Paige Bueckers is being touted as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft. The UConn Huskies standout has made her mark at the college level and will aim to do the same when she goes pro.
However, Huskies legend and Minnesota Lynx power forward Napheesa Collier sent Bueckers a cautionary message about the WNBA.
Napheesa Collier Issues a Warning to Uconn’s Paige Bueckers With the WNBA Draft in Sight
Bueckers claimed another Big East conference title earlier this month and hinted that this one would be her last. The 23-year-old is eligible to declare for the draft but has one more left that she can play for the Huskies.
In an interview with ‘For the Win,’ Collier highlighted her excitement for Bueckers. “So, she’ll be really fun to watch, especially because she’s a Husky. Of course, I’m going to root for the [UConn] Huskies,” she said as Bueckers is set to lead her team to the NCAA tournament.
However, in the interview, the four-time WNBA All-Star also had a cautionary tale for the senior class of UConn hoping to make it big in the WNBA. “But I think a lot of people are going to be watching the senior class because they’re the ones that are in our immediate future,” she said.
“And it’s so funny because you cannot predict how people are going to do in the W based on how they do in college. It’s so different, but it’s always fun to like speculate and watch and just see the talent that’s coming up because I think that’s just undeniable.”
Napheesa’s message discusses the massive difference between the WNBA and the NCAA. Bueckers will have to back up all that talent with plenty of hard work to justify the world’s expectations of her.
Bueckers Wants To Cherish What May Be Her Last NCAA Tournament
The 2021 AP Player of the Year has already been made a Hall of Famer for her college team. There’s no doubt amongst the pundits that if she declares, she will be the No. 1 pick on April 14. As she hints at going to the WNBA, Bueckers wants to enjoy her time with the Huskies.
“It’s like you know the end is near, so you’re trying to cherish it and drag it out as long as possible because you don’t want it to end,” she said to People.
“There’s a lot of pressures that can come with it [NCAA tournament]. Win or go home. It’s my last one ever. There really is no do-overs, so just trying not to think about that and really just playing with passion, joy, and to have fun.”
The Dallas Wings possess the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and would love to add a talent like Bueckers to their roster, given their recent struggles on the court.