The jump from college basketball to the WNBA is no joke. Not only is the game a lot faster, but the physicality goes up a notch as well. While Caitlin Clark actively struggled with this during her early days in the league, Paige Bueckers seems to have adapted seamlessly.
Although Bueckers admits the physicality “gets the better of her” emotionally sometimes, her poise and composure have made the rookie seem like a veteran on the floor at times. Being on a Dallas Wings team that has started the season off 6-14, Bueckers has managed to deliver impressive performances despite poor collective displays.
But as the league wonders just how Bueckers adapted this quickly, the answer might lie in her UConn roots as the star discusses her idol’s role in her journey.
Paige Bueckers’ Special Bond With Diana Taurasi
After the Wings’ loss to the Phoenix Mercury, Bueckers was asked about her relationship with Diana Taurasi and how she helped with the rookie’s transition to the league. As always, Bueckers was filled with admiration for her inspiration.
“Yeah just obviously having that UConn connection. I’ve been knowing her since my career there. We have each other’s phone number, She’s just open and willing to talk to me whenever if I have questions” said Bueckers.
Paige Bueckers explained to @GrantAfseth about what went wrong in Wings’ 102-72 road loss at Mercury (she finished with 11 points, 3/11 FG, -27), and to @azcsports about Diana Taurasi’s mentorship, bond via their “UConn connection” and “seeking her wisdom, she’s always there.” pic.twitter.com/qpkKswRk6L
— DANA (@iam_DanaScott) July 8, 2025
Although Bueckers developed a relationship with Taurasi during her time as a Husky, the WNBA legend has been the greatness Bueckers has chased from a young age. Even when Bueckers got to UConn, she was not only focused on uplifting Taurasi’s legacy but also hopefully filling her shoes.
Since then, Taurasi has been a mentor to Bueckers, and that isn’t something the No. 1 overall pick takes for granted.
“If I need advice, just if I’m seeking her wisdom, she’s always there, and she’s a big supporter of me,” Bueckers said of her bond with Taurasi. “So I’m never taking that for granted, and I’m never not going to take advantage of having that relationship.
“I really look up to her, and I’ve looked up to her since I was young, so I’m grateful to have that relationship.”
Taurasi has also expressed significant appreciation for Paige Bueckers in the past, notably stating that Bueckers is “going to end up being the best player in the league.”
The three-time champion elaborated on this during an appearance on The Athletic’s “No Offseason” podcast, highlighting Bueckers’ grounded nature, patience, and preparedness as qualities she believes were developed during her time at UConn.
Taurasi also praised Bueckers’ incredible instincts on the court, her ability to distribute and score, and her capacity to galvanize a team.
“Once that talent is unlocked, I can’t wait to see what she becomes,” Taurasi said.
For Bueckers, the challenge she currently faces is turning the season around for Dallas, which has looked lackluster so far this season. And though Taurasi tasted her share of silverware, Bueckers could draw lessons from her rookie season to forge a path to the playoffs, something Taurasi failed at.
