GameDay Network

Paige Bueckers: From UConn Champion to WNBA Rookie of the Year and Team USA

May 15, 2026
Paige Bueckers reflects on her historic year: UConn national title, WNBA first pick, Rookie of the Year, and representing Team USA on the world stage.
Paige Bueckers has experienced a remarkable 12 months that will be remembered in basketball history. The standout guard led the University of Connecticut to a national championship before being selected first overall in the WNBA draft. Her rookie season exceeded expectations as she earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors. Following her professional debut, Bueckers joined the USA National Team, fulfilling a lifelong dream. In this interview, Bueckers discusses her approach to managing such a whirlwind year, emphasizing the importance of staying present and taking each moment as it comes. She describes the honor of representing her country after not participating in USA Basketball since 2019 due to injuries and other commitments. Bueckers reflects on the surreal experience of wearing the three letters across her jersey and competing alongside, rather than against, some of the world's best players. As she prepares for her second WNBA season, her national team career is just beginning, promising more memorable moments ahead for this rising star in women's basketball.