Paige Bueckers’ long-anticipated WNBA debut officially began Sunday, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft took the floor for the Dallas Wings’ first training camp practice at College Park Center.
Bueckers arrived carrying sky-high expectations, but her approach to the first day reflected the same calm, poised demeanor that defined her college career at UConn.
“Yeah, I’m excited. Extremely excited to get things going,” Bueckers said. “So glad it’s finally underway. We had our first practice, but it’s an exciting scene to be a part of. A lot of new pieces, like we talked about — the new head coach, new-old coaching staff, a lot of new players and returners. But just a great group of vets, young guys.”
Bueckers spent much of the practice as a primary ball-handler, running the offense during scrimmages while working alongside veterans Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington. From her first reps, she showed command in half-court actions, balancing playmaking responsibilities with off-ball movement designed to leverage her shooting range.
“I’m trying to come in and earn everybody’s respect by the passion, the heart, communication on building that chemistry on and off the court,” she said. “And just connecting with everybody.”
Paige Bueckers on Adjusting to the WNBA
Paige Bueckers brings a valuable shooting gravity to an offense, as this Dallas Wings practice clip shows.
The play flows into a Ghost screen by Bueckers, leading to a close out she beats and a bounce pass to the dunker spot for a finish. pic.twitter.com/9tGaawcgEd
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) April 27, 2025
The Wings’ up-tempo, physical practice schedule offered an early test for Bueckers, who noted differences immediately compared to her college experience.
“Honestly, screens. I got hit by one — that would be the first, like, wow, here is different,” Bueckers said. “And obviously the floor is a little different because of three seconds in the lane — offensive three [seconds] in the lane — so that’s a little bit different. And then the pace and obviously the physicality, stuff like that.”
Still, coaches and teammates said Bueckers adapted quickly. First-year Wings head coach Chris Koclanes praised her ability to process new information and apply it in real time.
“It’s just extremely impressive, right? The grace that she’s [handled] everything that’s thrown in her way,” Koclanes said. “And then you get her on the floor, and it just makes the game look easy.”
Carrington detailed how Bueckers is a quick learner capable of turning what the coaches instruct into results on the court.
“She’s a student of the game. Her IQ is super high,” Carrington said. “You don’t have to tell her things multiple times. She’s quick — they’ll draw something up, and she can translate it from the board to the court right away.”
Setting the Standard with Extra Work
As the first team practice ended, Bueckers stayed behind for an extended solo shooting session. She worked methodically through spot-up sequences, focusing on making three consecutive shots from each position, while incorporating shakeups and drifts to simulate game action.
The post-practice work mirrored drills Bueckers had completed during team activities but highlighted the personal habits and high standards that helped her emerge as an elite player. Even after a demanding practice, she remained focused on fine-tuning her rhythm and efficiency.
The Wings emphasized competition throughout the day, including a two-team shooting contest that produced lively energy. Bueckers’ competitiveness was apparent throughout but carried into her willingness to put in extra work after the practice concluded.
Forming a Backcourt Partnership
A major storyline for the Wings this season is the pairing of Bueckers with Ogunbowale, an All-Star and one of the WNBA’s most explosive scorers. Ogunbowale is coming off a season averaging 22.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Meanwhile, at UConn, Bueckers averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in her final campaign.
Both guards see the potential in their partnership.
“Obviously she’s established. Just to be on the same, same team as her,” Bueckers said of Ogunbowale. “She — to go with her. Obviously she’s a great basketball player.”
Ogunbowale echoed the excitement.
“We could be really dangerous,” she said. “It looks good on paper — we’ve just got to put it together. But I know we will, so I’m excited for it.”
With the Wings having plenty of time to put in on-court work and get in 5-on-5 runs, the team is excited for what can be accomplished. The combination of Bueckers’ all-around scoring efficiency and court vision paired with Ogunbowale’s shot creation could become one of the most dynamic in the WNBA.
Paige Bueckers Embracing Dallas Off the Court
Away from the court, Bueckers has already begun embracing her new surroundings and local culture. After being gifted a Stetson cowboy hat while she and her fellow Wings rookies were being introduced to the local media and city, she visited Hurtado BBQ in Arlington. She offered a quick — and glowing — review of her first Texas barbecue experience.
“So that’s like a Tex-Mex barbecue,” she said. “Man, I’ve never had anything like that. I’m not gonna lie. So that was 10.”
Bueckers also acknowledged the growing excitement around the Wings, fueled by a retooled roster and increased visibility for women’s basketball.
“It means everything,” Bueckers said. “Just to see that lot of support, and people tune in to watch women’s basketball. I feel like they start — a lot of times they start with a player and follow the ball, the game, and the whole entire team and the whole entire league. So just to get the game moving like that in the right direction and be a part of that movement, so that’s awesome.”
Paige Bueckers’ first practice was all about steady work, communication and setting a foundation. As training camp progresses, her attention to detail, competitive drive and leadership will remain instrumental to Dallas’ efforts to forge a new identity — one strongly guided by its newest star.
