Paige Bueckers hasn’t slowed down since draft night. And now the offseason spotlight follows her to USA Basketball camp, and something bigger may be waiting just ahead.

The Dallas Morning News revealed Bueckers as a finalist for 2025 Texan of the Year. In Paige’s case, the honor goes beyond basketball, giving her long-overdue recognition as one of the most influential people in Texas right now. She is someone shaping sports culture, visibility, and the state’s national image through her impact on and off the court.

Bueckers, the Dallas Wings PG and WNBA ROTY, made waves from the start. She averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. She started all 36 games. Her 44-point night against the Sparks set a rookie record. She made the All-Star team and proved she could handle being a No. 1 pick.

That rise took time. Born in Edina, Minnesota, she began playing basketball at five, with her father coaching her until middle school. At Hopkins High School, she was the No. 1 recruit in the 2020 class. At UConn, she became the face of the program and returned from injury to help deliver the Huskies their 12th NCAA championship, proving she could perform on the biggest stage.

That spotlight brought pressure, too. Wings GM Curt Miller said on the In Case You Missed It podcast that he underestimated the moment. He admitted a veteran coach was likely needed. With a young roster and a star rookie, the team didn’t have enough runway for a young coach to grow into the role.

Bueckers isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s set to join the 3-on-3 women’s league Unrivaled in January, giving fans another reason to tune in and see what she does next.

Paige Bueckers Embraces New Challenge

Paige Bueckers steps into something familiar, but with higher stakes. She will lead Breeze BC when the Unrivaled League opens its second season in three weeks, bringing her game to the fast-paced 3-on-3 stage.

Media Day offered a first glimpse. Bueckers walked out in her new uniform and shared why the moment matters. “I played 3x3 a lot when I was younger,” she said, pointing to the joy and freedom of the game. She also credited founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, saying supporting the women who came before her helps push the next generation forward.

This stage isn’t new to her. Bueckers won gold at the Youth Olympics and at the U17 and U19 World Cups. What’s different now is the opportunity. She’s both an investor and a featured player, and the short Unrivaled season will pay her more than her full WNBA rookie contract, with fewer games and less strain on her body.

Written by

Ishika Ghosh

Edited by

Joyita Das