Fans of the WNBA will get to know more about Paige Bueckers when the Dallas Wings formally introduce her on Wednesday at Dallas City Hall.
The Wings will also officially present their other draftees — Aziaha James, Madison Scott, JJ Quinerly and Aaronette Vonleh — during the press conference.
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The 23-year-old Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick, is expected to make an immediate impact for Dallas. Pressure, however, could take its toll, especially while trying to carry a bottom-feeding unit. The Wings only won nine games last season.
But Bueckers’ effect has been felt already, with tickets to the Wings’ games in high demand — not to mention, increasing prices. Their home matchup with the Caitlin Clark-led Indiana Fever in June was moved to American Airlines Center to accommodate more fans.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark looks on during a game.Mark Smith-Imagn Images
Bueckers’ popularity is also in full swing. Her Wings jersey is the top seller in a popular sporting goods store, as of writing, beating Clark’s Fever jersey. The feat was trumpeted by a Bueckers fan group on Reddit.
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Last year, Clark had the second best-selling basketball jersey in the entire United States behind Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry.
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Bueckers finished her decorated career at UConn with a national title, averaging 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists on her way to unanimous All-American status.
On Tuesday, she penned a heartfelt farewell message for her alma mater, saying she’s “forever indebted.”
“These past five years have been some of the most rewarding, challenging and blessed years of my life,” said the talented guard. “From the relationships that will last a lifetime, memories and experiences I’ll never forget, and a growing in faith that has changed my life.”
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Now, she’ll begin another chapter in Dallas, which has yet to move past the second round in the playoffs.
Bueckers could become the second player in Wings history to win Rookie of the Year after Allisha Gray in 2017.
Related: WNBA’s Strong Message Featuring Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Grabs Attention
Related: Paige Bueckers Beats Caitlin Clark for Huge Milestone Even Before WNBA Debut
