Learning the ropes of the WNBA isn’t easy — but for incoming rookie Paige Bueckers, having Diana Taurasi in her corner makes the transition a whole lot smoother.
Fresh off a national championship run with UConn just a week before the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers was selected No. 1 overall — no small feat, especially coming from a program that’s already produced legends like Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart.
Fortunately for Bueckers, she has a direct line to one of the greatest ever to do it. Taurasi, who officially retired this offseason after a decorated career with the Phoenix Mercury, has been mentoring the young star from afar.
“She talks to me all the time when I was back at school,” Bueckers said Monday after a Wings training camp session. “She had been communicating with my assistant coach at UConn, who was my guard coach. She’s always there whenever I need her — whether it’s advice, communication, whatever.”
Bueckers continued, “I have her number, so I can reach out whenever. She just keeps telling me: be me, be confident. There’s going to be an adjustment period, but having her as a resource is huge.”
With the pressure of living up to UConn’s dynasty of No. 1 picks and the weight of being the latest “can’t-miss” prospect, Paige Bueckers knows she’ll lean heavily on Taurasi’s wisdom as she navigates her rookie season.
Paige Bueckers’ pro debut set in front of women’s basketball-loving Notre Dame
Before Paige Bueckers officially hits the pro stage in front of packed WNBA arenas, she’ll first get a taste of the big leagues on familiar turf — a college campus.
The Dallas Wings are set to take on the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces this Friday in a preseason clash at Purcell Pavilion, home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
“I know at Notre Dame they love their women’s basketball,” Bueckers said with a smile. “There’s going to be an amazing turnout for Arike (Ogunbowale), Jewell (Loyd), Jackie (Young) — all the Notre Dame greats. Not so much for me being from UConn,” she laughed, “but it’s going to be a great environment.”
Following Friday’s game, Bueckers and the Wings will square off against the Toyota Antelopes before opening their regular season against the Minnesota Lynx on May 16.
With Diana Taurasi’s guidance in her back pocket, Bueckers is ready for the bright lights — and the big expectations.
For more sports content:
Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for your NBA and college basketball reading fix. You can reach out to Dan Agulto through email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
