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Paige Bueckers’ Strong Statement on Former UConn Teammate Attending WNBA Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated May 17, 2025 2:08 AM ET

Paige Bueckers, the former UConn star, made her WNBA debut on Friday for the Dallas Wings. It wasn't an auspicious debut for her, as she shot just 3-of-10 from the field in a 99-84 loss to the Minnesota Lynx.

But she did have some support in the stands. KK Arnold, a former teammate of hers when the two played together for the Huskies, was on hand at College Park Center for Friday's game.

Afterward, Bueckers talked about how much it meant to her that Arnold was in attendance for her first official WNBA game.

“That’s family so it’s great to have her here,” Bueckers said. “I know the transition of me leaving was tough for both of us and a lot of people at UCONN so her coming to support and still be connected means a lot.”

I asked Paige Bueckers about KK Arnold support courtside: “That’s family so it’s great to have her here. I know the transition of me leaving was tough for both of us and a lot of people at UCONN so her coming to support and still be connected means a lot.”#WNBA | @WingsBulletin pic.twitter.com/mHr4YOHL1o
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) May 17, 2025

Bueckers played a big role in the Huskies winning the women's NCAA championship just weeks ago. She averaged 19.9 points and a Big East-high 4.6 assists a game while shooting 53.4% from the field and 41.9% from 3-point range this past season for UConn.

Her ability to score efficiently from all three levels, get her teammates involved, and even contribute defensively has earned her praise.

The Wings had a miserable 2024 season during which they went just 9-31. Since moving to Dallas from Tulsa, Oklahoma, ahead of the 2016 season, they have had a winning record just once.

The hope is that Bueckers will become a superstar and help the franchise return to the type of success it enjoyed years ago.

Back when it was known as the Detroit Shock, it won three WNBA championships in 2003, 2006 and 2008. It has won just one playoff series since 2009, which was its last year in Detroit.

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

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