Cameras were all set, and the Dallas Wings fans were ready for the ‘franchise defining moment’. As the WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert called Paige’s name as the first pick of the WNBA by the Dallas Wings, a huge roar and thunderous claps followed to congratulate Paige Bueckers. The dais just lit up with camera flashes for Paige’s image holding the Wings jersey. But what came next was personal, or you could say ‘Paige-like’.
If you remember the 2024 WNBA draft, you will make the connection quite fast. In 2024, Bueckers took some time to show off her dance moves with TikToker Janae Sims (better known as Auntie Nae) on the red carpet. Her swag and dance garnered 5.2 million views, 889,000 likes, and 56,000 favorites instantly. Keeping that in mind, Paige and Sims recreated the dance for the fans.
“This what yall wanted?” Janae Sims wrote as she shared the video on ‘X’ with Paige dancing to the trendy music. The UConn star, contrasting her 2024 WNBA draft all-white dress, was in shiny black attire and just killed the moves, matching the beats.
This what yall wanted? @paigebueckers1 pic.twitter.com/tLfaKadxi2
— Janaé Sims (@auntienae95) April 15, 2025
Not to mention, the video received lots of views and love from the fans. Add this to the list of Paige Bueckers’ moments to remember! Talking about the moment itself, the 23-year-old kept it simple, yet heartfelt: “It’s super surreal.” Then again, it was no surprise.
Her high school and college basketball journey and resume had ‘No. 1 pick’ written all over it. Yet, actually getting drafted as the top pick in any sport is something that can move any athlete. Moreover, known for her great connections with fans, teammates, coaches, and even rivals, Paige Bueckers didn’t forget a single soul after her selection was confirmed.
Her UConn teammate Azzi Fudd received the first hug, with coach Geno Auriemma next in line. During the post-selection interview, she mentioned her teammates, family, coaching staff, and God for all the support and hard work put together on her journey. She even mentioned other invitees in her speech and wished her fellow UConn invitees, Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin, to be drafted as well.
Well, her wish came true, as Chen was selected by the Golden State Valkyries at 30, while Aubrey was selected by the Minnesota Lynx seven picks later. After Chen’s selection, Paige also hyped her, clicking photos, wearing both Dallas and Valkyries’ caps. That’s Paige for you, spreading love everywhere she goes. Speaking of love, Paige did something amazing for her fans as well.
While the night belongs to Paige Bueckers and all other WNBA rookies, reality will hit them soon with the 2025 season starting on May 17. Ironically, Wings will tip off the season taking on Lynx at College Park Center. It will be interesting to watch what Paige Bueckers, the 2025 first-round pick, brings to the WNBA.
Can Paige Bueckers be ‘Caitlin Clark’ of Dallas Wings?
Yeah, we all had it: the comparison between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark. Since their early days, including the recent NCAA battles, both stars have shown how fierce competitors they are on the court, capable of destroying the opposition with their flair and gameplay and, more importantly, proven talents throughout their basketball journey. But in the toughest league of all, can they do it?
To be honest, the 2024 first-overall pick and ROTY winner Caitlin did it a season ago. Name any criteria—game winners, match-winning abilities, on-court production, ticket sales, merchandise sales, viewership, and breaking records—the Fever star has delivered it all in 2024. Dallas will also be expecting a similar effect from Paige. President & CEO Greg Bibb already clarified the idea behind drafting the UConn star.
“I am confident that if we draft Paige Bueckers, she will move the needle for the Dallas Wings and women’s basketball in North Texas,” Bib said, hinting at the kind of frenzy Clark unleashed in Indy. And the results were already out when Paige’s name was tossed into the mix as a possible Wings player for the 2025 season.
Paige’s induction triggered a $50,000 jump in ticket sales, and season memberships sold out five months ahead of last year’s pace. The jerseys, when they go out, will no doubt be sold out in a matter of hours. So, till now, the ‘Paige effect’ is clearly visible. For on-court production? The side is not at all worried about the performances on the court; those will show more positive results in the ‘W’ column as the Wings now have a formidable backcourt of Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale.
Now the fans will be waiting for the face-to-face match-up between the two superstars, and they will have a direct answer on June 27, when the Dallas side will host the Indiana Fever.
The post After Joining Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers Recreates Viral Dance That Broke the Internet in Last Year’s WNBA Draft appeared first on EssentiallySports.
