Jobaaj Stories
Dallas Wings Soar into the WNBA Preseason
The 2025 WNBA preseason kicked off with a bang, and the Dallas Wings were right in the thick of it! A highly anticipated matchup against the Las Vegas Aces at Notre Dame's Purcell Pavilion provided a thrilling—though ultimately losing—preseason debut for the Wings, showcasing both established stars and exciting rookies.
A Star-Studded Homecoming
The game itself was a spectacle. The presence of legendary figures like Muffet McGraw, Niele Ivey, and Tamika Catchings elevated the event to a true homecoming celebration for Notre Dame alumnae and WNBA players Arike Ogunbowale, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd. The atmosphere was electric, with fans and basketball royalty alike filling the stands.
- Arike Ogunbowale's Return: The game marked a special return to Purcell Pavilion for Ogunbowale, allowing her to play professionally in front of her former coaches and supporters.
- Jackie Young's Triumphant Return: Young reflected on the emotional experience of playing in the arena where her career began, sharing her gratitude for her mentors and the supportive crowd.
- Muffet McGraw and Niele Ivey's Presence: The presence of these iconic Notre Dame coaches added another layer of significance to the event, highlighting the legacy of women's basketball at Notre Dame.
Despite the Aces' dominant 112-78 victory, the game served as a fantastic platform to introduce the Dallas Wings' exciting new talent to the WNBA stage.
Paige Bueckers' WNBA Debut
Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall draft pick, garnered significant attention leading up to her professional debut. Fans eagerly anticipated comparing her to other rising stars like Caitlin Clark, reigniting faith in Dallas basketball. While the Aces ultimately won, Bueckers delivered a solid performance, scoring 10 points, grabbing four rebounds, and contributing one assist. She displayed poise and maturity beyond her years, handling the pressure of her highly anticipated debut with grace.
- A Humble Star: Bueckers downplayed her celebrity status, emphasizing her focus on basketball above all else.
- Adapting to the Pro Game: The quick transition from college to the WNBA didn't deter Bueckers. She expressed excitement about learning new routines, embracing the team culture, and focusing on the game.
- A Memorable Experience: Despite the loss, Bueckers cherished the experience and expressed hope for future preseason games on college campuses.
Other Dallas Wings Highlights
Beyond Bueckers, other Dallas Wings rookies made their mark. JJ Quinerly, selected 27th overall, led the Wings in scoring with 16 points, showcasing her potential. Aziaha James also contributed 10 points. The game served as a valuable introduction for the entire rookie class and gave a glimpse into the team's potential for the upcoming season.
Conclusion: A Promising Start for the Dallas Wings
While the Dallas Wings' preseason opener resulted in a loss, the game was far from a disappointment. The event highlighted the exciting talent within the Wings roster, both established and new. The presence of basketball legends and the electrifying atmosphere elevated the experience, leaving fans and players alike eager for the start of the regular season. Paige Bueckers' debut was a resounding success, showcasing her ability and poise, while other rookies demonstrated their potential. The Dallas Wings' future looks bright, and their journey in the 2025 WNBA season is one to watch!
