UConn's First Post After Paige Bueckers Was Drafted Into the WNBA

Bueckers helped lead the Huskies to its 12th national championship just over a week earlier. Her selection to the WNBA came as no surprise, with many already predicting she would go first overall the moment she announced her departure from college basketball.

In an interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe during the live draft broadcast, Bueckers expressed deep thanks for those who helped her reach this moment.

“Just an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” she said. “My teammates are here. My family’s here. Just super grateful. I’ve been focusing on staying present.”

While reflecting on her time at UConn, Bueckers became emotional when speaking about the support she received from her teammates throughout her career.

“They’ve changed my life. Those are my sisters,” she said, pausing to gather herself. “I love them so much. They’re going to be my sisters for life.”

Bueckers joins an elite group of UConn legends who were also drafted first overall, including Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart. She becomes the sixth Huskies to earn this honor and the first since Stewart in 2016.

Her selection by Dallas signals a new beginning for both her and the Wings. The team finished last season with a 9-31 record but hopes to rebuild around Bueckers’ leadership and talent. The franchise has already announced plans to move to a new arena in Dallas by 2026, per ESPN.

Now, with the college chapter closed, UConn’s tribute highlights what Paige Bueckers meant to the team and university — not just as a player, but as a leader and friend.