STORRS, CT — Former UConn standout Paige Bueckers scored 10 points in her WNBA preseason debut as the Dallas Wings lost 112-78 to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday.
The game, held on Notre Dame’s home court, marked a physical and fast-paced welcome to the professional level for the No. 1 overall draft pick.
Bueckers opened her WNBA career with a hard-fought left-handed floater in the first quarter.
She hit the floor after the shot — a jarring initiation to the league. “It’s super surreal in terms of the turnaround from where I was two weeks ago to where I am today,” she said postgame. “I’m just soaking it up and enjoying every moment.”
The former UConn star played 23 minutes, navigating a crowded Aces defense that featured five former Olympians.
Bueckers struggled at times with the league’s physicality, drawing three fouls and voicing frustration after a no-call turned into free throws for Las Vegas.
Jackie Young led all scorers with 28 points for the Aces.
“She’s prepared to be able to handle everything that comes her way,” Wings head coach Chris Koclanes said. “You try to prepare and teach and put her in positions to be able to find success, and then you’ve got to let her go.”
Bueckers averaged 24.8 points during UConn’s NCAA title run, capping her college career with the national championship she’d chased since her freshman season. The Wings, who finished 9-31 last season, are looking to rebuild with her as the centerpiece.
“She’s unique and special,” Koclanes said. “We’ll do everything we can to support her.”
