SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Paige Bueckers didn’t have much time to think about, or fret over, her WNBA preseason debut. Only 27 days after leading UConn to a national title, Bueckers took the court Friday with the Dallas Wings, who selected her No. 1 overall April 14.
Despite playing for a rival college team, Bueckers received a loud ovation from the crowd at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion as she was introduced with the starters. Reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson greeted Bueckers after a foul call, and Bueckers sat on the bench next to Wings All-Star and former Notre Dame standout Arike Ogunbowale.
Bueckers scored her first basket as a pro on a left-handed scoop midway through the first quarter, and finished with 10 points in 23 minutes as the Wings fell 112-78 to the Las Vegas Aces.
“It’s super surreal in terms of the turnaround from where I was two weeks ago to where I am today,” Bueckers said. “But just soaking it up, enjoying every moment, getting used to new routines, traditions, new teammates, new organization, and just excited to play basketball again with this new group.”
New Wings coach Chris Koclanes said before the game that he told…
