NEED TO KNOW
\nDallas Wings star Paige Bueckers learned she is the 2025 KIA WNBA Rookie of the Year on Sept. 16Commissioner Cathy Engelbert surprised Bueckers at the end of her tunnel walk on the “Jennifer Hudson Show”Bueckers was drafted first overall in April after winning the NCAA title with the UConn Huskies<\/p>\n
Paige Bueckers<\/a> is the WNBA Rookie of the Year!\n<\/p>\n Bueckers, 23, was presented the prestigious award on The <\/a>Jennifer Hudson Show<\/a> on Sept. 16. The Dallas Wings star was surprised by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert<\/a> as she neared the end of her appearance on the show’s signature tunnel walk.\n<\/p>\n The viral crew from Hudson’s show who hype up guests before they walk on stage chanted “Paige Bueckers on J-Hud” as the soon-to-be rookie of the year made her way down the line before she landed at Engelbert.\n<\/p>\n “I bet I’m the last person you thought you\u2019d see on this cool spirit tunnel,” Engelbert joked before revealing Bueckers had won the award. “But, I’m here to present you with the 2025 KIA WNBA Rookie of the Year award, congratulations,” the commissioner said as she handed Bueckers the trophy.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Bueckers looked proud and emotional as she accepted the trophy and hugged Engelbert. The crew broke out into a “rookie of the year” chant as Bueckers made her way to the stage to join Hudson on the show.\n<\/p>\n Drafted first overall in April<\/a>, Bueckers, entering the league just after winning the NCAA championship with the UConn Huskies, averaged 19.2 points per game, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in her rookie season.\n<\/p>\n Her season average of 19.2 points exactly matched last year’s rookie of the year Caitlin Clark<\/a>‘s mark.\n<\/p>\n Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings on July 9, 2025.<\/p>\n Michael Reaves\/Getty<\/p>\n