Paige Bueckers, the standout guard for the Dallas Wings, celebrated her achievement as the 2025 Rookie of the Year during a special appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” This recognition marks Bueckers as the seventh former player from UConn Huskies to earn this prestigious award, highlighting her exceptional performance throughout the season.
On the morning of October 10, 2025, Bueckers entered the studio in a lively atmosphere. Known for its enthusiastic introductions, the show featured staff members cheering her on as she walked down a tunnel. They sang a playful tune, “Paige Bueckers at J Hud, shooting buckets, she’s the one,” setting the stage for her moment in the spotlight.
As Bueckers made her way down the hall, she was surprised to find Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA commissioner, waiting for her. Engelbert presented Bueckers with the Rookie of the Year award, a moment that elicited cheers and chants of “rookie of the year” from the show’s audience. Engelbert remarked, “Bet I’m the last person you thought you’d see on this cool spirit tunnel,” adding a personal touch to the celebration.
Bueckers’ impressive season included significant milestones, such as her record-setting 44 points in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 20, 2025. This performance not only established a new single-game rookie scoring record but also showcased her ability to lead on the court. Throughout the season, she started in all 36 games, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.
Bueckers’ achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication, promising an exciting future for both her and the Dallas Wings. As she moves forward in her career, her recognition as Rookie of the Year adds to the growing legacy of talent emerging from UConn and the WNBA.
