Paige Bueckers Embraces Her New Role in Texas
While Paige Bueckers is accustomed to the cold winters of Minnesota, she’s swiftly establishing her presence in Texas. Her mission extends beyond basketball; she’s immersing herself in the local culture. “I’m really excited — and also (for) the boots, the cowboy hats, the country music, just investing all of ourselves into Dallas,” she remarked after receiving her Stetson cowboy hat. However, after her debut against the Lynx, the resounding phrase was welcome to the WNBA, albeit with a hint of sarcasm.
Early Game Performance and Improvement
Although Bueckers showcased glimpses of her talent, her performance was sporadic. She initiated a drive to the basket, missed her first shot, retrieved her rebound, and scored. Yet, the rookie still needed to adapt to the league’s level of physicality, with her initial encounters being dubbed “Love Taps.” In her second game, however, her prowess became more evident, recording 19 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. While this wasn’t enough for a victory, her flashes of brilliance morphed into consistent sparks, igniting hope for her and her team’s prospects.
Rookie of the Year Buzz
During a discussion about ROTY predictions for the season, former University of Vermont student-athlete Emma Utterback joined Julia Adams on the Overtime podcast. The Overtime account shared a clip on social media, captioned, “PAIGE FOR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. LOCK IT IN.”
Bueckers’ Impact on Fan Engagement
When asked about Bueckers’ potential for claiming the ROTY title, Utterback quickly noted, The difference that she is making in Dallas right now is crazy for a rookie. Watching the fans pour in, I saw every jersey had Bueckers on the back. Number 5 everywhere — Bueckers, Bueckers, Bueckers. In fact, the Dallas Wings sold out nine games in 2024, with two sellouts already this season. CEO Greg Bibb mentioned that since drafting Bueckers, the franchise has sold merchandise in all 50 states and 23 countries, and generated more ticket sales in the past month than all of last season.
Bueckers’ Leadership Qualities
Utterback also emphasized Bueckers’ leadership on the court, stating, You see her gathering the team, directing players. They’re going to be very good. Once she gains more game experience, she’ll excel even more. This aligns with Bueckers’ earlier statements about wanting to embrace a leadership role: “I want to be a leader, even though it is my rookie season,” she told reporters. “I want to gain everyone’s respect for my voice.”
Commitment to Play
An impressive aspect of Bueckers’ commitment was evident when she played 37 straight minutes against the Seattle Storm. When asked how she felt, she confidently stated, I’m feeling good. I want to be on the court for all 40 minutes. This determination shows her readiness to rise to the occasion as the season unfolds.
Future Prospects
As Geno Auriemma noted about her skills: What didn’t she do? She shot the ball great, passed well, handled the ball, rebounded, and she’s becoming a strong defender. With her ongoing development, it’s clear that Bueckers is not just a temporary presence in the league but is poised to become a respected figure in the sport.
