Diana Taurasi Makes Strong Paige Bueckers Statement Amid Rookie Season

Paige Bueckers, the highly anticipated No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings in the WNBA draft, is beginning her professional career after four seasons with the UConn Huskies under coach Geno Auriemma. The Wings selected her following a difficult 9-31 season.

Early in her rookie season, Bueckers received significant praise from WNBA legend Diana Taurasi. Taurasi commended Bueckers' growth through injuries and the immense pressure of playing at Connecticut, calling her a "resilient, amazing human being." Taurasi expressed excitement about seeing Bueckers play in the WNBA, stating she is "one of the best basketball players" she's ever seen. She specifically highlighted Bueckers' unique ability to galvanize a team and bring out the best in her teammates.

Bueckers capped off her UConn career by leading the team to a national championship in her final season, averaging 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. She aims to bring that winning energy to the Wings. In her WNBA regular-season debut, a 99-84 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Bueckers recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.