived by the Golden State Valkyries, and Griffin is recovering from surgery.
Still, Bueckers and Edwards are set to play each other three times this season, with games scheduled for June 22, June 28, and August 10. Also, there are plenty of notable UConn alumni that Bueckers will face off against, including Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Tina Charles.
Dallas Still Winless Despite Bueckers’ Strong Start to Season
Bueckers is a complete player, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways—whether it’s scoring, playmaking, or defense. Her versatility and basketball IQ will be incredibly valuable as the Wings build toward becoming a truly competitive team.
She’s not just a scorer or a passer; she’s the kind of all-around talent that can influence the game at every level.
As expected, Bueckers remains the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, but the gap between her and fellow contender Dominique Malonga isn’t as wide as some might assume. Both rookies have shown flashes of brilliance, making the race more competitive and exciting as the season progresses.
As Bueckers gains more experience and comfort in the WNBA’s fast-paced environment, she could quickly become one of the league’s biggest challenges—even for some of the established top-tier stars.
That said, despite her rising status, Bueckers is more excited about facing off against her former teammates than the WNBA’s elite veterans.
