Ex-UConn star Napheesa Collier has funny Paige Bueckers request in WNBA debut

The Minnesota Lynx All-Star texts the Dallas Wings rookie before her first WNBA game, which happens to be between the two former Huskies legends.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers poses for a photo during the 2025 Dallas Wings Media Day. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The moment is finally here fans have been waiting for: Paige Bueckers makes her Dallas Wings regular-season debut on Friday vs. the Minnesota Lynx. A fellow former UConn Huskies star had a funny request for her before they square off in the WNBA.

Bueckers is the much-hyped prospect out of UConn, delivering the program its first national title since 2016. That team back then had freshman Napheesa Collier on it. She’s now on the Lynx.

RELATED: Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark crushed by surprising No. 1 WNBA social media star

Then UConn Huskies forward Napheesa Collier (24) in the women's 2019 NCAA Tournament. | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Before the two square off on the hardwood in Dallas, Collier, 28, texted the 23-year-old No. 1 overall pick some words of encouragement for her season, but also a hilarious request: “Good luck tonight. Don’t do too much against us, wait ‘til your next game.”

Napheesa Collier texted Paige Bueckers before her WNBA debut: “Good luck tonight. Don’t do too much against us, wait ’til your next game.” https://t.co/KnC3b0XM5g

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) May 16, 2025

RELATED: Does Azzi Fudd have secret necklace for UConn BFF Paige Bueckers?

That’s great.

Bueckers is already enjoying the area taking in a Dallas Stars playoff game. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Lynx are coming off a heartbreaking WNBA Finals loss in overtime of Game 5 to the New York Liberty. They hope to get back there again this season, and it all starts vs. the Bueckers-led Wings.

Collier averaged 20.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in her sixth season with Minnesota. Bueckers, meanwhile, averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in her final college season.

It will be electric at College Park Center in Dallas on Friday night where Bueckers certainly won’t be taking it easy on Collier and the Lynx. Let the Paige Bueckers era in the WNBA officially begin.

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

Giddy up!: Vanessa Bryant rocks next-level cowgirl fit for Beyoncé concert with girls

MLB first family: Ohtani posts most adorable photo with new baby, wife Mamiko

Back off: Anthony Edwards’ gf Shannon flexes custom Timberwolves fit in IG return

Truth revealed: Steph Curry’s sister sets record straight on ex-Warriors husband rumors

WT-LOL: Giants No. 3 pick Abdul Carter makes 5-foot-11 Cam Skattebo look ‘4 feet tall’