WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses with Paige Bueckers, who the Dallas Wings hope will help turn the team around. Photo: David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
One of college basketball’s biggest stars is headed to Dallas.
- The Dallas Wings took advantage of their first overall pick in Monday’s WNBA draft by selecting Paige Bueckers, who led the UConn women’s basketball team to this year’s NCAA title.
Why it matters: The Wings were 9-31 last season. Franchise leaders hope Bueckers can help turn the team around.
- “A new city, a fresh start, so I’m excited. Let’s get it,” Bueckers said in an interview after she was drafted to Dallas.
The big picture: The WNBA now has 13 teams. The San Francisco-based Golden State Valkyries participated in their first draft Monday.
The intrigue: Bueckers is a dynamic combo guard who can score from anywhere on the court.
- She has earned more than $1 million in name, image and likeness (NIL) deals during her college career, per Sportico.
- She also reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league.
- And, she says she prefers Tex-Mex over barbecue.
What they’re saying: “Paige is one of the most efficient and decorated players we have seen in the history of the collegiate game. We anticipate her making an immediate impact on the court,” Wings general manager Curt Miller said in a statement.
- The Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis also weighed in on X.
- “From one first-round overall pick to another, I just want to say congratulations and welcome to Dallas,” Davis said.
Zoom out: Hailey Van Lith, who took the TCU women’s basketball team to their first Elite Eight this year, will join her former LSU teammate Angel Reese on the Chicago Sky.
- Van Lith was drafted 11th.
What’s next: The Wings host the Minnesota Lynx on May 16 for their season opener.
