From the hardwood of the NCAA to the big stage of the WNBA, Paige Bueckers just reached another major milestone in her basketball journey. On draft night, the UConn superstar was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings—a moment that capped off a legendary college career and launched the start of her next chapter.
Since the draft, Paige Bueckers has received an outpouring of congratulations from fans, athletes, and coaches alike. But one message stood out among the rest: a heartfelt video from longtime UConn teammate and close friend Azzi Fudd.
“Paige, congratulations. I am so, so proud of you,” Fudd said. “This team is so lucky to have you, and I can’t wait to see what incredible things you continue to do in the W… You’re someone that I look up to. You know I’ll always be your number one fan.”
The two guards formed one of the most iconic duos in women’s college basketball, sharing the highs and lows of their careers side by side. They ended their collegiate run on the highest note possible—winning the 2025 National Championship.
“Me and Azzi have a great relationship,” Paige Bueckers shared. “We got a lot of unconditional love for each other. So for her to be here to celebrate with me, it means everything.”
The Dallas Wings later posted a behind-the-scenes video of Bueckers watching Fudd’s message on a phone. Clearly moved, Bueckers repeated, “It means everything,” as she smiled through the emotion.
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Christmas in April: Dallas Wings Celebrate Paige Bueckers’ Arrival
Moments after drafting her, Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes and general manager Curt Miller couldn’t hide their excitement.
“Paige! Let’s go!” Miller shouted during their first post-draft call. Both he and Koclanes praised her talent and attitude in the post-WNBA draft press conference.
“I’ve been in the league for over a decade, but never had a No. 1 pick,” said Miller. “Today truly felt like Christmas morning.”
First call between @Coachcurtmiller & @paigebueckers1 🥹 pic.twitter.com/6Pq7PXPmSX
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 15, 2025
Koclanes added, “What makes her special is she can fill any gap—on or off the ball—and she’s unselfish about it. As a coach, I’m just excited to figure out what works for her and this team.”
The Bueckers era in Dallas has officially begun.
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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.
