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'It’s So Surreal': Paige Bueckers Reacts to Hometown Renaming Itself in Her Honor

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Grant Afseth | Last updated May 14, 2025 1:33 AM ET

Paige Bueckers, the UConn Huskies legend and incoming WNBA rookie, is historically honored by her hometown of Hopkins, Minnesota, as she prepares for her professional debut with the Dallas Wings. The city will temporarily rename “Paige Bueckers, Minnesota” for May 16, 2025, to coincide with her first WNBA game against the Minnesota Lynx.

The Hopkins City Council voted unanimously to pass a proclamation recognizing Bueckers’ achievements and declaring May 16 “Paige Bueckers Day.”

“The City of Hopkins would like to honor her accomplishments and wish her the best of luck at the professional level by proclaiming May 16th as Paige Bueckers Day and renaming the city to Paige Bueckers, Minnesota for the day,” the city wrote in a statement. “We invite the community to celebrate the kickoff of the WNBA season with Think Hopkins and our local businesses on WNBA watch day, where businesses will have themed specials, air the game, and celebrate the season opener – because everybody watches women’s sports.”

This unique honor comes just weeks after Bueckers was selected by the Wings as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, following a remarkable NCAA career capped by leading UConn to its 12th national title.

In addition to the name change, Hopkins will host a free, family-friendly community watch party at Hopkins High School, organized by Think Hopkins and the Hopkins Education Foundation, to celebrate Bueckers’ debut with the Wings. Local businesses will air the game and offer themed specials to mark the occasion. The city encourages everyone, longtime fans and newcomers alike, to support Bueckers as she takes the court for Dallas.

The recognition surprised Bueckers. She initially thought it was fake, but quickly felt appreciated after learning it was true.

“I didn’t believe it at first. I thought it was fake news. There’s a lot of fake news that circles around on the internet,” Bueckers said. “So, you never know what to trust. But it’s also surreal, and I don’t know, it’s crazy to me that they would name the whole city after me. But just to be able to give back to that whole city that’s given me so much… For them to show love like that, I appreciate it for sure.”

Bueckers has already shown her potential in the pros, averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across two preseason games. She scored 10 points in her preseason debut against the Las Vegas Aces and followed it up with 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists in her home preseason debut.

“Being here is an incredible opportunity,” Bueckers said. “I just want to do the best I can and give back to those who have supported me along the way.”

Bueckers’ first regular-season game with the Wings is set for May 16, 2025, when Dallas faces the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. CT and be broadcast nationally on ION.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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