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Paige Bueckers Signs With 'Unrivaled' Before WNBA Entry 8 Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) dribbles against UCLA Bruins forward Angela Dugalic (32) during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Paige Bueckers Signs With ‘Unrivaled’ Before WNBA Entry

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 8:14 AM ET

UConn Huskies star guard Paige Bueckers has signed to play for Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league taking place during the NWBA offseason.

As reported by ESPN, sources revealed Paige Bueckers has signed a three-year deal with Unrivaled. Per the report, Bueckers is set to have a salary on the 3-on-3 league that could be bigger than her expected WNAB salary, should she be the overall first pick as projected.

Outside of Unrivaled, Paige Bueckers is also set to attend the 2025 WNBA Draft, where she is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. Bueckers concluded her collegiate career as UConn’s leader in career scoring average and ranks third in career points with 2,439. Her accolades include the Wooden Award, Wade Trophy, Naismith Trophy, and multiple National Player of the Year honors.

The 2025 WNBA Draft is set to be a spectacular event held at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. The Dallas Wings hold the first overall pick, followed by the Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics. This draft marks a historic moment as the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s first expansion team in 17 years, will select fifth.

Why is Paige Bueckers Projected to Be the Overall No. 1 Draft Pick?

UConn star Paige Bueckers has long been projected to be overall first pick for the 2025 WNBA Draft. As a senior, she averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, shooting an exceptional 53.4% from the field and 41.9% from beyond the arc. These statistics highlight her efficiency as a scorer and her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Mar 31, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrate after a Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game against the USC Trojans at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, in a recent interview, praised Bueckers on the qualities that make her stand out from other players expected to be the top picks of the 2025 draft class.

“There’s lots to like about her game,” she said. “I think the thing that stands out is its supreme efficiency. Paige understands shot selection better than most players her age. She knows how to get the best shot, whether it’s her shot or the team’s shot. She’ll be a great player in the league. You know, we’re looking forward to trying to figure out how to scheme against her and make it difficult for her.”

Jan 22, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) is recognized with head coach Geno Auriemma for her 2000 career points before the start of the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

During her final season with UConn, Paige Bueckers played in 37 games, maintaining an average of 20.0 points per game, alongside 4.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Her efficiency on the court was evident with a remarkable field goal percentage of 53.9% and a three-point shooting percentage of 42.4%.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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