Paige Bueckers. David Butler II-Imagn Images

UConn's Paige Bueckers pushes back against WNBA Draft rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 11:48 PM ET

Last week, UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers announced her decision to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft.

However, there have been rumors following the 23-year-old guard that she would forgo the draft, instead opting to play in Unrivaled for one season before entering the 2026 WNBA Draft to avoid playing for the Dallas Wings, the holder of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

When asked about her opinion on the reports that she would not play for Dallas, Bueckers appeared dismissive of the media's speculation.

“I don’t know,” Bueckers said. “The reports are the reports. People write stories, and it’s whatever.

Ever since the Dallas Wings won the draft lottery, reports have said that Paige Bueckers could forgo the draft or pull an Eli Manning and force herself elsewhere.

Bueckers told FOS she would play "Wherever I end up," but stayed tight-lipped otherwise.@AnnieCostabile's story ⬇️
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 4, 2025

"Honestly, I’m not really worried about that at the moment. I’m just worried about being here, being present with the team, and trying to get better every single day. So whatever the future may hold, it’s only in God’s hands.”

According to a source via Front Office Sports, Bueckers and the Wings have yet to communicate any details about the draft or her future with the franchise.

No WNBA player has ever avoided being drafted by a team with the No. 1 pick. Famous examples in other sports, like the NFL, include Eli Manning, who did not want to be selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 draft, and John Elway in 1983, who refused to play for the Baltimore Colts.

On Friday, Bueckers and the Huskies destroyed No. 1 seed UCLA, 85-51. UConn will play South Carolina in the national title game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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