Why Paige Bueckers is a Player to Look Out for in the 2024 WNBA Draft

By Jocelyn Alano March 04, 2024 07:48

Photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Paige Bueckers, the standout University of Connecticut (UConn) guard, has garnered attention as a top prospect for the 2024 WNBA Draft. Her exceptional skills, achievements, and resilience following injuries position her as a player to watch as she transitions to the professional basketball stage.

Exceptional Skills and Achievements

Paige Bueckers has demonstrated outstanding skills throughout her collegiate career, solidifying her status as a top talent in women's basketball:

Scoring Ability: Bueckers leads the Huskies with an impressive average of 20.0 points per game, showcasing her scoring prowess on the court.
Shooting Efficiency: With a field goal percentage of 54.1% through 26 games in the current season, Bueckers exhibits remarkable shooting accuracy.
Versatility: Beyond scoring, she contributes significantly with 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, highlighting her well-rounded skill set.
Resilience: Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, including a torn ACL, Bueckers has displayed resilience and determination, making a strong comeback to assert her dominance on the court.

Potential as a Professional Basketball Player

Paige Bueckers' potential as a professional basketball player is evident through various aspects that set her apart from other prospects:

Playmaking Ability: Her playmaking skills and basketball IQ make her a valuable asset on the court, allowing her to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.
Leadership: Bueckers' leadership qualities and ability to elevate the performance of her teammates have been instrumental in driving the success of the UConn Huskies, showcasing her potential to make a significant impact in a professional basketball setting.
Adaptability: Her ability to adapt to challenging situations, including returning from injuries, demonstrates her mental fortitude and readiness to face the demands of professional basketball.
Projected Draft Position: Despite being projected as the potential No. 3 overall pick in the latest ESPN mock draft, her decision to return to UConn for another year underlines her commitment to further enhancing her skills and readiness for the WNBA.

Paige Bueckers' exceptional skills, achievements, resilience, and potential as a professional basketball player make her a standout prospect in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Her scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and leadership qualities position her as a player to watch as she prepares to make the transition to the WNBA. With her decision to return to UConn for another year, Bueckers aims to further develop her game, making her an even more formidable force when she eventually enters the professional ranks of women's basketball.