Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers reveals huge positive about Team USA experience

Paige Bueckers is back on Team USA's roster for the first time in six years.

Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is back in the national spotlight. Some may even say the global stage.

Bueckers is participating with Team USA's senior national team, an honor she had a chance to reflect on when speaking to reporters during a recent media scrum.

“There are so many great players here and the coaching staff as well,” Bueckers said via Dallas Hoops Journal. “To be able to be here, build relationships, compete — I think that’s the highest form of respect, is to compete.”

Bueckers said this isn't just about her resilience and perseverance to get better, but a chance to enjoy the ride of being a professional athlete, regardless of the setting.

“To continue to just be a sponge and to soak it up,” Bueckers said. “This is where you aspire to be as a basketball player at the highest level.”

READ MORE: Analyst raises question that could prevent Dallas Wings from selecting Azzi Fudd

Paige Bueckers Pivots Back To Basketball

Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on from the team bench during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Bueckers admitted that with her current R&R activities, transitioning back into basketball won't be an overnight switch, but vows it will "happen quick" when the time arises.

"My ability to stay present and really soak up each experience,” Bueckers said. “Whether it was the UConn run, my first year in Dallas as a rookie, or being here with the national team, I’ve learned to stay grateful and take nothing for granted.”

Bueckers said to enjoy the moment, she has to hone in on what makes her someone her teammates want to rally around, rather than just basketball.

“I’m trying to grow as a leader every single day,” Bueckers said. “Leadership is about using your voice, instilling confidence, holding yourself and your teammates accountable, and building relationships off the court.”

Bueckers' Wings finished 10-34 this past season. Before transitioning back to the WNBA, she wants to remind herself why she can take the steps necessary to vastly improve.

Paige Bueckers Reflects On Team USA Invite

Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“It’s pretty surreal,” Bueckers said of the Team USA experience. "I haven’t done anything USA Basketball since like 2019, and that feels like ages ago now. But to be back here, representing my country in a way where this is every kid’s dream — to be able to do that at the highest level on the national team and to get that invite — it meant a whole lot. It’s truly an honor.”

Bueckers will have an opportunity to use the knowledge gained as a growth period before moving to the next step of her career.

Given the way she has handled herself so far, it would not be surprising to see Bueckers come out of the experience as a much better player than previously.

READ MORE: Wings star Paige Bueckers is ready for first taste of the Unrivaled League

Stick with WingsGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Wings throughout the offseason.

More Dallas Wings News

• Dallas Wings usher in new era with ex-South Florida winning HC to help Paige Bueckers

• Dallas Wings phenom Paige Bueckers named to influential list by WNBA legend

• New Wings coach details emotional decision to leave USF for WNBA

• Napheesa Collier reveals concerning Paige Bueckers statement by WNBA Commissioner