UConn returns to top of women's basketball, dominates South Carolina 82-59 to capture its 12th NCAA title
TAMPA, Fla. — UConn is back on top of women's basketball, winning its 12th national championship by routing defending champion South Carolina 82-59 on Sunday behind Azzi Fudd's 24 points.
Sarah Strong added 24 points and 15 rebounds while Paige Bueckers had 17 points in her final game at UConn (37-3).
Bueckers capped her stellar career with the Huskies' first championship since 2016, ending a nine-year title drought for the team. That was longest for coach Geno Auriemma and his Huskies since the team won its first championship in 1995 led by Rebecca Lobo.
Since then the Huskies have had dominant championship runs, including in the early 2000s led by Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, 2009-10 with Maya Moore and finally the four straight from 2013-16 with Breanna Stewart. All were in attendance in Florida on Sunday to see the Huskies' latest title.
Finally healthy, the expected No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on April 14, Bueckers delivered for the Huskies throughout their championship season.
It was the only thing missing from her incredible UConn career that was slowed by injuries. She was the first freshman to win AP Player of the Year before missing a lot of her sophomore season with a tibial plateau fracture and meniscus tear. She then tore an ACL before the next season.
UConn closed the first half up 10 points and then put the game away in the third quarter behind Fudd, Strong and Bueckers. The trio combined for 23 of the team's 26 points in the quarter. UConn was up 50-39 with 3:21 left in the period before closing with a 12-3 run to put the game away.
Fudd and Strong got it started with back-to-back 3s, and the rout was on. Auriemma subbed Bueckers, Fudd and Strong out with 1:32 left. Bueckers and Auriemma had a long hug on the sideline, having finally gotten that championship that he so wanted for her.
Dawn Staley's team was trying for a third title in four years and fourth overall. It would have tied her with Kim Mulkey for third most behind Auriemma and former Tennessee Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, who had eight.
UConn had reached the title game only once during its drought since 2016. The Huskies had been eliminated by heartbreaking last-second losses in the Final Four on buzzer-beaters. The Huskies' last title game appearance came in 2022 when Staley's team beat UConn to start the Gamecocks' current run of success, a game that ended Auriemma's perfect record in title games.
There seemed to be no nerves early for either team as the game got off to a fast start. The teams traded baskets for the first few minutes before the defenses started to clamp down. The Huskies led 19-14 after one quarter and then extended the advantage to 36-26 at the half. Fudd had 13 points and Strong added eight points and 11 rebounds.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
NBA mock draft: Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to go 1-2. What happens next?
NBA mock draft: Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to go 1-2. What happens next? Show Caption Hide Caption Jeremiah Fears enters NBA Draft as one of the youngest prospects Former Ohlahoma star Jeremiah Fears chats with Bryan Kalbrosky about being one of the youngest prospects entering the NBA Draft. Sports Seriously Sure, the 2025 NBA Finals is drawing all the attention, but looming in less than two weeks is the NBA draft. That means that teams across the league — even the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder — are putting the final touches on their draft boards as they sort out needs and the best available players. And while it seems like there's a consensus atop the board, with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper the likely selections at No. 1 and No. 2, it's anyone's guess what happens as the draft unfolds. Here's a look at USA TODAY Sports' NBA mock draft two weeks out from the NBA draft on June 25-26: (Age listed is age at time of the draft; for U.S. college players, height (without shoes) and weight taken at NBA draft combine) 2025 NBA mock draft 1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7¾ , 221, 18 years old 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 84% FT The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston. 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers Freshman, guard, 6-4½ , 213, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper's best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers' lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California. 3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke. 4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7½ , 202, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. 5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 190, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier. 6. Washington Wizards: Kon Knueppel, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Freshman, guard, 6-2½, 180, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn. 8. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 205, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier. 9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke Freshman, center, 7-0½, 253, 18 2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds. 10. Houston Rockets: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Sophomore, forward, 6-6½, 239, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT Although he's a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC's No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament. 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant, Arizona Freshman, forward, 6-6½, 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament. 12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, Maryland Freshman, center, 6-9¼, 248, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida. 13. Atlanta Hawks: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Forward, 6-10, 198, 18 2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up. 14. San Antonio Spurs: Asa Newell Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT Based off of his size, Newell wouldn't appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Danny Wolf, Michigan Junior, forward-center, 6-10½, 252, 21 2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn. 16. Orlando Magic: Egor Demin, BYU Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 199, 19 2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Liam McNeeley, UConn Freshman, forward, 6-6¾, 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year's Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s. 18. Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Freshman, forward-center, 6-9¼, 263, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who's just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame. 19. Brooklyn Nets: Jase Richardson, Michigan State Freshman, guard, 6-0½, 178, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans' steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games – 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn. 20. Miami Heat: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Guard, 6-6, 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT He's just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect. 21. Utah Jazz: Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League) Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18 2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn't have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season. 22. Atlanta Hawks: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France) Guard, 6-4, 175, 19 2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He's quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February. 23. Indiana Pacers: Will Riley, Illinois Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 186, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini's final six games. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nique Clifford, Colorado State Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5¼, 202, 23 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams' final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland. 25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's Junior, forward, 6-8¼, 232, 20 2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests. 26. Brooklyn Nets: Noah Penda, Le Mans (France) Forward, 6-8, 225, 20 2024-25 stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg, 45.8% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 67.9% FT A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets. Improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. 27. Brooklyn Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22 2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators' final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender. 28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain) Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19 2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT One of Europe's top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He's still raw. 29. Phoenix Suns: Kam Jones, Marquette Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.9 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.3% FG, 31.1% 3PT, 64.8% FT All-Big East first-team selection, Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn't afraid of contact. He improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a career 37% shooter from deep. Jones was solid in the Big East tournament with 28 points (11-for-22 shooting, 5-for-10 on 3s), five assists and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier and 24 points (3-for-12 on 3s) and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John's. He had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a NCAA tournament first-round loss to New Mexico. 30. Los Angeles Clippers: Drake Powell, North Carolina Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5¼, 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn't possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
WNBA Turns Heads With Paige Bueckers Message on Friday
WNBA Turns Heads With Paige Bueckers Message on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Even after ending her record-setting career at UConn, No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers still has a learning curve in the WNBA. Advertisement Ahead of Friday's matchup between the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup, the league shared a video on X of Bueckers talking about what she's learned so far through a month in the league. Bueckers said there's been a lot to pore over as she learns a new system with the Wings. "Learned a lot, I think there's a lot of new terminology through the system that we have that has been very new and I'm trying to process it all and get all the terms right," she said. Bueckers added that some of the concepts are the same as what she learned in her time at UConn, but the physicality in the WNBA is on another level. Advertisement "You have stuff that you used before, but now there's new terminology here in the W, and then the pace and physicality is something that I'm learning every day," Bueckers said. This season has been a struggle for the Wings, dropping to 1-10 after a loss to the Phoenix Mercury. Bueckers said afterward that she believes her team is setting the right culture and believes the success will follow. "It's challenging but very rewarding in a sense of you being super process-oriented and not result-oriented," Bueckers said. "How we want to have a set of standards, build a culture and have a way we do things and stick to that regardless of wins or losses. "... Then the results will follow and will come as we continue to stay disciplined in who we are every single day." Advertisement Related: Dallas GM Didn't Hesitate When Asked About Trading Paige Bueckers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg 'Mistake' Turns Heads on Friday
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg 'Mistake' Turns Heads on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Even before he committed to the Duke Blue Devils, Cooper Flagg had been touted as a possible first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Nothing Flagg did at Duke – picking up ACC Player of the Year, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four, or earning consensus All-American honors – dissuaded fans, analysts or scouts of that opinion. Advertisement Less than two weeks remain until commissioner Adam Silver begins the draft, in which the Dallas Mavericks hold the top pick after a stunning draft lottery result. However, 12 days before they can officially select Flagg, it appears as if the Mavericks have already telegraphed their choice. DLLS Mavericks reporter Kevin Gray posted on X a screenshot from Mavs' official website that displayed Flagg in Dallas' white home jersey – part of a premature "Welcome to Dallas" graphic that was quickly removed from the team's site. Gray later deleted the screenshot, as well as a screen-recorded iPhone video that "proved" he had navigated to the Mavericks' draft night portal on the team website, where he encountered the Flagg graphic. It is not uncommon for social media teams to prepare graphics well in advance for a major announcement, such as the Mavericks selecting Flagg. Advertisement When one fan on X asked if the Mavericks could get into trouble for posting the graphic erroneously, @KevinTroyGA wrote "they'll just say it was a publishing error, that they created several graphics & have them ready to go for whoever is drafted (which, when you're not picking first, you indeed will do)." As @Michael_Aranda pointed out on X, the section of the website where the Flagg announcement was published was supposed to be a landing page for the Mavericks' draft party. "This is clearly just a publishing mistake on the website," Aranda said. Still, other fans bashed the Mavericks for the mistake. Advertisement "The Mavs stay embarrassing themselves," wrote @blondie101317, criticizing the franchise for the error. "Announcing it 12 days early is wild," wrote @timthebim123. Although it won't be a surprise if Dallas picks Flagg first overall on June 25, some fans see a "silver lining" in such an early announcement of the Mavericks' intentions. "Looks like Nico (Harrison) got tired of the 'Nico is going to trade Cooper Flagg' that he figured let's just get out there to stop that talk," wrote @theGOATsPR, about Dallas' general manager, Nico Harrison. The @MavsFilmRoom even mentioned that if Flagg were to wear the #32 as the graphic suggested, then he would be the first Mavericks player to wear the jersey number since Marquese Chriss during the 2021-22 NBA season. Advertisement Related: Dwight Howard Urges Cooper Flagg to Return to Duke Amid $28 Million News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
