Paige Bueckers, a guard for the Dallas Wings, has been hitting the weights hard this offseason after being named WNBA Rookie of the Year.
The first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft mentioned she added 15 pounds of lean muscle by engaging in three-hour weightlifting sessions. According to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, she now weighs 160 pounds, up from 145 at the end of last season.
Rowe, who played for Yukon University and won an NCAA championship, noted during a recent broadcast of the Wings’ 107-104 victory over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever that Bueckers has managed to maintain her quickness and has a solid understanding of her body.
Bueckers scored 20 points, recorded four assists, and grabbed three rebounds in the game.
In her home opener in Arlington, she tallied 15 points despite a loss to the Atlanta Dream, now featuring Angel Reese.
Overall, Bueckers improved significantly during a busy offseason, having led her rookie season to 10 wins.
She participated in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league after being the first pick by Brees BC last November.
During her time with Brees BC, she played in 14 games, averaging 22.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, while also earning a spot on the All-Undefeated First Team with nine games of 20 points or more.
Additionally, Bueckers represented Team USA at the senior national level this offseason.
The Wings aim to harness the energy from this year’s first overall draft pick, Aji Fudd, who claimed an NCAA championship with the Storrs Buccaneers in 2025. In a strategic move, Dallas also hired Jose Fernandez, a championship-winning coach from South Florida, in October.
