Paige Bueckers gives first reaction to becoming only rookie starter in 2025 WNBA All-Star: "Wow"

Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers was visibly ecstatic as she was named the only rookie starter in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.

On Monday, the team tweeted a clip of Bueckers' phone call with Wings executive vice president and general manager Curt Miller.

"Paige, I'm happy to report and congratulations that not only have you been named to the 2025 WNBA All-Star team, you have been named a starter, in your rookie season, for the WNBA All-Star Game."

A smiling Bueckers responded:

"Wow. Thanks, Curt. I appreciate it. Thank you."

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"It's just a great start for you," Miller told Bueckers. "Such a credit to the complete player that you are and how you impact everybody around you."

Bueckers is averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds. She is shooting 46.1% and has scored in double figures in each of her 13 games. The 2025 No. 1 pick leads all rookies in points and assists.

Bueckers' selection marked the third consecutive season that a rookie was named a starter. Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark cracked the starting lineup in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

The WNBA announced Sunday that the top two vote-getters, Clark and Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier, will serve as the All-Star Game captains.

Who are the starters for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game?

On Monday, the WNBA announced the remaining eight 2025 All-Star Game starters. Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers headlined the list.

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Joining Caitlin Clark and Bueckers in the backcourt are New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu and Atlanta Dream's Allisha Gray.

In the frontcourt, Napheesa Collier will be joined by Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson, Liberty's Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm's Nneka Ogwumike, Phoenix Mercury's Satou Sabally and Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston.

Ogwumike received her 10th All-Star nod that tied for the third most in history with Brittney Griner and Tamika Catchings. Only Sue Bird (13) and Diana Taurasi (11) have more All-Star selections.

The WNBA coaches will select the All-Star Game reserves, and the results will be announced on Sunday. From the pool of starters and reserves, Clark and Collier will draft their rosters on July 8. The All-Star Game is on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana.

About the author

Kim is an editor for US Sports and an NBA and WNBA analyst at Sportskeeda with a decade of multi-industry experience. He has a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in finance.

Writing has been Kim's passion, and during college, he was editor-in-chief. He has also accumulated a diverse entrepreneurial background. He possesses a knack for research and was recently a professor.

Kim has been a Boston Celtics fan since 2007, through its many ups and downs. He was delighted when the Cs raised its 18th banner in 2024.

Beyond basketball, he also enjoys following the NFL, MLB and F1. When not immersed in the world of sports and when he is not editing or writing, Kim is likely searching for the perfect cup of joe.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos