Dallas Wings roster set for breakout season with No. 1 WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers

Endia Berger

Dallas Wings roster set for breakout season with No. 1 WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers image

Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is set to make an impact with the Dallas Wings, a team that’s already looking more promising this season. After a standout collegiate career at UConn, Bueckers now joins a stacked roster ready to support her in making waves in the WNBA.

The Dallas Wings struggled to find their rhythm last season but have reloaded their lineup with a mix of established stars and emerging talent, giving them strong potential this season. Here’s a closer look at the revamped 2025 lineup featuring the highly anticipated debut of Paige Bueckers.

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Paige Bueckers, 6'0" Guard

After leading UConn to a 2025 NCAA title, Bueckers now brings her talents to the Wings, where expectations are high for her debut season. Known for her elite athleticism, sharp shooting and playmaking ability, Bueckers is primed to be a centerpiece of Dallas’ offense. 

Throughout her career at UConn, she averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game, finishing her final season with a bang. With the Wings' rebranding this season, Bueckers has the chance to help the team perform to new heights.

Arike Ogunbowale, 5’8” Guard

Arike Ogunbowale, one of the WNBA’s biggest stars, continues to be the face of the Dallas Wings. A multi-time All-Star and a perennial scoring leader, Ogunbowale has established herself as one of the league’s elite players. 

Last season, she averaged 22.2 points, 5.1 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. Having been with the Wings since being drafted fifth overall in 2019, Ogunbowale has the opportunity to mentor Bueckers, and their partnership in the backcourt could prove to be a dynamic duo in the league.

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DiJonai Carrington, 5’11” Guard/Forward

DiJonai Carrington, selected 20th overall in the 2021 draft by the Connecticut Sun, is another key addition to the Wings’ roster. Last season, Carrington was named the 2024 Kia Most Improved Player, averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. 

A tenacious defender, Carrington led the WNBA in games with at least five steals and ranked ninth in steals per game. Her versatility as both a guard and forward gives the Wings additional depth, and she’ll play a pivotal role in the team’s defensive schemes and transition game.

NaLyssa Smith, 6’4” Forward

NaLyssa Smith, the second overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, brings both experience and talent to the Wings. Last season she averaged 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game with the Fever. This year she’ll bring her rebounding and defensive presence to the Wings, and she’s poised to contribute in a big way alongside her new teammates.

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Tyasha Harris,  5’10” Guard

Tyasha Harris is returning to the Wings this season after spending the last two years with the Connecticut Sun. The 7th overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, Harris is coming off a solid season where she averaged 10.5 points, 3.0 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.

Teaira McCowan, 6’7” Center

Teaira McCowan, the third overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Fever, is another formidable presence in the Wings’ lineup. Standing at 6'7", McCowan is a dominant force in the paint, known for her rebounding and shot-blocking ability.

Last season, she averaged 11.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists. As one of the league’s top centers, McCowan’s ability to control the boards and protect the rim will be key for Dallas in the 2025 season as long as she can stay out of technical foul trouble.

Maddy Siegrist, 6’2 Forward

Maddy Siegrist was selected third overall in the 2023 WNBA draft by the Wings. She averaged 9.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game.

The chemistry between Bueckers, Ogunbowale and the other key players will be crucial, but if everything clicks, the Wings could be a force to reckon with in this season.
 

Endia Berger

Endia Berger is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. She has a rich background in sports media and journalism, contributing to TNT Sports, the NCAA, USA Football and more. With a deep passion for storytelling, she is committed to crafting stories that highlight the excitement and human elements of the games we love.