UConn is standing atop the conference table, undefeated. The Huskies have had a triumphant campaign so far this season, and it’s all thanks to how Paige Bueckers has been playing. The senior guard has been doing it all in this Big East run, averaging upwards of 19 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds on highly efficient shooting. Considering the magnitude of her injuries over the last couple of years, this is highly impressive. Bueckers is in the running for NPOY honors this year and has a genuine chance of winning the trophy. Analysts, however, have a couple of other names in mind.

On ESPN’s The Elle Duncan Show, show hosts Elle Duncan and Ari Chambers discuss the NPOY race for this season. “The biggest impact player heading into March Madness is Lauren Betts,” said Ari Chambers, “Because she is such a presence for UCLA. We don’t talk about them like the number one team that they are. She draws so much attention and allows the rest of the team, they open up the offense and play free-er.” 

The Bruins center, standing at six-foot-seven, is averaging a monstrous 20pt double-double on very efficient shooting. With her running the show, UCLA is currently one of the top teams in NCAAW basketball. Another name that these two reporters had in mind, however, was the Notre Dame guard, Hannah Hidalgo.

“I just think she has the ability to take over the game. She’s such an impact player. If she’s playing within control but still getting the steals, and helping push the floor with Olivia, and making those threes.” Elle Duncan said, praising the Notre Dame guard. Hannah Hidalgo stands at a diminutive five-foot-six, but her game is larger than life! The sophomore Fighting Irish is currently putting up 25 points and 6 rebounds a game, sniping more than 40% from deep. Her efficiency is something to note. “Hannah Hidalgo is, I believe, the second most efficient player offensively in the country,” Chambers added.

With how well these two prospects are playing, as well as the JuJu Watkins show going on at USC, Paige Bueckers has her work cut out for her. Winning NPOY with such competition is not going to be an easy task. If the Huskies can manage to keep up their dominant showing, Bueckers has a chance. The guard’s future in the NCAA is currently uncertain, as she has another year’s eligibility. If Bueckers declares for the draft, however, there is no doubt that she’s going first.

Paige Bueckers to the Dallas Wings? Huskies guard at difficult crossroads

Paige Bueckers has an unprecedented amount of power in her hands. For context, the Chicago Sky won the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery, but a trade guaranteed Dallas the first overall pick. With how Bueckers has been playing, there is no question about who the Wings will end up selecting first overall. But there is a catch.

The Huskies guard isn’t a complete lock for this year’s draft. After injuring her knee in 2022-23, Bueckers got granted a medical hardship waiver which allows her another year of NCAA eligibility. If she so chose, Paige Bueckers could come back and play another season under coach Geno.

From various sources around the league, Paige Bueckers might not actually want to end up in Dallas. Rumors have her wanting to go to the Los Angeles Sparks, preferring the larger market for the beginning of her professional career. Bueckers is in a similar situation to Magic Johnson when he was drafted. The six-nine point guard had an opportunity to either sign with the Lakers after they won the coin-toss, or go back to Michigan State for his junior year. We know what he chose, and the basketball community couldn’t be happier that it happened.

It remains to be seen which route Paige Bueckers takes. Will she join forces with Natasha Howard and potentially Satou Sabally? Or will she head back to UConn for her last year of collegiate sports? Only time will tell.