Paige Bueckers Wins WNBA Rookie Of The Year In Daytime TV Surprise
The Dallas Wings guard was surprised with the trophy during her appearance on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.
Featured image by David Berding/Getty Images
Paige Bueckers was officially named the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year, and she received the news in an unexpected setting. The Dallas Wings guard was surprised with the trophy during her appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on September 16. As she walked through the show’s signature tunnel walk, Bueckers was greeted by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who stepped forward to present the award.
“I bet I’m the last person you thought you’d see on this cool spirit tunnel,” Engelbert teased before holding up the trophy. “But, I’m here to present you with the 2025 KIA WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Congratulations.”
The award caps a remarkable first professional season for Bueckers. Drafted No. 1 overall in April after winning a national championship with UConn, she immediately lifted the Wings. Bueckers started all 36 games and led all WNBA rookies in points (692), assists (194), and steals, while averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. She was also the only player in the league this year to rank in the top 10 in points, assists, and steals.
Related: Paige Bueckers And Azzi Fudd: A Comprehensive Relationship Timeline
Her rise has drawn attention both on and off the court. This summer, Bueckers and former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd confirmed they are in a relationship, sharing the news in a TikTok video and a podcast appearance in July. Fudd even showed off a phone case in June with the words “Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend,” a not-so-subtle nod to fans who have followed their bond for years.
Despite Dallas’ 10–30 finish, the season cemented Bueckers’ arrival as one of the game’s most dynamic new stars. She received 70 of 72 first-place votes for the award, joining a storied UConn lineage that includes Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier.
In the days leading up to the announcement, Bueckers admitted to People that she is still adjusting to life in the spotlight, reminding herself to hold expectations lightly. “‘Expectations’ is a funny word for me because I try not to have any, truly, and live every day for itself,” she said. “And so I’m just trying to work to be the best version of myself every single day and embrace what’s happening.”
That approach, paired with the relentless drive of a self-described perfectionist, seems to be working. “Throughout this whole entire year, the improvements, just the level of comfort that I have, from watching film, from getting reps, from learning and growing through repetition, you can just see the growth throughout one year,” she shared.
