SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Paige Bueckers made her preseason WNBA debut, shortly after leading UConn to the national title.
Bueckers was selected as number 1 by the Dallas Wings on April 14th.
Despite playing against a rival university team, Bueckers received a standing ovation at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion when introduced as a starter.
WNBA reigning MVP A’ja Wilson greeted Bueckers after a foul, and Bueckers sat on the bench alongside Wings All-Star and former Notre Dame standout Arike Ogunbowale.
Bueckers scored her first professional basket with a left-handed layup midway through the first quarter, and finished with 10 points in 23 minutes, in a game that the Wings lost to the Las Vegas Aces.
It’s very surreal the change from two weeks ago to today. But I am enjoying every moment, getting used to new routines, traditions, teammates and organization, and I am excited to play basketball again with this new group.
Paige Bueckers
Wings’ new coach, Chris Koclanes, told Bueckers before the game to “play the present and not perfect,” as it will take time to adapt to a team with new faces. Koclanes has been impressed by Bueckers’ composure in the face of media attention, as possibly the next big superstar in the sport.
I don’t see myself as a celebrity, I’m just a basketball player.
Paige Bueckers
Bueckers played most of the first half and then opened the third quarter with a three-pointer from the side. Bueckers committed three fouls, but finished with four rebounds and an assist. In addition to a faster pace, Bueckers pointed to “screen navigation” as a challenge, especially against an Aces team with “five Olympic-level players.”
Notre Dame’s former guard, Jackie Young, scored a game-high 28 points, making all 13 free throws in her return to the college court.
The crowd cheered for Bueckers, even lamenting some of his missed shots.
It wasn’t UConn playing against Notre Dame, so you expect a little different energy from the crowd, but this environment, I thought it was a great idea to come back and have preseason games on college campuses. Hopefully, we can do one at UConn.
Paige Bueckers
Despite being the favorite for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, Bueckers is focused on adapting to her new team and a higher level of competition. The Wings’ next game is on May 10 against the Toyota Antelopes, a professional team from Japan.
No expectations. I feel like that comes from an outside source, so I’m just building with the team here, trying to get better every day and not worrying about expectations. Don’t put a ceiling on what you can achieve, but try to be better and win the day.
Paige Bueckers
