Paige Bueckers, a name that resonates with magic on the basketball court, has left an indelible mark in the realm of women’s college basketball, particularly during the NCAA Championship 2020-21 season. A point guard par excellence, Bueckers’ journey started at Hopkins High School, where her exceptional playmaking skills turned heads and caught the attention of scouts and basketball enthusiasts alike.
Making a pivotal decision for her future, Bueckers accepted a scholarship offer from the prestigious University of Connecticut, lured by the supportive environment for women’s sports and the opportunity to grow under the expert guidance of head coach Geno Auriemma. The UConn campus promised not just a nurturing ground but also a space for her to shine, especially with the then-point guard Crystal Dangerfield graduating, opening up avenues for Bueckers to become a core team player. And shine, she did, with a freshman year that can only be described as nothing short of magical.
Breaking Records and Winning Awards
Bueckers didn’t just play; she dominated. Making history, she became the first player in the entire college’s history to achieve three consecutive 30-point games, a feat that etched her name in the annals of college basketball. Her monumental contributions led her to be named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Bueckers didn’t stop there; she swept through all the national awards she was eligible for, becoming the first freshman ever to win such high-level awards.
Statistically speaking, her numbers were off the charts with an average of 18 points per game, complemented by 4.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per match. Bueckers had not just made a statement; she had set the stage for a grand entrance to the professional basketball world. Fans and pundits alike waited eagerly, anticipating her switch to the big stage—the WNBA.
Navigating the WNBA Draft Eligibility Maze
However, the path to the WNBA is laden with rules and eligibility criteria, that differ significantly from that of the NBA. While male players can declare for the NBA draft at 19, female players must be 22 years old during the draft year to be eligible for the WNBA. This means most women basketball players typically complete their four years of college before hitting the eligibility criteria for the draft.
In addition to age, graduation from a four-year college program, either before the draft or within three months post the draft, is a prerequisite. Many women basketball players opt to graduate within three years and start graduate programs to stay on for a fourth year, meeting the eligibility requirements.
For international players, the rules are slightly tweaked, allowing them to apply to the draft if they turn 20 during the calendar year of the draft.
8 days.
186 hours. pic.twitter.com/3OkUMDlYor— Bueckerszone | Paige Bueckers Fan (@bueckerszone) October 27, 2023
Bueckers’ Decision: College Glory Over Professional Leap
As 2023 rolled in, Bueckers hit the 22-year mark, making her eligible for the WNBA draft. The Naismith College Player of the Year 2021, however, had different plans. Choosing to stick to her college for the 2022-23 season, Bueckers set her sights on clinching the National Championship. The significance of her presence was underscored by the fact that the 2022-23 season was the first since 2008 when UConn failed to make it to the Final Four.
Despite finishing the regular season with a strong 31-6 record, UConn’s journey was cut short as they lost to Ohio State in the Sweet 16 of the tournament. Bueckers was granted an additional year of college eligibility and announced her decision to return for the 2023-24 season, opting not to declare for the WNBA 2023 draft.
In August 2023, Bueckers shared the good news that she had been cleared by the medical team to return to the basketball court, reigniting excitement among fans and teammates. With a steely resolve and her eyes set on the NCAA Championship title, Bueckers now has the option to make her mark in the 2024 WNBA draft or choose to continue her collegiate journey through to the 2025-26 season, thanks to her reserve years—one for being redshirted and another due to the pandemic.
As the basketball world watches, Paige Bueckers stands at the crossroads of college glory and professional success, her journey a testament to resilience, talent, and the unwavering spirit of a champion.
