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UConn Huskies’ standout guard Paige Bueckers has had one of the most accomplished college careers in the history of NCAA Women’s Basketball. A former AP Player of the Year, Naismith Player of the Year, and 3-time Big East Player of the Year, the only thing she hasn’t yet accomplished is winning an NCAA championship.
As a result of becoming a household name in women’s basketball, the buzz surrounding her future plans to go pro have become a topic of discussion for months now.
Paige Bueckers’ Latest Comments
In a candid discussion on a March 4, 2025 episode of the Yahoo Sports podcast, Bueckers delivered a statement that has sent ripples through the basketball community.
Isis “Ice” Young, host of the podcast episode, asked Bueckers if anything had felt any different this season versus previous years at UConn, outside of it potentially being her last. With a reflective tone that blended nostalgia and determination, Bueckers said the following.
“Yeah, definitely knowing it’s my last. I mean, I had a feeling last year that I wanted to come back. I hadn’t made that decision until late but it was always a gut feeling of mine,” Bueckers said. “So, just knowing that there are more ‘lasts’ coming up, like my last XL Game, Senior Night is this weekend.”
Leaving listeners to ponder the weight of those “lasts” on her future, hinting that this could indeed be her final season at UConn. She also noted how much the absence of teammates Nica Mühl and Aaliyah Edwards has made this last season with the Huskies all the more difficult, with both former UConn alumni now in the WNBA.
Paige Bueckers Legacy and Opportunity
At just 23 years old, the star guard is widely touted as the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Despite technically having one more year of eligibility, due to a redshirt season courtesy of the COVID-19 era, her “gut feeling” about this being her final campaign with UConn suggests that she might be ready to embrace the next chapter.
Adding a twist to the narrative, however, is the strong possibility that Bueckers will be heading to the WNBA’s worst team, the Dallas Wings. After a lottery win that secured the No. 1 overall pick for Dallas in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Wings are seen by many as the natural landing spot for the generational talent.
With Wings star Arike Ogunbowale already lighting up the court, many fans have speculated that the duo could form a backcourt reminiscent of the NBA’s (former) iconic Luke Dončić-Kyrie Irving pairing. In fact, even Ogunbowale expressed her excitement immediately after the news broke that Dallas had secured the No. 1 pick.
I just fell to my knees. THANK YOU LORD! 😭😭😭😭
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) November 17, 2024
However, despite the incredible opportunity to turn pro, some analysts feel it could benefit Bueckers to wait one more year before making her decision.
First of all, the Wings are in no position to win right now, even with the addition of Bueckers. Ogunbowale has been the team’s only reliable star and Dallas hasn’t won a WNBA or conference title in almost 20 years. So, Bueckers would have to be prepared for a rebuild.
More importantly, however, many feel that joining the Wings on a rookie contract would limit her earnings potential immensely compared to waiting another year, especially with a new collective bargaining agreement on the horizon.
So, while many believe that her comments signal an imminent move to the WNBA, it’s important to note that nothing is set in stone. If UConn can’t get over the hump this season and win a national championship, that could provide all the motivation Bueckers needs to stay another year to chase that elusive NCAA title.
