Paige Bueckers WNBA Draft Projection After Wade Trophy Win

Paige Bueckers’ collegiate career reached new heights with her prestigious Wade Trophy win, cementing her NCAA Division I Player of the Year status. The UConn star guard has dominated headlines with spectacular performances, including three consecutive 30+ point games in the NCAA tournament and an impressive 40-point showcase against Oklahoma.

Basketball analysts unanimously project Bueckers as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft. Her elite skillset combines surgical shooting efficiency—53% field goal, 41% three-point, and 88% free throw—with exceptional court vision and defensive instincts, making her the most coveted prospect in this draft class.

The Dallas Wings won the draft lottery jackpot, securing the chance to select a franchise-altering talent in Bueckers. After inconsistent seasons marked by roster turnover and injuries, the Wings view Bueckers as the cornerstone to ignite their rebuild and elevate the franchise to championship contention.

The Storm acquired the second overall pick through a savvy trade with the Los Angeles Sparks. Despite finishing with a strong 25-15 record in 2024, they aim to strengthen their roster around stars Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith. If Bueckers is unavailable, they might target other elite prospects like Aneesah Morrow or Kiki Iriafen.

The Mystics have positioned themselves as major players in this draft, holding three of the top six picks (3rd, 4th, and 6th). After trading veteran Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky, Washington is clearly rebuilding and seeking young talent to complement its existing core. With such draft capital, they could select multiple impact players or package picks to move up.

The Valkyries hold the fifth pick as the WNBA’s newest expansion team is entering the league in 2025. Located in a significant market with a strong basketball culture, Golden State will aim to draft foundational players who can immediately contribute and help establish their identity.

Bueckers joins an illustrious lineage of UConn stars transitioning to WNBA prominence as potential top picks. She becomes the seventh Husky to claim the Wade Trophy, following legends like Breanna Stewart, who similarly dominated the collegiate and professional levels.

Her five-season UConn career showcases remarkable consistency and development. She averages 19.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Despite battling injuries during her tenure, Bueckers maintained elite production while leading the Huskies to multiple Final Four appearances, displaying the resilience and competitive drive WNBA teams covet.

KEEP READING: ‘Bittersweet if Paige Wins This National Championship’ – UConn Coach Geno Auriemma Acknowledges Paige Buecker’s Contribution to Their Program

Dallas holds the first selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft, which promises to be transformative for multiple franchises. Bueckers’ combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership ensures she will make an immediate impact as she transitions from collegiate dominance to professional stardom.

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