Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers was awarded the WNBA Rookie of the Year in a unique and memorable setting on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Bueckers, the No. 1 pick of the 2025 WNBA draft, became the seventh former UConn Huskies player and the 16th overall No. 1 pick to receive this prestigious honor.

A Surprise Presentation

As Bueckers walked down the show's spirited hallway, the staff enthusiastically sang, "Paige Bueckers at J Hud, shooting buckets, she's the one." The atmosphere was electric, and Bueckers danced her way through the tunnel, only to be met with a surprise. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was there, holding the Rookie of the Year trophy.

Engelbert's Words

Engelbert humorously remarked, "Bet I'm the last person you thought you'd see on this cool spirit tunnel." She then presented the award to Bueckers, leading to a heartfelt moment as the staff erupted in a "rookie of the year" chant.

Record-Breaking Performance

Bueckers' rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. She started in all 36 games for the Dallas Wings, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Her 44-point game against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 20 set a single-game rookie scoring record, further cementing her place in WNBA history.

A Bright Future

This award not only highlights Bueckers' incredible talent but also sets the stage for what promises to be a remarkable career in the WNBA. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she will continue to evolve and lead her team to new heights.