1. Paige Bueckers
As a Dallas Wings fan, it’s hard not to be hyped for the 2025 season — especially after last year’s letdown. But this year? The spark could come from Paige Bueckers, arguably the best player in college basketball right now.
The UConn point guard, NCAA Champion, and projected No. 1 overall pick is averaging 20 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, all while shooting a ridiculous 54% from the field and 43.2% from three. Those are insane numbers, especially considering she’s coming off major injuries.
Dallas has been searching for the right guard to pair with Arike Ogunbowale for years. And honestly? Paige Buckets might be the perfect fit. Her feel for the game is elite, her efficiency is off the charts, and let’s not forget — before her injuries, many considered her the top prospect even ahead of Caitlin Clark.
If she stays healthy, I have zero doubt Paige can translate her game to the next level and help push the Wings back to the top of the W.
She’s the truth. And if she ends up in Dallas, I’ll be drinking out of joy… or coping. Either way, the 12-pack is non-negotiable.
2. A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson. Need I say more?
For years, I was an A’ja (and Aces) hater — not because I didn’t respect her, but because she was too good. Every time she torched my favorite team, I felt the pain, that quickly went away after a few brews. But I’ve grown since then. Now, I’m fully on board: A’ja Wilson is one of the greatest players in WNBA history, and she’s still evolving, though I’m still an Aces hater (sorry not sorry!)
Last season, the Aces shockingly missed the Finals for the first time since 2021, falling to the Liberty 3–1 in the semis (I prayed for this). Now, the dynasty faces a serious identity shift. Key contributors like Kelsey Plum, Alysha Clark, Tiffany Hayes, Sydney Colson, and Kate Martin are gone.
But this is where it gets spicy: The Aces landed Jewell Loyd. They can’t keep getting away with this!!!
It’s a bold move — bringing in another superstar, especially one with a high usage rate. A’ja’s always had great teammates, but can she thrive alongside a ball-dominant guard like Jewell? I think yes. Great players adapt, and A’ja’s game has never been about ego — it’s about impact.
I’m watching her closely this season, not because I doubt her or to hate watch— but because we might be witnessing the next chapter of her greatness, I just hope it’s not against the Wings because, if it is, I’ll have to get something stronger than my cheap beer.
3. Angel Reese
Ahh… Angel Reese, the WNBA’s “villain.” You either love her, or you’re a Caitlin Clark “fan” and a little racist. Personally, I’m a huge Angel supporter — despite the fact that she blocked me on Instagram (I’m sorry).
Regardless of how you feel about her, there’s no denying Angel is a star. Sure, there are parts of her game that could use some work (I’m talking about those many, many, many missed layups). But as someone who’s played basketball their entire life, it’s honestly impressive how she manages to grab all those rebounds… right after missing her own shot. Resourceful.
She may not be the most polished player on the floor — but she might be the hardest working.
In her rookie season, Angel averaged a double-double with 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. She also broke a ridiculous number of records, including:
- Most rebounds in a single season (446)
- Most offensive rebounds in a season (172)
- Highest rebounds per game average (13.1)
- Most double-doubles by a rookie (26)
- Most consecutive double-doubles (15)
- First player with 3 straight 20+ rebound games
Sure, some of those numbers are inflated by her legendary inability to finish layups — and that’s fair criticism — but it’s still wild what she pulled off in just one season. Honestly, she was my pick for Rookie of the Year… partly because I’m an Angel Reese fan, and partly because I had money on it.
Now look, we all know Angel struggles finishing inside. She shot a brutal 39.1% from the field, most of that around the rim. But I expect that to improve. She spent her offseason playing in the new 3×3 Unrivaled league, and I think that helped her offensive game tremendously… at least, I hope.
This season, I expect Angel to come out and hoop — loudly and unapologetically (shoutout her podcast). Hopefully she stays healthy, because like it or not, she’s one of the main reasons the W is growing right now. Sorry, Caitlin Clark fans. That’s just facts.
4. Satou Sabally
Satou Sabally… where do I even begin?
I loved Satou. During her time on the Wings, I supported her relentlessly. I hyped her up any chance I could. I defended her like she was on my payroll.
But now? She’s on my shit list.
I’ll still wish her success — because I’m not heartless — but I can’t help feeling betrayed by her departure. Guess it’s a good thing I never pulled the trigger on buying that jersey. That would’ve stung.
When she’s healthy, Satou is easily a top-10 talent in the league. But that’s the problem — “when healthy” is doing a lot of work. Since entering the W in 2020, she’s only played more than 17 games in a season once — a full 38-game slate in 2023. This past year, she managed just 15 games, but still averaged 17.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The talent? Absolutely there.
The durability? Someone please get this woman a lifetime supply of calcium.
This offseason, Satou was traded to the Phoenix Mercury — a team that also picked up another WNBA star in Alyssa Thomas. The Mercury are suddenly loaded, even with the departure of Brittney Griner (aka the most decorated Russian inmate in league history).
If Satou stays on the court, I think she can be the star on a star-studded Mercury team with legit playoff potential. Big if, though. Her health will determine whether Phoenix is a problem — or just a fantasy team on paper.
Either way, I’ll be watching.
Probably drunk.
Possibly still bitter.
5. Kelsey Plum
Kelsey Plum — every gooner’s dream hooper.
I’ve always liked Kelsey — though I’ll admit I’ve been a bit of a hater. Not because of anything she did, but because she played for the Aces, and I have a moral obligation to root against them.
Now? I want to see her thrive.
Plum was traded this offseason from Las Vegas to the Los Angeles Sparks — a move I consider an absolute steal for LA. Not only did they get a proven scorer and champion, but they also now employ the WNBA’s most dangerous shooter and most recently divorced player.
Yes, Kelsey is now free of both the Aces and Darren Waller — former NFL tight end, part-time R&B artist, and the kind of musician whose songs could make a recovering addict consider relapsing.
Despite the off-court chaos, Plum still averaged 17.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 38 games in 2024 — all while sharing the floor with A’ja Wilson and a stacked Vegas roster.
Now stepping into full-on unc status, Plum joins a squad with:
- Cameron Brink (coming off an ACL tear)
- Dearica Hamby (fellow ex-Ace, doing it all)
- Rickea Jackson (who the Wings should’ve drafted)
Plum’s going to have more control, more shots, and way more room to cook. She stays healthy (unlike some people — Satou) and LA could go from rebuilding to real contenders real quick.
I’ll be watching. I’ll probably be yelling. And yes — I’m rooting for her this time.
Honorable Mentions
Caitlin Clark
If you’re MAGA, you’re probably a Caitlin Clark fan. That said, she is the reason the W is getting this much attention — and I’ll admit, it’s deserved. Hype around Indiana is real. Can she lead them to a championship? TBD… but I’ll be watching (and hate-posting if necessary).
Arike Ogunbowale
As a Wings fan, I have to include her. She’s the most exciting player in the W — period. It’s going to be wild watching her and Paige side by side this season. Hopefully, the new-look Wings can finally do something other than hurt me.
Sabrina Ionescu
WNBA champ and the CC before CC. After a rough Game 5 in the Finals, the pressure’s on. Can she help the Liberty run it back, or is she just a regular season stat padder? I’m watching either way.
W Nation Network 