UConn’s Paige Bueckers tops list for the WNBA draft

NEW YORK – There is no doubt that Paige Bueckers will be the No. 1 selection of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft in New York on April 14.

The Dallas Wings own that pick and hope Bueckers will pump energy into the franchise the way Caitlin Clark did last season for the Indiana Fever.

In other words, be a big hit on and off the court.

“I think obviously Caitlin had an unbelievable impact on the court, and her adjustment was quick and very, very productive,” Dallas general manager Curt Miller said on a teleconference.

“You saw how hot Indiana was and how dangerous they were late in the year, and a lot of that was a credit to Caitlin’s quick adjustment, which is not always easy in this league.”

Bueckers, a 1.83m guard, capped her college career by leading the University of Connecticut to the national title. She was a three-time All-American as well as one of the most popular players in women’s basketball.

Bueckers averaged 19.9 points and 4.6 assists a game and shot 53.4 per cent from the field this past season.

The mystery arrives after she comes off the board, as there is no sure No. 2 pick.

The Seattle Storm own that selection, while the Washington Mystics possess the third, fourth and sixth picks. The expansion Golden State Valkyries sit at No. 5.

One player mentioned as a possible No. 2 selection is Dominique Malonga of France.

The 1.98m centre helped her country win the silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics and has been playing professionally at home.

“I think that there are quite a few really talented international players in this draft, Dom being one of them,” Seattle general manager Talisa Rhea said.

“I think the ‘W’ is doing a great job of bringing over talent and making them want to stay here and making the ‘W’ a priority.”

Other players forecast to go early in the draft are Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron, Southern California forward Kiki Iriafen, Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers, Louisiana State forward Aneesah Morrow and Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore.

The Mystics could end up with three players from that group and quickly revitalise their roster.

“I think it actually creates an opportunity for us to build strength in a couple of different ways,” Washington general manager Jamila Wideman said.

“Obviously, with just one pick, maybe you can do one thing at a time. But I think we have a chance to build depth. I think we have a chance to build on strength positionally at the same time.

“I think we’re really excited about bringing in a group of young players into an environment that we think will essentially inspire growth and development.”

Among the probable second-round picks is Texas Christian University guard Hailey Van Lith.

“I’m very willing and open to adapting, and that’s necessary for the next level,” she said recently.

But the star of the show will be Bueckers, who understands expectations will be high.

“Wherever that is, whatever that looks like,” she said. “Just to be able to play in the WNBA, it’s a dream come true.” REUTERS