'We’re Setting the Foundation': Paige Bueckers Defines Success in Rookie Season with Dallas Wings

After a decorated college career at UConn, Bueckers enters her first WNBA season with high expectations. But her approach echoes a larger message echoed throughout Dallas Wings training camp: development and connection over instant results. She averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game in her final season with the Huskies, while shooting 53.5% from the floor, 41.9% from deep, and 88.9% on free throws. Her impact has set high expectations for her first WNBA season.

Head coach Chris Koclanes, also in his first year leading the franchise, has emphasized patience, trust, and intention as pillars of the Wings’ rebuild.

“[We’re] trying not to skip any steps,” Koclanes said Thursday. “We talk a lot about the balance of patience and urgency—fostering connection without forcing it, but being intentional about how we grow together.”

With a revamped roster that includes three rookies and several offseason additions, Dallas is taking a long-term view. Bueckers, a proven competitor, is embracing that journey. Coming off a 9-31 season, the Wings have a long way to go to get back to the level of success the franchise experienced when it won a title in 2008 as the Detroit Shock.

“There’s a lot of new here,” she said. “So success is being our best selves every single day.”

Bueckers will do so alongside seven-year veteran Arike Ogunbowale, one of the WNBA’s most dynamic scorers. Ogunbowale, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals last season, expressed confidence in the rookie guard’s ability to make an immediate impact.

“Obviously, Paige is one of the best college players to come out,” Ogunbowale said. “She’ll have a great WNBA career. It’s been fun these last couple weeks playing with her, and it’s only going to continue to get better, but I’m excited about the future.”

Though still weeks away from her WNBA debut, Bueckers already feels at home in Dallas. Since being drafted on April 15, the UConn star has been adjusting to pro life both on and off the floor.

“The city and the organization have both been very welcoming,” she said. “It’s been fun getting to know new people and build new relationships within the organization.”

When asked what she’s enjoyed most about being a member of the Wings, Bueckers didn’t hesitate.

“The easy answer is everything,” she said. “Just the people here. Coach Chris [Koclanes] talked about how obviously finding success is important, but you want to find great people first. I think they’ve done a great job from top to bottom finding people who are easy to work with, easy to work for.”

The Wings have a final preseason test on Saturday, May 10, against Japan’s Toyota Antelopes before opening the regular season on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center.

“I’m excited,” Bueckers said. “It’ll be a little nerve-wracking, but it’s something we all dream about—playing at the highest level, against the best competition.”