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Paige Bueckers is set to make her WNBA preseason debut Friday night against the Las Vegas Aces, and the No. 1 overall pick already appears to be making a strong impression.
According to DallasHoopsJournal.com, Bueckers has emerged as a steady presence through the opening week of training camp for the Dallas Wings, displaying leadership, poise, and a natural fit in head coach Chris Koclanes’ system.
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“I just admire Paige’s ability to take everything in stride,” Koclanes said. “Her IQ is fantastic. She hasn’t missed a step here at all.”
While the basketball transition has been smooth, Bueckers said she’s still adjusting to life in a new city. She moved to Dallas from Connecticut earlier this month and is still unpacking.
“My moving truck from Connecticut came yesterday, so I’m still moving every single day,” Bueckers said. “But it’s been fun. I love where I live. I love being here with the team, in a new environment with new people, and continuing to get better and keep growing. So it’s been a great first week.”
Bueckers, 23, has stepped into a point guard role in Dallas, organizing the offense in practice while also showing comfort playing off the ball. She has earned praise for quickly grasping concepts and contributing in a variety of situations. Her competitive fire has been evident throughout camp, from extra shooting competitions to extended skill work after practice.
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She said her focus has been on communication and consistency.
“I’m trying to come in and earn everybody’s respect through passion, heart, communication, and building that chemistry on and off the court,” Bueckers said. “Just connecting with everybody.”
Paige Bueckers at the 2025 WNBA DraftVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The former UConn standout said the nerves are beginning to set in ahead of her first pro appearance.
“Yeah—excited, anxious, a little nervous,” she said. “But just super excited overall.”
Koclanes said Bueckers’ early impact has been felt in all areas.
“It’s just extremely impressive,” he said. “You get her on the floor, and it just makes the game look easy.”
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The Wings open preseason play Friday at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion, where fellow guard Arike Ogunbowale starred in college.
Related: Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale Clicking Early in Wings Training Camp
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