After months of speculation, UConn standout Paige Bueckers has confirmed she will enter the 2025 WNBA Draft. The announcement, made during a conversation with former Huskies legend and ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo, puts to rest the uncertainty surrounding her professional future.
Bueckers has long been projected as the No. 1 overall pick, making her decision one of the most anticipated in women's basketball.
Rumors had swirled that Bueckers was hesitant about ing the Dallas Wings, the team holding the first overall selection. Instead, reports suggested she preferred to land with the Los Angeles Sparks, who initially had the second pick before trading it to the Seattle Storm in a blockbuster deal involving Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Plum. This fueled speculation that Bueckers might explore alternative paths, including returning to UConn for another season or ing the newly formed Unrivaled League.
However, Bueckers has now made her intentions clear: she is ready for the next step in her career.
A dominant force at UConn
Bueckers' decision to go pro comes as she continues to showcase her elite talent at the collegiate level. She has been a cornerstone of UConn's success, averaging 19.2 points per game on an impressive 54.2% shooting, along with 4.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. Her leadership and playmaking abilities have been instrumental in guiding the Huskies through another deep NCAA tournament run.
As UConn prepares to face Oklahoma in the Sweet 16, Bueckers remains focused on finishing her collegiate career on a high note. Regardless of how the tournament unfolds, her legacy as one of the program's most dynamic guards is already cemented.
The future of Bueckers
While the draft order suggests she will likely land in Dallas, Bueckers' preference for other destinations adds an intriguing layer to the selection process. With the WNBA's current collective bargaining agreement set to expire soon, some speculated she might delay her entry until a new deal was in place. But Bueckers' commitment to the 2025 draft signals her readiness to embrace the next challenge, wherever she lands.
With her talent and competitive spirit, there's little doubt she will make an immediate impact in the league. Now, the only question that remains is which team will secure the future star.