Dallas Wings Land No. 1 Overall Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft, With Paige Bueckers in Play
Curt Miller discusses the Dallas Wings' No. 1 pick, the coaching search, and building a strong culture, now with a chance to select Paige Bueckers and shape the team's future.
The Dallas Wings secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery on Sunday, positioning themselves to select UConn star Paige Bueckers, widely projected as the top pick.
The Wings, who had a 45.4% chance of landing the top selection due to their swap rights with the Chicago Sky, will pick first in April's draft. This marks the first time in franchise history Dallas has won the lottery.
“We know what number one draft picks have done to franchises and in recent years, how they've changed the trajectory of teams,” Miller said. “So super excited to, uh, To earn the number one pick in the 2025 draft.”
The Wings struggled through an injury-plagued 2024 season, finishing 9-31. With Miller hired earlier this month and a head coach search underway, the team hopes the top pick can help accelerate a turnaround.
“This just injects energy and enthusiasm as we head into the 2025 season,” Miller said. “What a great time to be a Wing.”
Dallas is expected to build around All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale, who shared her excitement on social media after the lottery results. "I just fell to my knees," Ogunbowale posted on X. "THANK YOU LORD!"
Miller was estactic to see Ogunbowale’s excitement for landing the top pick in the upcoming draft. “Arike’s excitement is amazing to see! She’s been so loyal to this organization and has given her heart and soul to the team,” Miller explained. “I’ve already answered her text, and I can’t wait to connect with all the players to discuss the future and their thoughts.”
Bueckers, a 6-foot guard from UConn, is a potential franchise-changing talent. She was the 2021 National Player of the Year as a freshman and has averaged 19.9 points per game in her collegiate career.
While Bueckers is the presumed No. 1 pick, Miller emphasized the importance of drafting players who fit the team’s culture.
“I strongly believe championships are won in the locker room and with culture,” Miller said. “Adding a player who contributes positively to the locker room is crucial.”
The Wings are also navigating key free agency decisions with All-Star Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard, who announced on X that she won’t return to Dallas. Miller said the top pick could immediately integrate with the team’s core.
“Again, reiterating how fun it's going to be able to talk to our players,” Miller said. “Exciting time for them talking about the future. Each discussion is important, not more than more one than another, but obviously can't wait to talk to the team and talk about what this does. Soon we'll have another big announcement and hiring of a head coach.”
The Wings also face an ongoing coaching search after parting ways with Latricia Trammell. Miller said the No. 1 pick has sparked even greater interest in the position.
“The coaching search has already generated a lot of interest, both from people in the WNBA and outside of it,” Miller stated. “This news will only heighten that interest. It’s exciting to think about the future of the Wings and the potential we have as a franchise.”
The Wings will make their selection on April 14.
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