Sports
WNBA - English
WNBA Draft - English
Paige Buckers left an indelible mark on college basketball, finishing her stellar run at UConn as a national champion and the consensus top prospect in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The 23-year-old guard’s final chapter with the Huskies was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a title game win over South Carolina, where she scored 17 points in the championship game after setting a Husky record for points in an NCAA Tournament single game with 40 against Oklahoma. Those efforts pushed her NCAA Tournament scoring total to 477 points, placing her third all-time behind Caitlin Clark (491) and Chamique Holdsclaw (479). Over her four-year collegiate career, Bueckers averaged 20.0 points per game and shot 42.4% from three-point range, a stat line that underscores her efficiency and versatility.
She leaves UConn as a national champion, the only freshman to ever win the Naismith Women’s Player of the Year award and having led the team to four straight Final Four appearances, joining the likes of Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore, some Husky icons who also claimed the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft after championship seasons. Next Monday, April 14, Bueckers will follow in their footsteps when the Dallas Wings call her name with the first overall pick.
A New Chapter: Bueckers’ Shift to the Pros
As Bueckers prepares for the WNBA, her transformation is already underway, both on and off the court. She recently traded in her iconic double braids-a fixture of her UConn identity-for a sleek ponytail, a change she casually dismissed as a one-time thing due to her hairstylist’s absence. But in an interview Thursday, she hinted at something bigger: “I think it’s time for a change. The braids have had a good run.” That wasn’t the only update – her Instagram bio now links to a personal website, a clear sign that she’s embracing her professional future.
Bueckers has been laying the groundwork for years, racking up NIL deals with heavyweights like Nike, Gatorade, Bose, and Verizon, pushing her valuation to a cool $1.4 million. With UConn at the top of the NIL Store’s 2024 revenue list, her star power is undeniable. But time is of the essence: WNBA training camps open April 27, just weeks after her college finale, and the regular season begins May 16. This whirlwind transition will require a quick adjustment as she steps into the professional spotlight. After what happened with the NBA team in Dallas after Luka Doncic’s trade, the city is ready to welcome Paige with open arms. She has all the tools to make an immediate impact, the Dallas fans are ready, the league is watching, and Buckers seems ready to deliver. Her metamorphosis is just beginning, and if her college days are any indication, the pros won’t know what hit them.
The Draft Spotlight: High Hopes in Dallas
The 2025 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be a defining moment, with Bueckers poised to headline the night as the Dallas Wings‘ top pick. Fans in Dallas are buzzing, dreaming of a rookie season similar to Caitlin Clark’s stunning debut with the Indiana Fever last year. Clark’s Rookie of the Year campaign set the bar high, shattering records and turning heads around the league. I get it-folks may be tired of hearing Caitlin Clark’s name in the same breath, but after her unreal NCAA run and splash as a pro, comparing her to a talent like Bueckers feels inevitable.
They are on a collision course to meet again soon, this time as pros, with Bueckers expected to pair with Arike Ogunbowale in the Wings’ backcourt. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 27 – this matchup will be must-see TV. But for Bueckers to shine, she’ll have to carve her own path, stepping out of Clark’s towering shadow while living up to the lofty expectations that come with the No. 1 pick.
Beyond Buckers, the draft is filled with intrigue. The Washington Mystics, armed with new leadership and the third, fourth and sixth picks, hold serious sway over the class. After Dallas selects Bueckers, the Seattle Storm are expected to snag Dominique Malonga, a 6-foot-6 French center who’s dominating for Lyon with 15.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. The Mystics could target USC’s Kiki Iriafen, a former teammate of JuJu Watkins, with one of their early picks. Five teams – New York, Indiana, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Atlanta – traded away their first-round picks, narrowing the field. For Buckers, though, the focus remains on Dallas, where she’s expected to start a new era alongside Ogunbowale.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Brasileiro feminino: Expansão do campeonato nos próximos anos pode impactar qualidade na elite
Em 2027, o futebol feminino estará em destaque no Brasil. Além de sediar a Copa do Mundo, o país terá a primeira edição do Brasileirão A1 com 20 clubes, quatro a mais do que atualmente. O anúncio da expansão do campeonato, feito em janeiro, levanta a dúvida: a infraestrutura e a qualidade técnica dos times vão acompanhar esse crescimento? Nas seis primeiras rodadas da edição em disputa, foram marcados 158 gols, média de 3,3 por partida — no Brasileiro masculino, por exemplo, a média no mesmo período é de 2,3. O número expõe o abismo entre as equipes que brigam pelo título e aquelas que lutam contra o rebaixamento: já são seis jogos, 10% do total, com vitórias por quatro ou mais gols de diferença. Mas a frequência de goleadas vem diminuindo: caiu de 22,5% em 2019 para 12,5% em […]
In winning time, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was at his best in Thunder’s sweep of Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Before breaking through in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s series-clinching 117-115 Game 4 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had scored 73 points on 68 shots in the first three contests. His 35 percent shooting ranked last among 10 Thunder players who had appeared in every game — not exactly a stat anyone would have predicted entering the series.AdvertisementBut in winning time Saturday, the Thunder star and MVP finalist was at his best.Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 38 points to lead the Thunder to a series sweep and a second-round date with the winner between the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. Whichever team emerges will have to contend with a well-rested Thunder squad whose best player might have just hit his stride.It’s not that Gilgeous-Alexander, or anyone with the Thunder, ever worried about his uncharacteristic inefficiency. But what […]
Grizzlies must consider Ja Morant’s future and everything else after sweep
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — During his six-year tenure as general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Kleiman has usually gone out of his way to avoid the spotlight.Despite being the architect of a team that’s won at least 48 games in three of the last four seasons, few NBA fans could identify his face in a lineup. He’s likely happy with that.AdvertisementHe went against his usual tendencies earlier this season when he released a public statement that made waves throughout the league. Though his intent was to quiet the noise in Memphis, Kleiman may have unknowingly given an early glimpse into the unease behind the scenes that led to the Grizzlies’ shocking late-season collapse and yet another early exit from the playoffs.All of this culminated in Memphis falling short again in a 117-115 loss in Game 4 against the Oklahoma City […]
LIV Golf Mexico City: Ripper GC pulls ahead of Crushers GC after Round 2
<!--> MEXICO CITY – Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau is arguably golf's biggest hitter. Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith is arguably the sport's best putter. On Sunday at LIV Golf Mexico City, they'll face off for the first time in the final group of a LIV Golf final round.DeChambeau, thanks to a birdie at the par-3 18th Saturday, grabbed a one-shot lead over Smith. Both shot matching 5-under 66s while playing together during Saturday's second round, a precursor to what promises to be a dramatic and entertaining finish at Club de Golf Chapultepec.And if that wasn't enough, the third member of the final threesome is Torque GC Captain Joaquin Niemann, the current season-long points leader. Niemann is three shots off the lead and tied for the low round of the day Saturday with a 7-under 64.ADVERTISEMENT -->"Hopefully Bryson and I […]
Arkansas NIL collective calls on prominent lawyer to enforce Madden Iamaleava buyout clause amid transfer
247Sports FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas' name, image and likeness collective has hired an attorney to pursue and enforce a buyout clause in former quarterback Madden Iamaleava's agreement, CBS Sports has learned.In an unprecedented move in the NIL era of college sports, the parent company overseeing the Arkansas Edge collective has hired noted sports attorney Tom Mars to enforce buyout provisions in NIL contracts at Arkansas, Blueprint Sports CEO Rob Sine confirmed Saturday to CBS Sports. The collective is following the orders of Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek, who directed the collective to pursue buyout money in contracts broken by players in an insistent statement released Tuesday, just two hours after Iamaleava entered the transfer portal.The two former Arkansas players targeted in the initial legal efforts are Iamaleava and former receiver Dazmin James, sources told CBS Sports. A meeting between Iamaleava's […]
Grading the Broncos’ draft
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (DB04) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images Grade: C Best Pick: CB Jahdae Barron, No. 20 Overall What We Liked: Barron is a stud. His extreme versatility along with high-end tackling skills and coverage ability should make him a cornerstone of that defense for a while. In an era that's shifting more toward the idea of "positionless football," the Broncos are charging forward into the future with a defensive back that is the shining example of that philosophy. I also think Sai'vion Jones could work in quickly as a third pass rusher. Not Sure About: In theory, adding a couple skill players for Bo Nix should work for Denver, but these guys don't have the juice. RJ Harvey does not have […]
Related
Brasileiro feminino: Expansão do campeonato nos próximos anos pode impactar qualidade na elite
Em 2027, o futebol feminino estará em destaque no Brasil. Além de sediar a Copa do Mundo, o país terá a primeira edição do Brasileirão A1 com 20 clubes, quatro a mais do que atualmente. O anúncio da expansão do campeonato, feito em janeiro, levanta a dúvida: a infraestrutura e a qualidade técnica dos times vão acompanhar esse crescimento? Nas seis primeiras rodadas da edição em disputa, foram marcados 158 gols, média de 3,3 por partida — no Brasileiro masculino, por exemplo, a média no mesmo período é de 2,3. O número expõe o abismo entre as equipes que brigam pelo título e aquelas que lutam contra o rebaixamento: já são seis jogos, 10% do total, com vitórias por quatro ou mais gols de diferença. Mas a frequência de goleadas vem diminuindo: caiu de 22,5% em 2019 para 12,5% em […]
In winning time, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was at his best in Thunder’s sweep of Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Before breaking through in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s series-clinching 117-115 Game 4 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had scored 73 points on 68 shots in the first three contests. His 35 percent shooting ranked last among 10 Thunder players who had appeared in every game — not exactly a stat anyone would have predicted entering the series.AdvertisementBut in winning time Saturday, the Thunder star and MVP finalist was at his best.Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 38 points to lead the Thunder to a series sweep and a second-round date with the winner between the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. Whichever team emerges will have to contend with a well-rested Thunder squad whose best player might have just hit his stride.It’s not that Gilgeous-Alexander, or anyone with the Thunder, ever worried about his uncharacteristic inefficiency. But what […]
Grizzlies must consider Ja Morant’s future and everything else after sweep
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — During his six-year tenure as general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Kleiman has usually gone out of his way to avoid the spotlight.Despite being the architect of a team that’s won at least 48 games in three of the last four seasons, few NBA fans could identify his face in a lineup. He’s likely happy with that.AdvertisementHe went against his usual tendencies earlier this season when he released a public statement that made waves throughout the league. Though his intent was to quiet the noise in Memphis, Kleiman may have unknowingly given an early glimpse into the unease behind the scenes that led to the Grizzlies’ shocking late-season collapse and yet another early exit from the playoffs.All of this culminated in Memphis falling short again in a 117-115 loss in Game 4 against the Oklahoma City […]
LIV Golf Mexico City: Ripper GC pulls ahead of Crushers GC after Round 2
<!--> MEXICO CITY – Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau is arguably golf's biggest hitter. Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith is arguably the sport's best putter. On Sunday at LIV Golf Mexico City, they'll face off for the first time in the final group of a LIV Golf final round.DeChambeau, thanks to a birdie at the par-3 18th Saturday, grabbed a one-shot lead over Smith. Both shot matching 5-under 66s while playing together during Saturday's second round, a precursor to what promises to be a dramatic and entertaining finish at Club de Golf Chapultepec.And if that wasn't enough, the third member of the final threesome is Torque GC Captain Joaquin Niemann, the current season-long points leader. Niemann is three shots off the lead and tied for the low round of the day Saturday with a 7-under 64.ADVERTISEMENT -->"Hopefully Bryson and I […]
Arkansas NIL collective calls on prominent lawyer to enforce Madden Iamaleava buyout clause amid transfer
247Sports FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas' name, image and likeness collective has hired an attorney to pursue and enforce a buyout clause in former quarterback Madden Iamaleava's agreement, CBS Sports has learned.In an unprecedented move in the NIL era of college sports, the parent company overseeing the Arkansas Edge collective has hired noted sports attorney Tom Mars to enforce buyout provisions in NIL contracts at Arkansas, Blueprint Sports CEO Rob Sine confirmed Saturday to CBS Sports. The collective is following the orders of Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek, who directed the collective to pursue buyout money in contracts broken by players in an insistent statement released Tuesday, just two hours after Iamaleava entered the transfer portal.The two former Arkansas players targeted in the initial legal efforts are Iamaleava and former receiver Dazmin James, sources told CBS Sports. A meeting between Iamaleava's […]
Grading the Broncos’ draft
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (DB04) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images Grade: C Best Pick: CB Jahdae Barron, No. 20 Overall What We Liked: Barron is a stud. His extreme versatility along with high-end tackling skills and coverage ability should make him a cornerstone of that defense for a while. In an era that's shifting more toward the idea of "positionless football," the Broncos are charging forward into the future with a defensive back that is the shining example of that philosophy. I also think Sai'vion Jones could work in quickly as a third pass rusher. Not Sure About: In theory, adding a couple skill players for Bo Nix should work for Denver, but these guys don't have the juice. RJ Harvey does not have […]
Be the first to leave a comment