It seems WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale has a message for those fans of UConn sensation Paige Bueckers who aren’t too thrilled about their fave potentially landing in Dallas. Spoiler alert: She really doesn’t care.
Bueckers, widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is likely heading to the Dallas Wings after they secured the coveted first pick in the lottery. Naturally, her diehard supporters have already started drafting hypothetical trade proposals, clearly dreaming of a sunnier spot—like, say, Los Angeles—where she could flourish both on the hardwood and in Hollywood.
But Ogunbowale, the Wings’ alpha scorer and resident clapback queen, wasn’t having any of the shade. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter because… why not rebrand a perfectly functional app?), Ogunbowale reminded everyone she’s living her best life.
“I don’t know why people don’t realize I never cared 💀,” Ogunbowale tweeted, sprinkling in some casual deadpan humor. “Not to be insensitive, but I’m healthy, VERY happy, & get paid to hoop. Most importantly, extremely blessed by God.”
Translation: Arike isn’t here for your internet angst. She’s here to drop 22.2 points per game, secure the bag, and give glory to the heavens while doing it.
Fans Are Fanning, but Arike Is Unbothered
The drama seemingly began after Ogunbowale posted a “Thank You” message following the draft lottery. A few fans of Bueckers, arguably the most hyped college prospect since the invention of the jump shot, weren’t exactly subtle in expressing their displeasure. Some even suggested the Wings might not be worthy of their queen, claiming Bueckers would “suffer” sharing a backcourt with Ogunbowale.
Dallas, meanwhile, isn’t exactly a basketball Shangri-La at the moment. The Wings slogged through a forgettable 9-31 season, with injuries and inconsistency writing the team’s sad script. Ogunbowale balled out as usual, but even her brilliance couldn’t salvage the season.
As for the Wings’ other All-Star, Satou Sabally? She spent the first half of the season sidelined by injuries and is now headed into free agency. If Dallas doesn’t make some major moves to rebuild, the thought of adding Bueckers might indeed feel like putting a high-octane engine in a car missing two tires.
Paige Bueckers Plays It Cool
Bueckers, on her part, seems unbothered by all the swirling narratives. When asked about the draft lottery, she hit the “chill” button harder than a buzzer-beater in overtime.
“No, I did not [watch it],” Bueckers told ESPN. “I think I’ve mostly dealt with it by focusing on having a great practice today.”
In classic Bueckers fashion, she’s choosing to control what she can: her game. And with her averaging 21.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the opening three games of her final college season, it’s clear she’s locked in.
But let’s not pretend the thought of L.A.’s bright lights hasn’t crossed her mind. According to reports, the star guard was hoping for a lottery miracle that would send her west, where sponsorships and stardom could rain down like confetti. Alas, the Wings swooped in instead.
Will This Dynamic Duo Fly or Flop?
So, what happens if Bueckers ends up in Dallas? Analysts are divided. Ogunbowale is one of the most dynamic scorers in the league, but she’s not exactly known for ceding the spotlight. Bueckers, while not a true point guard, thrives when she has the ball in her hands. Could they coexist?
Some fans fear it might turn into a battle for dominance, with the offense stuck in a game of “whose turn is it?” Others, however, see potential for a lethal one-two punch that could revitalize the Wings and transform them from a league afterthought into a legit contender.
Until draft night arrives, the speculation will continue to simmer. But one thing’s for sure: Arike Ogunbowale isn’t sweating it. Whether or not Paige Bueckers ends up in Dallas, she’s made it clear she’ll keep thriving—one 30-point game and well-placed subtweet at a time.
