\u201cThere are so many great players here and the coaching staff as well,\u201d Bueckers said via Dallas Hoops Journal.<\/a> \u201cTo be able to be here, build relationships, compete \u2014 I think that\u2019s the highest form of respect, is to compete.\u201d<\/p>\n Bueckers said this isn’t just about her resilience and perseverance to get better, but a chance to enjoy the ride of being a professional athlete, regardless of the setting.<\/p>\n \u201cTo continue to just be a sponge and to soak it up,\u201d Bueckers said. \u201cThis is where you aspire to be as a basketball player at the highest level.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: Analyst raises question that could prevent Dallas Wings from selecting Azzi Fudd<\/a><\/p>\n Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on from the team bench during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images \/ Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Bueckers admitted that with her current R&R activities, transitioning back into basketball won’t be an overnight switch, but vows it will “happen quick” when the time arises.<\/p>\n “My ability to stay present and really soak up each experience,\u201d Bueckers said. \u201cWhether it was the UConn run, my first year in Dallas as a rookie, or being here with the national team, I\u2019ve learned to stay grateful and take nothing for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n Bueckers said to enjoy the moment, she has to hone in on what makes her someone her teammates want to rally around, rather than just basketball.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to grow as a leader every single day,\u201d Bueckers said. \u201cLeadership is about using your voice, instilling confidence, holding yourself and your teammates accountable, and building relationships off the court.\u201d<\/p>\n Bueckers’ Wings finished 10-34 this past season. Before transitioning back to the WNBA, she wants to remind herself why she can take the steps necessary to vastly improve.<\/p>\n Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images \/ Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s pretty surreal,\u201d Bueckers said of the Team USA experience. “I haven\u2019t done anything USA Basketball since like 2019, and that feels like ages ago now. But to be back here, representing my country in a way where this is every kid\u2019s dream \u2014 to be able to do that at the highest level on the national team and to get that invite \u2014 it meant a whole lot. It\u2019s truly an honor.\u201d<\/p>\n Bueckers will have an opportunity to use the knowledge gained as a growth period before moving to the next step of her career.<\/p>\n Given the way she has handled herself so far, it would not be surprising to see Bueckers come out of the experience as a much better player than previously.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Wings star Paige Bueckers is ready for first taste of the Unrivaled League<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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