'Just Trying to Grow Each Game': Paige Bueckers Embraces Point Guard Role for Dallas Wings

Bueckers said early in camp that running a WNBA offense came with its own demands.

“I did some of that in college, I did more of it in high school,” she said, referring to running the offense. “Learning a new offense, being a leader on the court, being the quarterback on the court for the offense. Knowing what to call, when to call it. … Just leaning on the coaching staff for help and questions. Communicating with teammates. Having a great level of communication on the floor obviously helps a lot.”

She’s also expressed confidence in the Wings’ system, praising the freedom it provides to make reads.

“It’s free-flowing,” Bueckers said. “He gives you concepts, ideas, foundational pieces—not really a ton of set plays to where you have to do this, and then there’s no right or wrong. It’s just read and react.”

That freedom has played to her strengths as both a scorer and a passer.

“We just feed off each other,” Bueckers said. “We’re aggressive looking for shots, but we’re also aggressive in creating for others. We’re unselfish in moving the ball and wanting to get the best shot available.”

Veteran teammates have taken notice of Bueckers’ command and composure, especially given how quickly she’s stepped into a leadership role. NaLyssa Smith said she sees that presence on full display during practices and games.

“Paige has been a great leader so far,” Smith said on Media Day. “No matter that she’s younger than us, she’s still our point guard. She’s able to get us in sets, get us organized, and still get her shots off and stuff like that.”

Maddy Siegrist, who has often shared the floor with Bueckers during the preseason and training camp scrimmages, pointed to the tangible on-court chemistry that’s already developing between them.

“Just even based on today—I got a lot of open shots,” Siegrist told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She found me on cuts, on open threes. It’s exciting to play with a point guard like that, and a player like that in general.”

DiJonai Carrington added that Bueckers’ patience and vision stood out immediately, especially in her ability to read defenses and make timely decisions.

“Paige has great court vision and patience,” Carrington told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “When the ball’s in her hands, you know she’ll make the right read.”

Paige Bueckers is Leading With Intent

In a camp full of new faces, Bueckers stood out immediately.

“Even though I’m a rookie, I want to use my voice,” she said on Media Day. “I want to gain everyone’s respect — not just for what I say, but how I carry myself every day.”

Her intensity, communication, and self-discipline have become tone-setting in practices. She hasn’t shied away from the league’s physicality. If anything, she’s embraced it.

“I’ve always been more finesse,” Bueckers admitted. “But here, the physicality is different. You have to embrace contact. You have to adjust.”

Off the court, she’s committed to wellness and mental preparation. She regularly works with a sports psychologist and stays active in the Wings’ off-court recovery and mental skills programs.

“Mental health is extremely important,” she said. “The game is more mental than physical. I work with a sports psychologist. The biggest thing I’ve learned? Run my own race. Comparison is the thief of joy.”

But for Bueckers, leadership isn’t about stats — it’s about lifting others.

“I want to invest in my teammates,” she said. “The more you focus on helping others, the less pressure you put on yourself. I just want to have fun and stay present.”

She added, “At UConn, I was the leader. That doesn’t change here. I want to set the tone with how I play and how I carry myself.”

A Point Guard Identity Taking Shape

Her voice was clear in the Wings’ home debut. Bueckers called out sets, repositioned teammates, and helped pace a Dallas offense that assisted on 34 of its 50 field goals. One of the game’s highlights came when she fired a no-look pass to Arike Ogunbowale for a layup.

“Paige just gets you easy buckets,” Ogunbowale said. “Even if you think she doesn’t see you, she sees you.”

Bueckers’ feel and vision were evident at UConn. Now, with veteran scorers around her and a coaching staff that values player empowerment, she’s growing rapidly into her role.

“She’s already trying to get in my pocket,” Teaira McCowan joked. “If you see me shooting everything in the paint, it’s because Paige isn’t getting any of my assist bonuses!”

“Don’t set yourself to a ceiling of what you can achieve,” Bueckers said. “Just try to be better and win the day.”

That mindset has already begun to shape the Wings’ identity — and it’s helping define the kind of point guard Bueckers is becoming.