The basketball court is more than a stage—it’s an arena where talent must adapt, evolve, and thrive under relentless pressure. For Paige Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be her next big test. As the Dallas Wings claim the No. 1 pick and all eyes turn to her potential pairing with Arike Ogunbowale, one question hangs in the air: can Bueckers rewrite her game to shine alongside a ball-dominant star?

On a recent episode of her podcast, basketball analyst Rachel DeMita dissected the potential pairing of Bueckers and Ogunbowale, who has been the Wings’ cornerstone guard. “I almost think that Paige might be better coming off the ball,” DeMita said. “So if she does get drafted to Dallas and she is playing alongside Arike, it might be okay. It might be a good thing for her to play beside Arike because Arike is going to be that one who is ball dominant, who is aggressive, who’s going to be taking so many shots. And maybe Paige finds a new style for her game.”

For the Wings, who finished the 2024 season at 9-31, landing the No. 1 pick represents hope for a brighter future. Ogunbowale, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.6 rebounds this year, reacted to the news with jubilation. “I just fell to my knees. THANK YOU LORD!” she posted on X after the lottery results were announced.

The Wings now face a pivotal decision: selecting Bueckers, a player renowned for her playmaking and basketball IQ, or exploring other top collegiate talents. The 2025 draft class is stacked with names like USC’s Kiki Iriafen, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow, and UConn’s Azzi Fudd, but Bueckers remains the favorite to go first overall.

As the draft looms, the Wings hold the pen to script a new chapter in their story—one that could feature Paige Bueckers as the linchpin of their rebuild. But even stars must adjust their orbit in a new constellation.

Paige Bueckers: From UConn Star to Dallas Game-Changer?

Bueckers, who has been the focal point at UConn, may face a significant adjustment if drafted by Dallas. DeMita highlighted this challenge, noting the difficulty of transitioning to a secondary role. “She’s a fantastic player, an incredible basketball player, and that’s why sometimes I feel for her. I also get frustrated for her because I think she could be at that next level of even how she’s performing now.”

The idea of Bueckers adapting her game isn’t entirely new. At UConn, she has sometimes found herself overshadowed by rising stars like freshman Sarah Strong. DeMita observed, “It almost feels as if sometimes she’s taking a back seat to their freshman, Sarah Strong.” Such moments have tested Bueckers’ mentality and adaptability—qualities she’ll need to succeed alongside a high-usage player like Ogunbowale.

Dallas’ future hangs in the balance as they look to rebuild after a disappointing season. With the Draft Lottery victory, the Wings have a chance to reset their trajectory, but integrating a generational talent like Bueckers into their system requires more than just skill. It demands chemistry and a willingness to adapt on all sides.

For Bueckers, the potential to play with Ogunbowale could unlock new dimensions in her game, but it will also demand sacrifices. The basketball metaphor of “sharing the ball” extends beyond the court—it’s about finding harmony in shared ambition.

As draft day approaches, the Wings and Bueckers face a shared question: Can this partnership flourish? For now, Bueckers remains a player of immense promise, and the Wings’ faith in her abilities might just mark the beginning of a new era in Dallas basketball. Whether she thrives in the Lone Star State or elsewhere, Paige Bueckers’ next chapter promises to be as compelling as her journey so far.