Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers made an immediate impression during her WNBA preseason debut — not just with a 10-point outing but also by debuting a custom pair of Nike Kobe 9 PE “UCONN” player exclusives. The sneakers, done in UConn’s signature blue and white, paid homage to her decorated college career while signaling her entry into the pros.
In the second quarter against the Las Vegas Aces, Bueckers’ debut was solid but not eye-popping. She missed all three of her first-half shots and didn’t record an assist. But her custom sneakers made a statement.
Paige Bueckers’ WNBA Preseason Debut
The Kobe 9 PE (Player Exclusive) Protro is part of Nike’s “performance retro” line — modern takes on Kobe Bryant’s signature shoes, updated with new cushioning and materials. Originally revamped in 2018, the Protro version upgrades the Kobe 9 Elite’s Flyknit upper with full-length Zoom Air for better court feel.
Kobe was a big supporter of the Protro approach, pushing for retro designs that kept the original look but improved performance tech.
Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, played 23 minutes in the Wings’ 112–78 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on May 2 at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion. She scored 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, hit two 3-pointers, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out one assist.
Despite a scoreless second quarter, Bueckers bounced back in the second half, showing off the shot that helped lead UConn to a national title. The game also served as a reunion of sorts, with former Notre Dame stars Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, and Jackie Young — all now WNBA vets — back under one roof.
Head coach Chris Koclanes stressed the need for patience with the team’s new pieces. “You try to prepare and teach and put her in positions to be able to find success, and then you have to let her go and let her live and experience it,” he said.
Bueckers called the experience “super surreal,” reflecting on the quick shift from March Madness to the WNBA. “I’m getting used to new routines, traditions, new teammates, new organization,” she said, determined to find her rhythm early.
Long before tip-off, attention was already on her shoes. Sneakerhead and media personality Nick DePaula snapped her tunnel walk, highlighting the Nike Kobe 9 PE “UCONN” colorway—a player exclusive in baby blue, white, and red to match UConn’s colors.
It was the first time Bueckers played against pros while wearing shoes that honored her college days. Unlike general releases, PEs are typically made in limited quantities for athlete use, making her pair a quick collector’s item.
Bueckers Blends College Legacy With WNBA Debut
Her first official Nike shoe was the Nike GT Hustle 3 Paige Bueckers edition. It features a UConn logo on the heel, her personal slogan “Be You, Be Great” on the sockliner, and the “860/612” area codes representing Connecticut and her Minnesota hometown.
Within hours of tip-off on May 2, 2025, photos and video of her Kobe 9s spread across Twitter and Instagram. Sneaker fans praised the tribute to both Bryant and Bueckers, with one commenting, “Once a husky, always a husky.”
As the Wings look ahead to their regular-season opener on May 16, Bueckers will try to turn her scoring flashes and court vision into wins. Off the court, the buzz around her Kobe 9 PE highlights the growing appeal of women’s athlete-led sneaker culture.
Her preseason debut at Notre Dame marked a double entrance—one on the court, and one into sneaker history. With the season about to begin, fans will be watching to see how her game and kicks evolve.