DALLAS — In the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Dallas Wings made a significant move by selecting Paige Bueckers as their top pick. It’s fair to say they were fortunate to secure the No. 1 pick through the draft lottery. The Los Angeles Sparks had comparable odds for the top selection, but as Wings CEO Greg Bibb noted during Wednesday’s introductory press conference for the newly drafted players, “the ping-pong gods smiled upon us.” So, what was Bueckers’ first response when she found out that Dallas had the top pick?
“Obviously you don’t want to take anything for granted, be entitled to anything,” Bueckers told reporters at the press event held at Dallas City Hall. “You want to continue to stay motivated to work to be in that position to get drafted. But just excited for whatever the future held, wherever I ended up, first pick, last pick, it didn’t really matter to me. But now that we’re here, we’re in the present, we’re in Dallas, I’m super excited for the future.”
For Paige Bueckers, the excitement surrounding her draft day was palpable. Speculation arose regarding her feelings about joining the Wings, with some hints suggesting she was not entirely enthusiastic about the prospect. However, Bueckers has never voiced any negativity towards the team. Now, the former UConn women’s basketball standout is “excited” to start her journey in Dallas.
The Wings are optimistic that Bueckers will be a key player in their efforts to return to the playoffs. With Bueckers partnering with Arike Ogunbowale, there is plenty of cause for hope.
“Obviously excited, she’s electric,” Bueckers said of Ogunbowale. “Can score at all three levels, obviously a bucket-getter. So looking to assist her a lot. Space the floor, get her open looks, play off each other. Just excited for everybody on the team… Just excited to build that at camp… Excited to build with everyone.”
Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and the Wings are set to play their first preseason game on May 2 against the Las Vegas Aces.
Image Source: Paige Bueckers @ Instagram
