Scary Threat Awaits Paige Bueckers in the WNBA as Per National Analyst

Do you know who’s been the most searched NCAA women’s basketball player this year? It’s Paige Bueckers. That’s right, the UConn star has taken over the spotlight, surpassing even Caitlin Clark! There’s no denying Clark’s impact on the women’s basketball front. But even if you’re a die-hard CC fan and love the debate of Paige vs. Caitlin, deep down, we all want Bueckers to have a similar kind of impact. But as she gears up for her WNBA debut, analysts aren’t just hyping her up; they’re also pointing out the massive elephant in the room.

National analysts Ricky Cobb and Ronnie T-shirts recently discussed Bueckers on OutKick, and while they both raved about her game, Cobb made sure to bring up the big concern as well. “She’s good….when she’s in the league next year I will actually watch her play like she has got some sick moves,” T-Shirts said. 

And while Cobb agreed, he also hit fans with a reality check. “Well, P’s problem has been injuries. She’s got a bad injury background, so the thing for her is going to be staying healthy,” Cobb said during his show. Ah, yes, that is true. Bueckers has had a rough stretch in college. She burst onto the scene as a freshman, earning every award you could think of, but then, injuries kept her off the court for most of the next two seasons. 

Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, she played just 17 combined games. First, in December 2021, she suffered a tibial plateau fracture and a lateral meniscus tear in her left knee during a game against Notre Dame. Fast forward to August 2022, and she was sidelined again—this time with a torn ACL sustained during a pickup game. Talk about bad luck. Then, finally, on Nov. 8, 2023, PB started against Dayton. However, UConn and the entire basketball world had to wait until this season to see Paige Bueckets playing a full season.

This season, she’s been delivering- averaging 19 points and 4.5 rebounds while leading the Huskies back into the championship conversation in her final year. With the 2025 WNBA Draft approaching, Bueckers is expected to be a top pick. ESPN’s latest mock draft has her slotted as the No. 1 pick for the Dallas Wings, a franchise that could use a player with her level of wizardry on the court. Other experts, including CBS Sports and Swish Appeal, also predict her going first overall. But here’s where things get complicated. The Dallas Wings, or any other team picking her, will have to pray to the basketball gods that she remains healthy.

But do you know what her turning pro also means? We’re about to witness something truly special. The W is getting stacked with young stars. Caitlin Clark is already there. Now, Paige Bueckers and, in a few years, JuJu Watkins. As Cobb put it, “You can’t build it on one or two players, and college is really the breeding ground for women’s basketball stars just like it used to be for men’s basketball.” 

The league needs new rivalries, fresh talent, and players with star power. And these young women are bringing it all. With all three of them in the league together in the coming years, women’s basketball is heading toward an exciting new era. The WNBA is already on the rise, and this just feels like the start of something massive. But before we get to that, Bueckers has unfinished business—March Madness.

Can Paige Bueckers & Co. make a deep tournament run?

To be fair, Bueckers isn’t just sitting around hoping for good health—she’s working for it. She returned with remarkable instincts, leading UConn to yet another Big East title and snagging her third Most Outstanding Player award in the process. That’s right—not even the UConn legends before her managed to do that. “It’s very cool and hard to do something that’s never been done at UConn before,” Bueckers said after leading her team to a 70-50 win over Creighton in the conference championship. 

Now, she’s locked in on one final goal: an NCAA title. That’s the one thing missing from her college resume. And honestly, this might be her best shot. The Huskies are peaking at the right time. They’ve won every game since Feb. 6, each by at least 19 points. The fifth-year senior has been unstoppable, and she’s got standout freshman Sarah Strong supporting her in a big manner. 

The Huskies are healthy—something that’s been rare during Bueckers’ tenure. If everything falls into place, this UConn team could go all the way. Last year, they made it to the Final Four but fell short against Caitlin Clark and Iowa. Bueckers wouldn’t want to repeat the same. So, can they finally get it done? For Bueckers, that would be the perfect way to end her college career.