As Unrivaled tipped off its season, the league already had a focal point: Paige Bueckers, who will play without the Caitlin Clark – Angel Reese umbrella. But why does it feel so different? It’s primarily the way the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year carries herself that’s caught the attention of the 3×3 league’s leadership.

“She’s been really ahead of her time, not just on the court, but off the court, her maturity level,” Bazzell told the media on Monday. “You know, Paige is a superstar, and Paige is someone that raises the level of everyone else, and I think that’s what’s really important.”

While the league has attracted an impressive mix of established names and rising talents, Bueckers stands out as someone who bridges both worlds – elite performance and leadership appeal. The Dallas Wings star’s prior experience in the 3×3 format, having competed in international tournaments with Team USA earlier in her career, only strengthens her value as the league will look to deliver fast-paced, high-level competition in its second season.

Teaming up with Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, Kate Martin, Aari McDonald, and Dominique Malonga, Bueckers enters the league not just as a marquee name but as the centerpiece of Breeze BC, an expansion team that has quietly assembled one of the most balanced rosters in the league.

Breeze BC is being viewed as an immediate contender entering opening day, sitting just behind defending champions Rose BC in preseason projections. The combination of Bueckers’ scoring versatility, Brink’s rim presence, and Malonga’s physicality gives this roster a rare mix of pace and power, something only a few teams can match.

Paige Bueckers led Breeze BC to its first win of the season

From the tip-off, it was clear that Bueckers would be the team’s engine in their first game against the Phantom BC. The young star’s ability to create shots for herself and her teammates kept the opposition defense off balance throughout the game, leading the Breeze to a 69-62 victory.

Hitting a smooth fadeaway jumper to tie the game and repeatedly finding lanes to drive, Bueckers scored 24 points, secured 5 rebounds, and made 6 assists in 19.8 minutes. Her chemistry with Malonga and Martin was evident, as the trio consistently turned defensive stops into quick points. The former’s presence inside and ability to crash the boards complemented Bueckers’ perimeter dominance, allowing them to maintain control even when shots weren’t falling.

The Breeze out-rebounded Phantom 38-32. Malonga alone had a game-high 14 boards.

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The victory was as much about Bueckers’ poise as it was about the Breeze’s collective execution. With her pulling the strings and the supporting cast answering consistently, they proved they could impose pressure on one of the league’s toughest opponents.

Next up, the Breeze faces Hive BC on January 9, and if the opener is any indication, Bueckers and Co. are going to be an exciting team to watch this season.