Imagine a year so remarkable that it redefines what's possible for a young athlete—a national championship, a first overall draft pick, and a slew of individual accolades. Yet, Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings' phenom, finds herself surprisingly low at 23rd on Bleacher Report's list of the best athletes under 25. But here's where it gets controversial: How can a player who achieved so much in 2025 be ranked below others whose resumes might not stack up? Let’s dive in.
As we reflect on 2025, Paige Bueckers’ name shines brightly. Fresh off a stellar senior season at UConn, where she led her team to a national championship and earned First-Team All-American honors, Bueckers stepped seamlessly into the WNBA. The Dallas Wings selected her first overall in the draft, and she wasted no time making her mark. By season’s end, she had started in the All-Star Game, claimed the Rookie of the Year title, and secured a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team. Oh, and let’s not forget that historic 44-point game in Los Angeles, where she shot an astonishing 80% from the field, setting a rookie scoring record. But is this enough to warrant a higher ranking?
Her stats speak volumes: a top-10 PER of 22.1, per-game averages of 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals, all while shooting 47.7% from the field. These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re elite. Yet, Bleacher Report’s list places her behind 22 other athletes, including just one other WNBA player, Caitlin Clark (6th), and only one female athlete outside the league, tennis star Iga Swiatek (16th). Is this a fair assessment, or is there a bias at play?
Here’s the part most people miss: Bueckers achieved all this on a Dallas Wings team that struggled to find its footing, finishing as the worst in the WNBA. While her personal success is undeniable, the team’s performance may have overshadowed her accomplishments in the eyes of some. But let’s be clear—her poise, game IQ, and electric scoring ability are undeniable. At just 24, she’s already on the cusp of MVP conversations, despite a torn ACL in 2022-23 that temporarily derailed her momentum.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Bueckers was the No. 1 recruit in a 2020 class that included heavyweights like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Cam Brink, and Kamila Cardoso. Her potential is limitless, and the Wings have a golden opportunity this offseason to build a roster worthy of her talent. With ample cap space and her star power, attracting top talent should be a no-brainer. But will the league take notice, or will she continue to be underrated?
As we look ahead, the question remains: Is Paige Bueckers’ ranking a reflection of her true value, or is she a victim of overlooked brilliance? Let’s spark the debate—does she deserve a higher spot, and what will it take for her to claim the recognition she’s earned? Share your thoughts below, and stick with WingsGameday for more in-depth coverage of the Dallas Wings as they gear up for a transformative offseason.
