Mar 29, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) shoots against Oklahoma Sooners guard Reyna Scott (2) during the second half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

'Arike & Nai Both Took Ls': Paige Bueckers Shooting Game Story With Arike Ogunbowale & Nalyssa Smith Revealed By Dallas Wings AC

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Sabel Reyes | Last updated May 2, 2025 8:18 AM ET

Dallas Wings No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers is already making waves at the start of her first WNBA training camp, showing flashes of the elite competitor she was at UConn—and giving teammates a firsthand look at what she brings to the table.

Dialed in from day one, Bueckers has been working on every aspect of her game while building chemistry with her new squad ahead of her pro debut. But in true Paige fashion, she’s also turning practices into a battleground.

On Wednesday, Wings assistant coach Nola Henry shared on X that Bueckers beat out veterans Arike Ogunbowale and NaLyssa Smith in a casual team shooting contest.

“Paige won competition shooting. Arike & Nai both took Ls. Keep yall posted on the next one,” Henry posted—then added that Bueckers herself urged her to go public with the result: “Go tweet that,” Paige told her.

The former UConn star is already showing she’s not just here to fit in—she’s here to lead. Known for her fire and poise under pressure, Bueckers averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season while leading the Huskies to a national championship.

Make it a better place: Paige Bueckers shares her goal with the Wings

While Dallas hoops fans are still reeling from Luka Dončić’s blockbuster trade to the Lakers, the Wings may have found their next superstar in Bueckers. And she’s not shying away from the spotlight.

Paige Bueckers, Cooper Flagg Pay Gap Gets Attention From Satou Sabally 11 Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

During her April 23 introductory press conference, Bueckers, complete with a white cowboy hat, outlined her vision for her new team.

“The goal is making Dallas a place everyone wants to be—and everyone who is already here wants to stay,” she said. “Just building that culture, building that foundation of enjoying being around each other, playing together, being together on and off the court.”

Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers reacts after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Wings are hungry for a turnaround after a brutal 9-31 season, the worst in franchise history. And with Bueckers leading the charge, they’ve got a fresh spark heading into 2025.

Dallas opens the season at home against the Minnesota Lynx on May 16 at College Park Center.

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

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