Paige Bueckers is an American professional basketball player who currently plays guard for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. Selected first overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, she is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential young players in the sport, following a legendary college career at the University of Connecticut.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Paige Madison Bueckers
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Date of Birth: October 20, 2001
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Hometown: Edina, Minnesota (raised in St. Louis Park and Hopkins)
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Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
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Position: Guard
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High School: Hopkins High School
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Led Hopkins to multiple state championship appearances
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Set school records for points, assists, and steals
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Three-time Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year
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Gatorade National Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, Minnesota Miss Basketball
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First female high school player featured on Slam magazine cover
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College Career: UConn (2020–2025)
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Freshman (2020–21):
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Named National Player of the Year (first freshman ever)
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Led UConn to the NCAA Final Four
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Sophomore (2021–22):
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Missed much of the season with a knee injury
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Led UConn to the NCAA championship game
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Junior (2022–23):
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Missed entire season with ACL injury
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Senior (2023–24):
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Returned to lead UConn to the Final Four
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Redshirt Senior (2024–25):
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Led UConn to a 37–3 record and the program’s 12th NCAA championship
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Averaged 19.9 points per game (highest career scoring average in UConn history)
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Three-time unanimous First-Team All-American
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Wade Trophy winner as a senior
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Four Big East Tournament titles, four Final Four appearances, one national championship
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WNBA Career
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Drafted: 1st overall, 2025 WNBA Draft by Dallas Wings
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Rookie Season (2025):
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Averaging 14.6 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game through early season
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Recorded a career-high 21 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in her fifth WNBA game
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Became the first rookie in WNBA history to record 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 2+ steals while shooting 80% from the field
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Fastest rookie to reach 60+ points and 30+ assists in league history (5 games)
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Widely praised for her poise, leadership, and impact on both ends of the court
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International Career
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Team USA:
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Three gold medals at youth international tournaments
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MVP of the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup
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Youth Olympic gold medalist in 3×3 basketball
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USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2019)
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Off-Court Highlights
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NIL Deals:
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First college athlete to sign with Gatorade
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Multi-year deal with Nike, first college athlete with her own Nike shoe
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Endorsements with StockX, Crocs, Bose, and Nerf
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First women’s college basketball player to reach one million Instagram followers
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Nickname: “Paige Buckets”
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Business Interests:
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Advisor for Overtime Select, a girls’ high school basketball league
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Trademarked her “Paige Buckets” nickname for athletic apparel
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Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite scoring and playmaking
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Exceptional basketball IQ and leadership
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Versatile defender and clutch performer
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Style:
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Dynamic, creative guard who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Known for her vision, passing, and ability to take over games
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FAQs About Paige Bueckers
What position does Paige Bueckers play?
Guard
Which team does she play for?
Dallas Wings (WNBA)
How old is Paige Bueckers?
23 (born October 20, 2001)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA No. 1 overall pick, NCAA champion, Wade Trophy winner, three-time All-American, three-time gold medalist with Team USA, Gatorade National Player of the Year
What is her playing style?
Elite scoring, playmaking, and leadership as a dynamic, high-IQ guard
Conclusion
Paige Bueckers is a generational talent whose impact on the court and influence off it have already made her one of the most recognizable figures in women’s basketball. Her record-setting college career, international success, and immediate impact in the WNBA signal a bright future as a leader and ambassador for the sport.
