This year’s Women’s March Madness had everything fans could dream of — high drama, star power, and history. Paige Bueckers led the UConn Huskies to their 12th NCAA championship with a composed 17-point performance in the title game. As the confetti rained down, the echoes of past rivalries softened … at least for a moment, as Arike Ogunbowale had a surprising reaction.
Ogunbowale Forgot All the Past Bitterness
The Dallas Wings star took to her X account with a confession that seemed to weigh heavily on her heart, but still, she was happy.
“I woke up feeling like a traitor cause I was really clapping when a certain team scored??? 😭☘️ anyway, go wings lol. can’t wait for the draft. @DallasWings yall know what to do,” wrote Ogunbowale.
I woke up feeling like a traitor cause I was really clapping when a certain team scored??? 😭☘️ anyway, go wings lol. can’t wait for the draft. @DallasWings yall know what to do ❗️
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) April 7, 2025
This sentiment comes from a player whose collegiate career was defined by the bitter Notre Dame-UConn rivalry, one of the most storied matchups in women’s college basketball.
The Notre Dame-UConn rivalry perhaps reached its most dramatic peak during Ogunbowale’s collegiate career. In 2018, she etched her name in Fighting Irish lore when she hit the basket in overtime to defeat the seemingly invincible Huskies (91-89) in the Final Four, ending their season.
During her illustrious career at Notre Dame, Ogunbowale established herself as one of the program’s greatest players. She finished as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,626 points, averaging 17.6 points per game over her four years.
Since being selected fifth overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings, Ogunbowale has developed into one of the league’s premier scorers. Now, as her Wings hold the first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, Ogunbowale hasn’t been shy about where that selection should go.
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Bueckers is widely projected to be the top pick. If she ends up in Dallas, she and Ogunbowale could form one of the most electric backcourts in the league, one that could turn the Wings into title contenders overnight.
In a tournament full of unforgettable moments, Ogunbowale’s post reminded everyone that admiration can beat out old grudges. Rivalries run deep, but respect runs deeper.
Still, while Bueckers has long been linked to the Wings, rumors recently surfaced that she might not want to go there. Now, the 23-year-old guard is clearing that up.
Bueckers Clears Up Rumors Regarding the WNBA Team She Will Choose
Back in November, ESPN hinted that Bueckers had her sights set on the Los Angeles Sparks as her ideal landing spot in the WNBA. However, after the Sparks missed out on the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery — which instead went to the Wings — whispers began to spread. Some speculated that Bueckers might not be open to playing for Dallas, fueling rumors that she could potentially snub the Wings if drafted.
But Bueckers recently addressed those rumors in an interview with Front Office Sports, setting the record straight. She made it clear that she does not have a specific team in mind and is simply excited for the opportunity to play professionally, no matter where she lands.
“The reports are the reports. People write stories, and it’s whatever. Honestly, I’m not really worried about that at the moment. I’m just worried about being here, being present with the team, and trying to get better every single day. So whatever the future may hold, it’s only in God’s hands,” said Bueckers during the interview.
This season, the 23-year-old averaged 19.9 points per game with UConn. No matter which team selects her in the upcoming WNBA Draft, they’ll be gaining a dynamic guard with elite vision, scoring ability, and leadership — tools that will instantly elevate any roster.