Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Paige Bueckers Wins WNBA Rookie Award, UConn Celebrates Rare Double Alongside Spurs Guard Stephon Castle

UConn celebrates rare double in rookie history

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Paige Bueckers capped her debut season with the Dallas Wings by winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Her stellar campaign not only elevated her own career but also placed the University of Connecticut in basketball history.

Paige Bueckers and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle became the first pair from the same program to win NBA and WNBA Rookie of the Year in the same season.

Stephon Castle declared for the NBA Draft after just one year at UConn, where he helped secure an NCAA championship. Picked fourth overall by the San Antonio Spurs, the six-foot-six guard delivered a strong first season in the league.

Meanwhile, Bueckers entered the WNBA as one of the most anticipated rookies after Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. She was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings, living up to the expectations with a standout year.

Paige Bueckers did not expect THIS at the end of her tunnel! 👀 @WNBA @DallasWings pic.twitter.com/wyJ8RsJdl8
— The Jennifer Hudson Show (@JHudShow) September 16, 2025

Strong Rookie Seasons for Both Stars

Paige Bueckers collected 70 out of 72 votes from senior media members and broadcasters to claim the award. She averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over 36 games. Her efficiency stood out, shooting 47.7% from the field, 33.1% from deep, and 88.8% from the free-throw line.

Her 44-point explosion against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 20 marked a new single-game scoring record for a WNBA rookie. She also became the first rookie to average at least 15 points and 5 assists in a season while shooting above 45%.

Stephon Castle impressed in his first NBA year as well, averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 81 games. He played 26.7 minutes per contest, finishing as the Spurs’ breakout young star and capturing the Rookie of the Year honor for the 2024-25 season.

Paige Bueckers Reflects With Gratitude

Following the announcement, Paige Bueckers expressed her appreciation on Instagram. “Thank you, God, for an amazing rookie year. Process over results. Unconditional joy and gratitude, so much to be thankful for,” she wrote.

She also credited her teammates, adding: “Love my squad, they all deserve Teammates of the Year in my book, nothing is possible without them. Now let’s keep on keeping on. Go Wings!”

Together, Paige Bueckers and Stephon Castle solidified UConn’s dominance, delivering a first in basketball history with dual rookie awards.