The women’s basketball landscape is set for a seismic shift as UConn phenom Paige Bueckers has officially announced her intention to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft. The announcement, confirmed to ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo, sets the stage for what many analysts consider a foregone conclusion. Bueckers is projected to be the Dallas Wings’ number-one overall pick.
After battling back from career-threatening injuries that sidelined her in previous seasons, Bueckers has returned to dominance in spectacular fashion. The redshirt senior has dazzled fans and scouts alike with her elite shooting split and exceptional court vision, leading UConn not only in scoring but also in assist-to-turnover ratio.
The Journey to Stardom for Paige Bueckers
Bueckers’ road to basketball career started at Hopkins High School in Minnesota, where she became the country’s best recruit and 2020 Gatorade National Player of the Year. Her rookie year at UConn was historic after becoming the first freshman in history to win the Naismith, AP, and Wooden Player of the Year honors.
BREAKING: Paige Bueckers will enter the 2025 @WNBA draft, she confirmed to @RebeccaLobo. pic.twitter.com/bOdezDTuYR
— espnW (@espnW) March 28, 2025
Despite losing nearly two years to injuries, including a devastating ACL tear that wiped out her entire 2022-23 season, Bueckers’ resilience has defined her collegiate career. Her remarkable comeback culminated in this dominant 2024-25 campaign, re-establishing herself as the premier talent in women’s college basketball.
Off the court, Bueckers has revolutionized the collegiate athlete experience through groundbreaking NIL deals. With an estimated valuation of $1.4 million, she ranks among the most marketable female collegiate athletes in America, securing partnerships with major brands, including CeraVe Skincare, Panini America, and StockX.
Significance of Paige Bueckers Declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft
Bueckers’ decision to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft is a turning point for women’s basketball. As the expected top pick overall, she has the potential to be a franchise-altering player for the Dallas Wings, following in the path of recent No. 1 picks such as Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu.
Her transition to the professional ranks comes during an unprecedented surge in women’s basketball popularity. Joining superstars such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and others, Bueckers embodies a new breed of talent set to take the WNBA to higher heights, potentially leading to higher ratings, sponsorship deals, and overall popularity.
As Bueckers prepares for her last NCAA Tournament, her legacy at UConn is already well-established. The announcement provides an added layer of emotion to each of the remaining games as fans see out the last collegiate chapter of a once-in-a-generation performer.
KEEP READING: Why JuJu Watkins’ Injury Puts More Pressure on UConn’s Paige Bueckers in Women’s NCAA Tournament
With UConn playing Oklahoma in the Sweet 16, Bueckers can add the ultimate flourish to her stunning comeback narrative by winning a national title before beginning her professional career. Her influence on women’s basketball at UConn and far beyond will be felt for years to come after she dons a WNBA uniform.
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