Paige Bueckers became a household name on April 6 when she led UConn to its 12th national championship, scoring 17 points in a gutsy win over South Carolina (82-59). Just days later, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings.
But as if her April couldn’t get any better, May is kicking off with a twist that only Bueckers could inspire.
Minnesota City To Be Named After Paige Bueckers for a Day
Recently, it was reported that the City of Hopkins in Minnesota will officially be renamed “Paige Bueckers, Minn” for one day on May 16 when she makes her highly anticipated WNBA debut.
Hopkins’ city council unanimously approved the symbolic renaming to honor the hometown hero’s monumental achievements. It’s a gesture that speaks to the impact Bueckers has had not only on basketball but also on her community.
Bueckers was born on Oct. 20, 2001, in Edina, Minnesota. She grew up just a short drive from Hopkins, where her basketball journey began. She attended Hopkins High School, and it didn’t take long for her to make headlines.
Bueckers etched her name in Hopkins history through her high school basketball career, accumulating 2,877 points, 795 assists, and 574 steals. During her senior year, Bueckers averaged 21.4 points, 9.4 assists, 5.4 steals, and five rebounds per game, which helped her team win all 62 games without a loss.
The renaming of Hopkins is more than a tribute — it’s a symbol of how deeply Bueckers resonates with her hometown. Now she has a long road to make her followers even prouder.
What’s Next for Bueckers?
Not even one month is left until Bueckers makes her highly anticipated WNBA debut. The former UConn star will take the court for the Wings for the first time on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET in a matchup against the Minnesota Lynx.
“This is super surreal. Just so grateful to be here. I don’t want to take this for granted. I’ve been focusing a lot about being present and being where my feet are, so to be at this stage, to be here … it just means everything to me,” Bueckers said, expressing how grateful she is to be in the big league now.
Her performance at UConn displayed exceptional talent throughout her college years. She produced 19.8 points with 4.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game alongside efficient shooting. Bueckers developed into one of women’s college basketball’s most well-rounded guards due to her basketball intelligence and ability to shoot at crucial moments, along with exceptional passing skills.
Bueckers’ ability to control tempo, create shots, and stretch the floor will be a massive boost for Dallas. Bueckers’ arrival at Dallas should reduce the burden on Arike Ogunbowale so the All-Star guard can prioritize scoring activities instead of playing as the team’s primary playmaker.
With her talent, vision, and leadership, it’s no wonder Bueckers will shine. Her arrival could mark the start of something special in Dallas.