Paige Bueckers Named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2025

Paige Bueckers, a guard for the Dallas Wings, has been awarded the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year title, as announced by the league on Tuesday. The former University of Connecticut star received 70 of 72 first-place votes from a media panel, with the remaining votes going to Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron. Bueckers, who was the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, played a pivotal role in leading the Huskies to their 12th national championship earlier in the month.

Bueckers had an impressive rookie season, starting all 36 games for the Wings. She averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Her shooting percentages were remarkable, with a field goal percentage of 47.4% and a free throw percentage of 88.8%. Notably, she led all WNBA rookies in total points, finishing the season with 692 points, and also topped the league in assists with 194.

Bueckers’ standout performance included a record-setting game on August 2, where she scored 44 points against the Los Angeles Sparks. This achievement not only set a WNBA single-game rookie record but also made her the first player in league history to score 40 or more points while shooting at least 80% from the field, making 17 of 21 attempts.

Despite Bueckers’ individual accolades, the Dallas Wings concluded the season with a 10-30 record and did not qualify for the playoffs. They will have another opportunity in the upcoming draft lottery. Bueckers joins a prestigious group of former UConn players who have received this honor, including legends such as Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Crystal Dangerfield.

The Rookie of the Year award has been presented since 1998, marking it as a significant milestone in the league’s history. Bueckers is now the 16th player drafted first overall to earn this distinction, further solidifying her impact in the league and setting a promising foundation for her future career.