“A fresh start, so let’s get it.” Paige Bueckers said, holding the Dallas Wings Jersey with the number 1 written on it. Words Wings fans were eager to hear. And a photo that may now be hung on the walls of many girls’ rooms, aspiring to make their career in basketball. Yes, as soon as WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert called out the first pick of the 2025 WNBA draft, all the predictions and speculations (which were spot on by the way) finally ended. Paige Bueckers, a UConn prodigy, will represent the Texas-based franchise in the WNBA, and everyone has high hopes for her.

Why not? Paige has the capability to deliver big just like the top picks in earlier seasons – Caitlin Clark in 2024, Aja Wilson in 2018, Candace Parker in 2008, Diana Taurasi in 2004, and Sue Bird in 2002. Dallas GM Curt Miller knows it and is excited about it. “The addition of Paige is another huge momentum-building moment for the Wings franchise and team,” Curt Miller said in a statement. “Paige is one of the most efficient and decorated players we have seen in the history of the collegiate game. … Tonight is truly a special night for Paige and the Dallas Wings.”

The franchise now gets a massive boost. They now may have even more than one title in the coming years with Paige. Fresh from her national championship season with the UConn Huskies, Paige Bueckers will have another massive task at hand. Not just delivering titles and living up to the No. 1 pick aura, but taking forward a legacy her fellow UConn top picks set in the WNBA.

Let’s go through UConn’s 1st picks in WNBA, who Paige will love to match or even surpass.

UConn Players That Have Been the First Pick in the WNBA Draft Before Paige Buekers

When it comes to women’s college basketball, there’s UConn—and then there’s everyone else. The University of Connecticut has built a dynasty under legendary head coach Geno Auriemma. That success hasn’t just stayed in Storrs. Year after year, UConn churns out WNBA-ready talent, and some of the league’s most iconic players have come straight from the Huskies’ program.

The college has sent a total of 47 players to the league till 2024, and it includes five first overall picks – both records in the league-NCAA connection.

1. Sue Bird (1st overall, 2002 – Seattle Storm):  Just as UConn won their third overall NCAA title, their leading superstar, Sue Bird, caught everyone’s attention and was first in the UConn-to-WNBA greatness pipeline. Seattle Storm selected Sue Bird in 2002 and went on to have an illustrious 20-year career that was nothing short of iconic. She brought four championships to the Storm, made 13 All-Star teams, and led the league in assists multiple times. Bird was always a floor general—calm, cerebral, and clutch. Her leadership has been unmatched, and even post-retirement, her influence in the game is huge. She has a great relationship with Paige Bueckers. So, maybe she would give her some tips for the WNBA.

2. Diana Taurasi (1st overall, 2004 – Phoenix Mercury): No one can let this opportunity go when Diana Taurasi is in the draft class and the Phoenix Mercury got the gem in 2004. After three titles in the NCAA, Taurasi didn’t just live up to the hype; she basically redefined it. She’s the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and a multiple-time champion. And her name is always in the same sentence as “greatest of all time.” Her confidence, clutch play, and leadership came straight from her days at UConn, where she famously delivered her promise – “We will not lose another tournament game while I’m wearing this uniform.” And the Mercury knew what they were doing when they made her the face of their franchise.

3. Tina Charles – No. 1 Overall, 2010 (Connecticut Sun): Tina Charles, with two undefeated Nattys in her resume, was also the top pick from the Huskies team to the WNBA. The star also played in many countries like Turkey and China, other than the WNBA in the USA. She is said to be the best player in WNBA history not to have appeared in the Finals. Currently reconnecting with the Connecticut Sun franchise, she would like to change that narrative.

4. Maya Moore – No. 1 Overall, 2011 (Minnesota Lynx): Maya Moore is not just one of the best UConn players ever—she might be one of the best players in basketball history, period. She was a No. 1 overall pick in 2011 and wasted no time making an impact. Rookie of the Year? Check. MVP? Yep. Championships? Not one, four. Moore’s game was nearly flawless—she could shoot, pass, defend, and rebound. She was also known for her high IQ and relentless work ethic. A perfect example of a ‘Basketball goddess’. Paige Bueckers has also mentioned Maya’s name in her list of idols.

5. Breanna Stewart (1st overall, 2016 – Seattle Storm): Stewie’s resume reads like a basketball fantasy. Four national titles in four years at UConn, four Final Four Most Outstanding Player awards (which is insane), and then the top pick in 2016. Stewart hit the WNBA running—she’s already a two-time league MVP, two-time champ, and Olympic gold medalist. Her versatility at 6’4” is wild—she can shoot the three, block shots, and pass like a guard. She’s a matchup nightmare and arguably the best player in the world right now. Recently, Stewart led the New York Liberty to its first title and will be aiming for more while at the ‘Big Apple’

More interestingly, apart from Tina Charles and Sue Bird (finished runner-up), all three other UConn stars won the Rookie of the Year award in the WNBA. So, there you go. It’s not just a big shoe to fill in but a Herculean task for 2025 WNBA draft first-round pick Paige Bueckers to climb, maybe even more than that. But we know she will deliver when the time comes. And later on, when another Husky becomes the NO.1 pick, her name will shine brightly in our next list.