Napheesa Collier Makes Request to Paige Bueckers Before Lynx-Wings
The 2025 WNBA season has finally arrived, and former UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers is set to make her regular-season debut.
On Friday, Bueckers and the Dallas Wings will take on Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center in Arlington, TX.
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During the Wings' two preseason games, Bueckers looked every part of a No. 1 overall pick, averaging 12.5 points on 66.7% shooting, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
But she has a tough task on opening night, facing the defending runners-up and their All-WNBA forward. In the 2024 season, Collier averaged 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists, earning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year honors along the way.
Paige BueckersVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Hours before Friday night's game, Collier spoke during the Lynx's media availability. The four-time All-Star had high praise for Bueckers before revealing her text message to the rookie.
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"I'm really happy for Paige," Collier said. "I really, really like Paige, her family, the way she plays. Like, she's just a great person and player, so I'm really happy for her. I texted her, 'Good luck tonight. Don't do too much against us. Wait till your next game.' But yeah, I'm excited for her."
Collier was then asked what she admires about Bueckers.
"First of all, her work ethic," Collier added. "And then I think just the way she is already a three-way player. Mid-range is probably the hardest to master, and she's really good in the mid-range. But especially as a point guard, being able to score at all levels and then her vision. Really impressive for someone who hasn't played professionally yet."
Bueckers showed off her "three-way" talent in four seasons with UConn, averaging 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.1 steals in her college career.
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She will look to bring the same level of play to the WNBA, beginning Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET when the Wings host the Lynx.
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