Paige Bueckers is Named WNBA Rookie of the Year on “Jennifer Hudson Show”
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Paige Bueckers, the rising star of the Dallas Wings, received the honour of being named the 2025 KIA WNBA Rookie of the Year during a special episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show on September 16. The surprise announcement was made by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert at the culmination of Bueckers’ tunnel walk on the show.
The atmosphere was electric as the crew from Hudson’s show cheered on Bueckers with a chant of “Paige Bueckers on J-Hud” as she made her way along the tunnel. Engelbert, known for keeping things lively, quipped, “I bet I’m the last person you thought you’d see on this cool spirit tunnel,” before revealing the prestigious award. Bueckers was visibly moved as she accepted the trophy, hugging Engelbert amid cheers and applause.
Drafted as the number one overall pick in April, Bueckers transitioned into the WNBA after securing the NCAA championship with the UConn Huskies. During her rookie season, Bueckers boasted an impressive average of 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Her scoring average matched that of last year’s Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, highlighting her exceptional talent on the court.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE just days before receiving the award, Bueckers shared her approach to the game, expressing her focus on personal growth and improvement rather than succumbing to external pressure. She emphasized, “I try not to have any expectations and live every day for itself. I’m just trying to work to be the best version of myself every single day and embrace what’s happening.”
Despite her modesty, Bueckers acknowledged her innate drive for perfection, admitting, “I think I’m a perfectionist, and perfection is impossible to attain, so I feel like there’s always something to get better at.” Her dedication to honing her skills and staying grounded has been reflected in her remarkable progress and comfort on the court throughout her rookie year.
As the news of Bueckers’ well-deserved recognition as the WNBA Rookie of the Year spreads, fans and fellow players alike are celebrating her achievements and looking forward to witnessing her continued success on the basketball court. With her talent, work ethic, and humility, Bueckers is undoubtedly a standout player to watch in the WNBA and a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.