Former University of Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers made that next step in her basketball journey, becoming the number one pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, being selected by the Dallas Wings.
She does not forget to continually express gratitude to everyone who’s helped her along the way, as evidenced in a post to her Instagram Stories on Monday. The post was a picture of her and her skills development coach, Darren McLinton, the head of the McLinton Basketball Academy.
Paige Bueckers Thanks Her Skill Coach
“We did it Dmac!!,” the caption over the post began. “Thank you so much for everything!! We talked about this!” McLinton shared the post on his Instagram account along with SPARC DMV, the Maryland-based sports wellness group.
“From Coach @darrenmclinton and the entire SPARC team, we’re sending a HUGE shoutout to the #1 overall pick in the WNBA draft — now officially a Dallas Wing @paigebueckers”, the caption began. “Your hard work, resilience, and leadership have inspired a generation. Now it’s time to soar in the big league. We’re wishing you nothing but success in your rookie season. YOU did it, Paige!”
McLinton is a former professional point guard who played first for James Madison University. He parlayed his fortitude, which made him a two-time Colonial Athletic Association tournament MVP, into success on the court for several international teams.
He’s been a keen supporter of women’s basketball for years and worked extensively with Bueckers during her time at UConn.
Also Read: With Paige Bueckers Gone, Who Will Be the Next Face of Women’s College Basketball?
It was McLinton she turned to get ready for her senior season with the Lady Huskies after time off, healing from an injury, joking last August about how rigorous the training was in another Instagram Story.
“Breakfast Club. BeAMachine,” she wrote, adding “Mans almost took me out!!” to go with a photo of her shooting in the gym.
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!
