Paige Bueckers Receives Her First ‘Welcome to the WNBA’ Moment During Training Camp

DALLAS, TX – Paige Bueckers, the highly anticipated No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and former UConn star, has officially kicked off her journey in the WNBA with the Dallas Wings during their training camp. Bueckers, widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in women’s basketball, is already adjusting to the professional league’s intensity.

First Taste of WNBA Intensity

Bueckers’ first “Welcome to the WNBA” moment came during a training camp session where she showcased her skills and had her fair share of on-court challenges. A highlighted moment was when she executed a perfect assist after a quick shot fake, demonstrating her court vision and basketball IQ. The interaction was captured by her teammates, including DiJonai Carrington, a former Connecticut Sun player, with whom Bueckers shared a playful exchange.

Adjusting to the Pro Game

As expected, the transition from college basketball to the professional level has brought its own set of challenges for the 22-year-old. Bueckers reflected on the differences she’s encountering, including the physicality, the intensity of screens, and the quicker pace of play. One of the significant changes she noted was the adjustment to defensive and offensive three-second violations that differ from college rules.

“Everything’s faster here; the game is more physical, and you have to think quicker,” Bueckers shared. She also mentioned how much she’s enjoying learning from her new teammates and coaching staff while making sure to stay focused on building a strong connection with her teammates on and off the court.

Looking Ahead: Preseason and Regular Season Debut

The Dallas Wings will play their first preseason game on May 2 against the Las Vegas Aces at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion, where fans can catch a glimpse of Bueckers’ WNBA debut. The game will be broadcast on ION TV, and it’s expected to be a star-studded event with returning players such as Arike Ogunbowale from Dallas and Jackie Young from Las Vegas, both of whom are returning to their alma mater for the matchup.

The regular season for the Dallas Wings is set to begin on May 16, when they face off against the Minnesota Lynx.

The Road Ahead

As Bueckers begins her journey in the WNBA, all eyes will be on her to see how she adapts to the professional ranks. With her stellar skills, leadership abilities, and competitive drive, there is no doubt that Paige Bueckers will quickly become a household name in women’s basketball.

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