Overview:
The Dallas Wings have reshaped their future by selecting UConn phenom Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Bueckers, who recently capped off a dominant collegiate career by leading the Huskies to a national championship, is widely regarded as a generational talent. The Wings also selected NC State star Aziaha James, Ole Miss veteran Madison Scott, WVU's JJ Quinerly, and Baylor's Aaronette Vonleh in the subsequent rounds. This class reflects a clear, calculated approach: surround a transcendent playmaker in Bueckers with scorers, defenders, and versatile athletes who can contribute across multiple roles.
The Dallas Wings reshaped their future during the 2025 WNBA Draft, headlined by the blockbuster selection of UConn phenom Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick. Bueckers, who recently capped off a dominant collegiate career by leading the Huskies to a national championship, is widely regarded as a generational talent. She now becomes the centerpiece of a Dallas franchise with playoff aspirations and a long-term vision for sustained success.
Dallas Wings No. 1 Pick
“We are extremely excited to welcome Paige Bueckers to Dallas,” said Wings Executive VP and General Manager Curt Miller. “She’s one of the most efficient and decorated players we’ve ever seen at the college level. Beyond her immediate impact on the court, her values align with our community-driven mission as an organization. This is a huge moment for our franchise.”
Bueckers brings to Dallas an elite skill set defined by her scoring instincts, vision, and leadership. She arrives after earning countless accolades throughout her college career, including All-American honors and a national player of the year award, all while overcoming adversity and maintaining her role as one of the sport’s premier competitors. Notably, her arrival sets up a dynamic backcourt pairing alongside Arike Ogunbowale, promising an exciting blend of playmaking and scoring prowess for the Wings.
Wings Head Coach Chris Koclanes echoed Miller’s sentiment, emphasizing Bueckers’ poise. “It takes a special person to handle the spotlight the way Paige has,” he said. “She’s proven she can rise to the occasion, and I look forward to helping her transition to the pro game while staying true to who she is. Her foundation at UConn will be a major asset as we build something special here in Dallas.”
First Round
The Wings didn’t stop with Bueckers. With the No. 12 overall pick, Dallas selected NC State star Aziaha James, a dynamic 5-foot-10 guard who led the Wolfpack in scoring the past two seasons. James averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in her senior season while earning All-ACC First Team honors and All-America Honorable Mention recognition from multiple national outlets.
James finished her collegiate career with 1,589 points and became the 19th player in NC State history to surpass the 1,500-point mark. Her deep shooting range, fearless shot creation, and ability to play off the ball make her a perfect backcourt complement to Bueckers.
Second Round
In the second round, Dallas added size and versatility with Ole Miss veteran Madison Scott at No. 14. The 6-foot-2 guard/forward brings five years of experience and a reputation as a two-way contributor. She earned 2025 All-SEC Second Team honors, captured the 2025 Gillom Trophy, and finished her career with 1,728 points, 1,038 rebounds, 373 assists, and 133 blocks.
Scott holds the program record for most games played at Ole Miss (151) and was instrumental in the Rebels’ run of four consecutive 20-win seasons. Her ability to defend multiple positions and make smart reads on both ends makes her an invaluable addition to Dallas’ growing rotation.
Third Round
With the 26th pick, the Wings landed JJ Quinerly, a tenacious 5-foot-8 guard from West Virginia known for her defensive tenacity. Quinerly is a two-time Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year—the first in Mountaineers history—and finished her career with 2,016 points and 328 steals, ranking third all-time in both categories for the program.
She brings relentless pressure on the perimeter, quick hands, and a winning mentality, helping lead WVU to three NCAA Tournament appearances. Quinerly also earned All-Big 12 First Team recognition three times and received WBCA All-America Honorable Mention honors.
Dallas wrapped its draft by selecting 6-foot-3 center Aaronette Vonleh with the 31st overall pick. Vonleh spent her final season at Baylor, where she earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors after averaging 14.9 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting nearly 59% from the floor. She starred in the Big 12 Tournament, posting a 37-point performance against Oklahoma State en route to a championship game appearance.
Vonleh’s college journey also included stops at Arizona and Colorado, where she was named Co-Most Improved Player in the Pac-12 and continued to establish herself as a force in the paint. Her blend of interior scoring, rebounding, and experience adds crucial depth to Dallas’ frontcourt.
Final Take
Altogether, the Wings’ 2025 draft class reflects a clear, calculated approach: surround a transcendent playmaker in Paige Bueckers with scorers, defenders, and versatile athletes who can contribute across multiple roles.
“We are ecstatic with our draft class and how the night played out,” said Miller. “We added leaders and culture creators, on and off the floor. This class is filled with warriors, and we look forward to their arrival into Dallas.”
With Bueckers leading the way, and a supporting cast filled with IQ, toughness, and upside, the Dallas Wings have laid the foundation for an exciting and potentially franchise-altering era of basketball.