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Most experts consider Paige Bueckers to be locked in as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. However, the UConn Huskies guard's play is limping in a vital statistic in basketball, as 4-time WNBA champion Sue Bird just revealed.
In her final year of NCAA eligibility, Bueckers has been key to the Huskies' undefeated run. The guard has been the top scorer overall in four of UConn's seven games this season, the top rebounder in one, and the top assists in three.
Likewise, her shooting has been unbeatable. In seven games, Bueckers has shot 60.9% from the field, 46.9% from three-point range, and 86.9% from the line. Bueckers' percentages are enviable, but Bird isn't satisfied and pointed out a flaw that could affect how WNBA teams perceive her.
The crack in Paige Bueckers' game
On the latest episode of her podcast "A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe," the former Seattle Storm star highlighted Bueckers as the Huskies' driving force. "You can't talk about UConn without talking about Paige," Bird stressed.
She also highlighted the guard's great shooting this season, saying, "You can't talk about Paige without talking about her efficiency right now. It's insane. She's shooting 62% from two, 46% from three and 83% from the free throw line."
However, Bird also revealed a detail that tarnishes Bueckers' performance. "Her free throws are mes her 50/40/90 [split]," the former player explained, alluding to the statistic considered ideal for every great player.
Will this affect Bueckers in the draft?
However, this is unlikely to affect the rating of scouts and WNBA coaches. Caitlin Clark, the first pick in the 2024 Draft, split 45.5% on field goals, 37.8% on deep shots, and 85.8% from the free throw line in her final year of college.
Angel Reese closed her time in the NCAA with 49.8%, 15.6%, and 70.4% and that did not prevent the Chicago Sky from recruiting her seventh overall in the last draft. Amid this scenario, Bueckers can rest easy knowing that nothing will jeopardize his spot in the draft.