Paige Bueckers set to go No. 1 in WNBA draft as Dallas Wings aim for a franchise-changing star

All signs point to Paige Bueckers being selected first overall in Monday’s WNBA Draft in New York, with the Dallas Wings holding the top pick and eyeing the UConn star as a potential game-changer both on and off the court.

The Wings hope Bueckers can generate the same kind of buzz Caitlin Clark brought to the Indiana Fever last season, elevating the team’s profile and success.
"I think obviously Caitlin had an unbelievable impact on the court, and her adjustment was quick and very, very productive," said Dallas general manager Curt Miller. "You saw how hot Indiana was and how dangerous they were late in the year, and a lot of that was a credit to Caitlin's quick adjustment, which is not always easy in this league."

Bueckers, a 6-foot guard, capped off an outstanding college career by leading UConn to a national title. She earned All-American honors three times and remains one of the most beloved and marketable players in women’s basketball. This past season, she averaged 19.9 points and 4.6 assists per game, shooting an efficient 53.4 percent from the field.

While her selection at No. 1 appears inevitable, uncertainty surrounds the rest of the draft, starting with the No. 2 pick held by the Seattle Storm. The Washington Mystics own picks three, four, and six, while the expansion franchise Golden State Valkyries will draft fifth.

One top international prospect in consideration for Seattle is Dominique Malonga, a 6-foot-6 center who helped France secure a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and continues to build her résumé in France’s professional league.
"I think that there are quite a few really talented international players in this draft, Dom being one of them," said Seattle general manager Talisa Rhea. "I think the ‘W' is doing a great job of bringing over talent and making them want to stay here and making the ‘W' a priority."

Other high-profile names expected to go early include Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron, Southern California forward Kiki Iriafen, Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow, and Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore. With multiple picks in the top six, the Mystics could use this draft to rapidly reshape their roster.
"I think it actually creates an opportunity for us to build strength in a couple of different ways," said Mystics general manager Jamila Wideman. "Obviously with just one pick, maybe you can do one thing at a time. But I think we have a chance to build depth. I think we have a chance to build on strength positionally at the same time. I think we're really excited about bringing in a group of young players into an environment that we think will essentially inspire growth and development."

TCU guard Hailey Van Lith, who previously played at Louisville and LSU, is projected as a second-round pick but is eager for the next stage of her career.
"I'm very willing and open to adapting, and that's necessary for the next level," she said recently.

Still, the spotlight on draft night will shine brightest on Bueckers, who is ready to embrace the moment.
"Wherever that is, whatever that looks like," she said recently. "Just to be able to play in the WNBA, it's a dream come true."

SportsLigue