'It’ll Be Weird': Paige Bueckers Previews Emotional Return to Connecticut

Paige Bueckers is back in Connecticut, but shes not wearing a UConn jersey this time.

The Dallas Wings rookie will make her first professional appearance at Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday night when the Wings face the Connecticut Sun.

For Bueckers, the return marks a full-circle moment as she steps onto the court where she became one of the most celebrated players in college basketball.

Itll definitely be weird stepping on the court, I think, not in the UConn uniform, Bueckers said after Mondays practice .

But itll be something that Ill enjoy a new experience, a new team, a new organization.

And so its just like another step in the new journey, and Ill definitely enjoy being back here in the state I love so much.

A UConn Legacy Comes Full Circle Bueckers went undefeated at Mohegan Sun Arena during her time at UConn and was named Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player three times.

She led the Huskies to their 12th national title just last month before being selected No.

1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by Dallas.

Now four games into her rookie season, Bueckers is averaging 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

She recently became the fastest guard since Sue Bird to open a WNBA career with 50 points and 25 assists.

Just staying in the present moment has been my motto for the past year or so, Bueckers said.

Its so easy to get caught up in the past and what you just accomplished...

that you forget to take advantage of where you are now.

Despite the Wings 04 start, Bueckers has leaned on a steady mentality and leadership mindset to stay grounded.

She recorded her first career double-double on May 21 with 12 points and 10 assists against Minnesota, becoming just the third player in WNBA history to reach those marks within her first three games.

A Homecoming With a Twist Tuesdays game carries emotional weight for Bueckers, who still draws passionate support across the state.

I had great memories here in Mohegan, she said.

I dont think I ever lost here in my college career.

So Im trying to carry those vibes into this game approach it with a winning mentality and conquer the next game in front of us.

Though shes now wearing a different uniform, Bueckers remains focused on the same principles that brought her success at UConn: presence, improvement, and consistency.

Were just trying to get better possession by possession, practice by practice, game by game, she said.

Just taking it day by day, step by step, drive by stride.

Whats Next for Paige Bueckers Dallas and Connecticut enter Tuesdays matchup at 04, searching for their first win of the season.

While Bueckers is no longer the face of UConn, her return to Connecticut marks a new milestone and a reminder of how quickly shes making her mark professionally.

Bueckers has already established herself as a reliable playmaker and vocal leader in the Wings backcourt.

Her presence on the court has strengthened a young roster that is still developing its identity.

Tuesdays game not only offers a shot at the teams first win, its also a chance for Bueckers to reintroduce herself to the fans who once watched her dominate the same floor in a different jersey.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission..

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