When Paige Bueckers chose the NCAA over the WNBA, many labeled it a mistake. According to the 2024 mock drafts, she was expected to be drafted in the top three in the WNBA. However, wanting to clinch the National Championship title, Bueckers let it go. However, all the critics were put shut as the 23-year-old played her first exhibition game this season against Fort Hays State on Sunday. And instead earned her the NPOY award prediction from fans.

“19 points in the first half on 8 for 8 shooting! I’ve seen enough!! Paige Bueckers for NPOY 🏆 🔥,” one fan stated on Sunday. Notably, in the Huskies’ 89-49 win, Bueckers was the highest contributor for her team. She hit 27 points with 9 rebounds to set the pace for the season. Additionally, she scored 12 of 14 field goals and 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. Therefore, it looked as if she was here to dominate and had made the right decision. Meanwhile, she also showed what a ‘work tour’ could do for her.

Bueckers is no stranger to injuries. She had a tibial plateau fracture and lateral meniscus tear in 2021, before having an ACL tear during the 2022-23 season. So in her own words, this offseason was the “first real offseason in college where I’ve been healthy.” And to make the most of it, she went on a tour.

She spent some time back in her home state of Minnesota before taking off on an adventure. The 23-year-old made an appearance at the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix in August. She then threw the first pitch for the Minnesota Twins game against the Kansas City Royals. Additionally, she was also spotted working out in New York.

The 23-year-old then made the most of her time by showing up at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. All this would have made it a fun tour for Bueckers, who revealed that “It is a mix of business and fun.” However, it earned her criticism from the basketball world since she wasn’t practicing.

“Everybody saw the world tour. They didn’t see the work tour, which is fine. They think like they see me 3-4 hours a day and they know my entire 24 hours, which is cool. It’s fine. My work will always show, I am a believer in that. I promise that. And I can already see like, if I don’t have a game up others people standard ‘Should have been in the gym, should’ve been this or that…’  But luckily I don’t play for their approval, I play for God, play for my teammate, play for the coaching staff, and other people who support me, good or bad in their opinion. So all I have to say is I had a great summer,” Bueckers replied back.

And looks like her hard work is paying off as she became the highest scorer for her team and fans were excited about the same.

Fans make strong early predictions for Paige Bueckers

“Paige Bueckers u are the national player of the year ‼️,” a fan commented. During her first season in the NCAA, Bueckers scored 20 points with 5.8 assists per game and thus won the NPOY award. Hence, she is looked up to by the spectators and it is a great start for the upcoming season. Hopefully, she will be able to continue her performances.

“Jk still happy PAIGE BUECKERS U R MY NPOY,” another fan commented. The social media user had enumerated how he missed Max Verstappen’s F1 race at Autódromo José Carlos Pace. Despite that, the user was happy that he got to watch Bueckers which according to him was as pleasing, if not more, as the race.

“THATS PAIGE NPOY, BIG EAST MVP, BEST PLAYER IN THE COUNTRY, BEST PG IN THE COUNTRY BUECKERS,” another user praised the UConn No. 5 for her exceptional skills. If Bueckers wins NPOY, then she can also bet her chances to win the Big East Most Outstanding Player for the third time. Plus, the 2021 WBCA Co-Freshman of the Year will also be tagged as the best point guard in the country. As of now, she is the top pick in the 2025 WNBA mock draft.

“paige bueckers another npoy szn loadinggg” and “I’ve seen enough. Paige Bueckers NPOY,” more fans commented. Right now in the NCAA, there are two players to watch according to fans. One is Bueckers and the other is JuJu Watkins. However, this fan follower felt that the NPOY should go to Bueckers. While the Husky has all the skills she needs to showcase her domination, Watkins is not going to throw the towel without a fair fight. Of course, the Trojan also has to avenge the Elite Eight loss in the previous season.

While just one performance is enough for the fans to declare Paige Bueckers as the NPOY, we should not forget the guard’s final aim of bringing in the National Championship to Storrs. Hopefully, Bueckers will continue her on-song performances and perhaps take the NPOY title by the end of the season.