Paige Bueckers' WNBA Debut: Wow and Whoa
Okay, so Paige Bueckers, the number one pick in the 2025 draft, finally made her WNBA preseason debut. The hype was *real*. Picture this: she’s out there, rocking Kobe 9s in UConn colors—a total nod to her college days and that killer Mamba Mentality. Playing against the reigning champ Las Vegas Aces? Talk about a baptism by fire! It was a whirlwind of amazing plays and, let's be honest, some pretty humbling moments. It really drove home just how huge the leap from college to the pros actually is.
A Mixed Bag of a Performance
Bueckers started strong, showing off that scoring touch we all know and love. She ended up with 10 points, four rebounds, and an assist in 22 minutes. Her shooting was pretty efficient—4-of-7 from the field, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. And get this—she even hit a left-handed scoop layup over A'ja Wilson! Seriously impressive, considering Wilson is, well, A'ja Wilson. That play alone shows how fearless she is.
But, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. The speed and physicality of the WNBA are on another level. There were moments where she definitely looked a little overwhelmed by the Aces' veteran players. It was a tough debut, no doubt about it.
A'ja Wilson: A Reminder of the WNBA's Elite Level
A'ja Wilson was, as expected, absolutely dominant. She just solidified her spot as one of the league's best. Her performance was a serious wake-up call for Bueckers—a clear example of the talent level she’s now playing against. Bueckers herself said it: the Aces had, like, five Olympic-level players! The pace and intensity were just way different than anything she experienced in college.
Paige's Take and What's Next
Despite the loss (the Wings got blown out, 112-78, ouch!), Bueckers was all positive vibes. She’s clearly excited to learn and grow with the Wings. She's already talking about improving her screen navigation and getting stronger to handle the WNBA’s physicality. That's the kind of attitude you love to see.
It’s also worth remembering that the Wings are rebuilding. They’re a young team with a new coach, and Bueckers is a huge part of their future. Her role is going to be crucial in their development.
The Wings' Road to Redemption
Last season wasn’t pretty for the Wings—a 9-31 record. This year’s team is completely different. The game against the Aces showed they’re still figuring things out, finding their rhythm, and building team chemistry. Coach Chris Koclanes gets it; he’s calling it a “feeling-out process.”
The Long Game: Bueckers' Journey Begins
So, Bueckers’ WNBA debut? A wild ride! The loss was a big one, but her individual performance, and her attitude, give you hope. The next few months will be super important for her development and the Wings' success. The regular season’s coming up fast, and we’ll all be watching to see what these two do next.
