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Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates after the game against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images \/ Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
READ MORE: UConn’s Azzi Fudd making case to be selected first overall by Dallas Wings<\/a><\/p>\n “UConn star Paige Bueckers earned the storybook ending to her collegiate career as the Huskies demolished UCLA and South Carolina in the 2025 Final Four to win their 12th title in program history. ESPN\u2019s Ryan Ruocco had been sitting on the final call of ‘the book of Bueckers’, as the UConn guard had been destined for stardom for years,” Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic wrote.<\/p>\n “Bueckers was the top recruit in a loaded 2020 high school class (one that included Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink in its top five) and immediately fulfilled that promise by winning national player of the year honors as a freshman. Her debut season ultimately ended in disappointment in the national semifinals, as the Huskies\u2019 title drought extended to five years, and the real struggle was yet to come. Over the next three seasons, Bueckers was betrayed by her own body with multiple leg injuries and her teammates\u2019 inability to stay healthy, causing her to delay her entrance into the WNBA and play a fifth and final year at UConn.<\/p>\n “The payoff came in 2025. With a healthy Azzi Fudd and freshman phenom Sarah Strong by her side, Bueckers led the Huskies to the promised land as UConn won its first championship in nine years.<\/p>\n “After four Final Fours and three All-American seasons, Bueckers cried on coach Geno Auriemma\u2019s shoulder as she exited her last game with victory in hand, adding the ultimate item to her historic college resume. Eight days later, Bueckers was the obvious No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, en route to being named an All-Star, all-WNBA and rookie of the year.”<\/p>\n