The Dallas Wings continued their post-All-Star Break slide as they failed to win on the road against the Golden State Valkyries 86-76. However, Wings All-Star rookie Paige Bueckers did get some love in San Francisco, with former UConn teammate Morgan Cheli sending her regards to the Dallas star on Instagram.
“@paigebueckers hiiii,” Morgan Cheli posted.
While Bueckers was the biggest star in Geno Auriemma’s national title-winning 2024-2025 squad, Cheli shared in the limelight of that national title win at UConn, though she missed the latter parts of that season with an ankle injury, which required her to undergo surgery. Before her injury, Cheli only played for 24 games and averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game as a freshman.
The team went on to win that national title without her playing in March Madness, the Final Four or the National Championship Game. For this season, however, Cheli is expected to receive a bigger role in the squad now that many of the seniors, including Paige Bueckers herself, have left. She, together with Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and more will be forming one of the squads considered to be one of the favorites to win the Natty this season.
As for Paige Bueckers, she has been carrying the Wings all season, though the team continued its struggles and are 7-18 in the season. They have now lost their fifth straight game as their struggles continued this season. Paige Bueckers finished the game with 17 points, but it was not enough to stop the 10-point loss to the Valkyries.
Morgan Cheli’s Aggressiveness Seen To Become A Big Factor for UConn Huskies This Season
Though her first season with the Valkyries was disappointing as it ended with injury, Morgan Cheli, known for her defensive prowess and playmaking skills, is seen to be a big contributor for next season. She provided the x-factor for the Huskies in some games despite playing some limited minutes as a freshman.
While she may not be a starter, given how packed the roster is, she is largely seen to be a spark off the bench and contribute on both ends of the floor. She has already impressed her teammates during her freshman year, including Paige Bueckers who praised her after their 35-point opening game win against Georgetown.
“Morgan [Cheli] is just really great at adapting to whatever role and whatever position she has to play out on the floor,” Paige Bueckers said in December. “She is really easy to play in any sort of situation with any group out there.”
Cheli has been reporting to Huskies practice again, and only time can tell when the former McDonald’s All-American can get that starter nod.
Related: ‘Diaper Booty Working Hard’: UConn Star Azzi Fudd Hypes Up Teammate Morgan Cheli’s Intense Summer Workout Snaps
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
