Paige Bueckers Opens Up About Adjusting to the WNBA Life with the Dallas Wings
The season Paige Bueckers faced as the Dallas Wings’ No. 1 pick didn’t unfold exactly as she might have envisioned. Despite earning Rookie of the Year, earning an All-Star starter berth, and being named to the All-WNBA Second Team, the Wings finished 10-34. Coming off a national championship run at UConn, that kind of transition can feel jarring.
From the moment she stepped onto the court, Bueckers established herself as the team’s best player, which may not have aligned with expectations after learning she’d join forces with Arike Ogunbowale—a four-time All-Star and the reigning All-Star Game MVP. Ogunbowale, however, posted career-lows, which placed a heavier load on Bueckers’ shoulders.
During an appearance on What Drives Winning with Dillon Gabriel earlier this week, Bueckers discussed the challenge of adapting to a new environment and role.
Paige Bueckers and Dillon Gabriel field questions from the audience at the 2025 What Drives Winning Conference.
Key questions discussed included:
- How to handle a teammate who resists changes or guidance
- How to cultivate resilience and appreciate adversity while navigating it
- What has been the toughest part of the transition
"Yeah, it’s tough,” Bueckers shared. “I went from being the veteran voice on a team to being looked to as the leader, and I had to shift into a new organization with fresh coaching staff, a largely new roster, and I was still a rookie. I’m learning every day what it takes to show up prepared and act like a grown-up in the workplace.”
She noted the team’s coaching landscape was largely new, and while she described it as such, the specifics underscored how unusual the situation was. Head coach Chris Koclanes, in fact, was in his first-ever stint as a head coach, which helps explain the Wings’ results for that season. After a single season, Koclanes was let go, and Jose Fernandez — who had been a contender for the job last year — took over this offseason. Fernandez previously coached against Bueckers in college and has close ties to Geno Auriemma, Bueckers’ college coach, who remains a trusted mentor.
Looking ahead, the Wings’ challenge is clear: surround Bueckers with the strongest possible supporting cast. The prior roster simply wasn’t equipped to maximize a player of her caliber, and it featured many younger players who weren’t ready for extended minutes.
This offseason will bring considerable cap flexibility for Dallas, with the exact amount depending on the current CBA. The Wings also hold the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, a prime opportunity to add another rising star to pair with Bueckers.
For ongoing coverage of the Dallas Wings throughout the offseason, stay plugged in to WingsGameday.
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