Paige Bueckers’ remarkable first season in the WNBA has been officially recognized as the Dallas Wings guard was named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year. The announcement came Friday, marking another milestone in a season where the No. 1 pick delivered standout performances that placed her among the league’s top players.
Bueckers didn’t just claim Rookie of the Year honors. She was also selected to the AP All-WNBA Second Team and unanimously chosen for the AP All-Rookie Team. In 36 games during the 2025 season, she averaged 19.2 points and 5.4 assists per game. Her breakout moment came in a 44-point performance, the highest-scoring game in the league this season, where she became the first player in WNBA history to score over 40 points while shooting at least 80% from the field.
The Wings highlighted that Bueckers finished her rookie season with 692 points and 194 assists, the third-highest totals ever recorded by a first-year player in the WNBA. Her consistency was another defining feature of her debut year, as she scored in double figures in her first 30 games, the third-longest streak by a rookie in league history. Only A’ja Wilson in 2018 with 33 games and Candace Parker in 2008 with 32 games had longer runs. She also recorded 17 games with at least 20 points, tied for fifth most by a rookie in league history.
Reflecting on the honor, Bueckers expressed gratitude for her teammates and the Wings organization. She emphasized that individual awards highlight collective effort, saying the recognition is a reflection of everyone’s support within the team.
Bueckers’ impact extended beyond her scoring. She was the only player in the league to finish in the top nine in points (5th), assists (9th), and steals (6th). Her efficiency rating of 20.3 was the highest among guards and ranked seventh overall. She also stood out as the only rookie among the league’s top 19 players in efficiency.
She was joined on the AP All-Rookie team by Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen of Washington, Leila Lacan of Connecticut, Janelle Salaun of Golden State, and Dominique Malonga of Seattle. The collective strength of this rookie class was acknowledged by Bueckers, who praised their talent and contribution to an exciting WNBA season. She is now the second Rookie of the Year winner in Dallas Wings franchise history, following Allisha Gray’s recognition in 2017.
While Bueckers was making history, A’ja Wilson continued to cement her dominance in the league. Wilson was named the AP Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and also claimed her third AP Defensive Player of the Year award in four years. Her play continues to set the standard across the league, with her coach describing her as not only the most exciting offensive player but also a rare defensive talent capable of highlight plays every game. Wilson’s performances make her a strong favorite to secure another league MVP award, which will be announced during the playoffs.
Golden State’s Natalie Nakase was recognized as the AP Coach of the Year after guiding the expansion franchise to a playoff berth in its inaugural season, a historic first in the league. Other award winners included Shakira Austin of the Washington Mystics as Comeback Player of the Year, Golden State’s Veronica Burton as Most Improved Player, and Atlanta Dream’s Naz Hillmon as Sixth Woman of the Year.
The honors showcase the depth of talent across the WNBA and the exciting narratives shaping the 2025 season. With the playoffs set to begin Sunday, all eyes will remain on stars like Bueckers and Wilson as they look to carry their teams deeper into postseason play.
For Bueckers, her rookie campaign sets the foundation for what could be a legendary career. With records already to her name, an award that places her alongside the league’s elite, and recognition for her all-around impact, she has established herself as not just one of the brightest new stars, but also one of the league’s key players to watch for years to come.
