Paige Bueckers’ New Chapter in North Texas
ARLINGTON — Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, who came to Dallas by way of Storrs, Conn., and Hopkins, Minn., has started taking in North Texas.
“I’ve enjoyed the sun a little bit. [DiJonai Carrington] hasn’t called me pale in a while, so I’ve gotten a little tan,” Bueckers said after making her WNBA debut on Friday. “I got to go to a playoff hockey game, so that was fun.”
Bueckers has tried to embrace her new home, sunbathing and appearing at Stars games, but the 23-year-old is still adjusting to this big life change. She won a national championship at UConn and was drafted No. 1 overall by the Wings just last month.
Adjusting to the WNBA
While the Wings announced a sellout for Friday’s home opener at UT Arlington’s College Park Center, which seats up to 7,000 spectators, the crowd looked sparse. If Bueckers noticed, she didn’t seem to mind.
“I thought they were great,” Bueckers said of the crowd. “They helped us shift momentum at times when we went on runs. They tried to help us stay encouraged and motivated when we needed some of that as well. It was a great turnout and it was great to play in front of them as well.”
But the guard, who finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists in Friday’s season-opening loss to the Minnesota Lynx, is accustomed to an atmosphere that is a bit different.
Back in Connecticut, UConn women’s basketball was the biggest show in town. Sellout crowds routinely filled the 10,167-seat Gampel Pavilion. Now, she’s on a team that shares a market with the Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers and Stars.
Comparison to College Basketball
Crowds could improve once the Wings make their eventual move to downtown Dallas’ Memorial Auditorium, which will have undergone a renovation once the team starts playing there.
But the reception at College Park Center on Friday points to how much further women’s basketball has to go and how differently the college and WNBA game are received. The latter needs the former, with the NCAA attracting more in-person fans and more TV viewership.
Still working to draw more interest, the WNBA has heavily marketed young talent such as Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to carry their star power over from college. But if the Wings’ home opener was any indication, that’s not something that happens overnight.
Bueckers’ Fan Base
With 2.5 million Instagram followers and a fervent UConn alumni base behind her, Bueckers has an army of dedicated fans, but that doesn’t mean their fandom necessarily translates over to the Wings or the WNBA, for that matter.
Still, Bueckers is living out her childhood dream and seems ready to embrace the challenge of being part of a rebuilding organization. That is not to say, she’s not nostalgic for her past life at times.
Support from Former Teammate
One member of the crowd on Friday night was Bueckers’ former UConn teammate KK Arnold, a rising junior for the Huskies. Her presence was a comfort.
“That’s family. It’s great to have her here,” Bueckers said. “The transition of me leaving was tough for both of us and a lot of the people back at UConn. So for her to come and support and still be connected, it means a lot.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paige Bueckers is adjusting to her new life in North Texas and her new role in the WNBA. While she has a strong fan base from her college days, she is still working to build a following in the professional league. With her talent and dedication, she is sure to make a lasting impact on the sport.
FAQs
Q: Where did Paige Bueckers play college basketball?
A: Paige Bueckers played college basketball at the University of Connecticut (UConn).
Q: What team did Paige Bueckers get drafted by in the WNBA?
A: Paige Bueckers was drafted by the Dallas Wings with the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft.
Q: How many Instagram followers does Paige Bueckers have?
A: Paige Bueckers has 2.5 million Instagram followers.
Q: Who was in attendance at Paige Bueckers’ WNBA debut?
A: Paige Bueckers’ former UConn teammate KK Arnold was in attendance at her WNBA debut.
