Just a week ago, Paige Bueckers was atop the college basketball world celebrating an NCAA Tournament title at a rally in Storrs, Conn. On Monday night — with ex-head coach Geno Auriemma and teammates in attendance — Bueckers took her steps to the stage in a sparkly custom suit as WNBA commission er Cathy Engelbert named her as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings. WELCOME TO THE DALLAS WINGS, PAIGE BUECKERS pic.twitter.com/pREGdvalky — Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 14, 2025 Bueckers was moved to tears after Engelbert called her name and took in the moment. Despite being the consensus top pick on draft boards all over America for months, the moment wasn’t one she took for granted. “You don’t ever want to assume anything in life,” Bueckers said moments after the selection. “Nothing is guaranteed. So for this moment to be here and it actually happened, it’s nerve-racking. You just have a level of excitement, nervousness. Bittersweet feeling knowing that my journey at UConn is over, but excited for the next one to begin.” Paige Bueckers is heading to Dallas as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft presented by @StateFarm! pic.twitter.com/uC9FTmjMXA — WNBA (@WNBA) April 14, 2025 After Bueckers, top international prospect Dominique Malonga (France) was picked second overall by the Seattle Storm. The Washington Mystics then picked Notre Dame’s Sonia Cintron and USC’s Kiki Iriafen with the third and fourth picks, respectively. Lithuanian guard Juste Jocyte became the Golden State Valkyrie’s first ever draft selection after being picked fifth overall on Monday. The Dallas Wings had the UConn star in their sights the second the team won the draft lottery back in November. And Monday’s selection was essentially a lock after Bueckers declared for the draft weeks ago after a months-long period of uncertainty. The uncertainty is now over. @DallasWings take Paige Bueckers with the #1 overall pick In the 2025 WNBA draft. The folks here for the watch party at College Park Center went absolutely NUTS when the pick was called. #wings #WNBA #WNBADraft pic.twitter.com/36aDGY797I — Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) April 14, 2025 Fans inside College Park Center exploded in cheers after Bueckers’ name was called during a watch party on draft night. Those fans are now just a month away from getting a glimpse of Bueckers in her first WNBA regular-season game. “Yeah, I’m just extremely excited to be there,” Bueckers said of Dallas. “I’ve only heard great things about the city. So excited to start that new chapter and be in a new city and explore that and give everything I have to the Wings organization. I know we’re going to do great things, and it’s a fresh start, and I think we’re all ready to do something special. “So just extremely grateful that they have — they took the pick on me. I can see the city has great love for that pick, and we’re just super excited for the future. Dallas’ top selection in 2025 adds Bueckers to the illustrious list of former Huskies that’ve been picked No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft. UConn ranks first among colleges producing No. 1 picks — Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011), Breanna Stewart (2016) and Bueckers (2025). South Carolina, Notre Dame, Stanford and Tennessee hold a four-way tie for second place on the list. Along with with being the first pick in the 2025 draft, Bueckers is also the first pick by Dallas’ revamped staff that’s tasked with getting the team back into the postseason. Following a dreadful 9-31 campaign in 2024, the team decided to fire Latricia Trammell and rehire in place of Greg Bibb, the current Wings President and ex-general manager. Bueckers will now play under head coach Chris Koclanes and general manager Curt Miller, who coached the Los Angles Sparks for the past two seasons. Bueckers, who averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.1 steals in her final collegiate season, could start the season alongside four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale in the backcourt. Offseason pickups DiJonai Carrington and Tyasha Harris will likely battle for a starting guard spot throughout training camp. Carrington and Ogunbowale were among some teammates to express joy in the franchise’s newest addition. “Yeah, just to feel loved, feel supported, it means everything. I can’t wait to play with that system, to play with that team, to embrace that new city. To be in a place that you’re loved and wanted, that’s very important.” Wherever Bueckers lands on the depth chart, the Wings hope to get the elite shooting efficiency she showcased in her final collegiate season with the Huskies: 53.4% from the field, 41.9% from deep and 88.9% from the free throw line. Those numbers helped the Huskies into the NCAA Tournament, where they eventually defeated South Carolina, 82-59, in the championship game. Bueckers scored 17 points in the matchup. The title was the only accolade missing from her historic UConn career, which includes a Naismith award, a Wooden award, an AP Player of the Year Award, four NCAA All-Tourney team selections and four NCAA All-Region team selections. She finished third overall in total points scored (2,439) as a Husky behind Hall of Famer Moore (3,036) and future Hall of Famer Stewart (2676). Monday’s draft concludes a whirlwind week for Bueckers, which included pre-draft festivities, UConn’s title parade and the championship itself. The events required trips from Florida, Connecticut and New York. Now, the guard gets to take a breath and prepare for the next chapter in the W. “So, it’s been a lot of back and forth, but I’m running on great fumes, grateful fumes, and wouldn’t trade it for anything, the life that I’m living. I’m extremely blessed,” Bueckers said. ...read more read less