Paige Bueckers Comes to Dallas Wings Realization Caitlin Clark Learned Last Season
As Paige Bueckers prepares for her transition to the WNBA, she’s beginning to understand a reality Caitlin Clark came to terms with during her rookie season — the professional game is fast, physical, and unapologetically tough.
Bueckers, a standout at UConn and former national player of the year, has long been considered one of the most talented guards in women’s college basketball. Her court vision, scoring ability, and leadership have been key to UConn’s success. But even with all that talent, entering the WNBA is a completely different challenge.
Watching games closely, particularly matchups featuring teams like the Dallas Wings, Bueckers is seeing the speed and physicality that defines the pro level. The Wings, known for their bruising style of play and athleticism, have become a prime example of how much tougher the WNBA can be compared to college. Last season, Caitlin Clark, the top overall pick, faced that head-on. Despite her generational talent and huge fanfare, Clark often found herself targeted, pushed around, and tested in ways she never experienced at Iowa.
Clark’s early struggles — from learning to navigate off-ball pressure to handling physical defenders on every possession — have served as a cautionary tale. Yet, she’s adjusted, grown, and proved she belongs. That learning curve is something Bueckers is now mentally preparing for.
“I’ve seen what Caitlin has gone through,” Bueckers recently said. “It’s a humbling reminder that the WNBA demands more than just skill. It takes toughness, patience, and a lot of growth.”
The Dallas Wings represent just one of many physical teams that will test incoming rookies. For Bueckers, the realization isn’t discouraging — it’s motivating. She knows the next level is about evolution. And just like Clark, she’s ready to take the hits, learn fast, and prove she can thrive among the best.
