Ah, the joys of the WNBA offseason—where the drama doesn’t play out on the hardwood but on social media, fueled by memes, jokes, and unsolicited opinions. On Sunday, the Dallas Wings struck lottery gold, landing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, instantly igniting the “Paige Bueckers Sweepstakes.” The UConn phenom is widely expected to go first overall, assuming she declares. But instead of champagne-popping celebrations, the Wings’ victory sparked a wave of criticism aimed at current star Arike Ogunbowale—and things have gotten messy.
Ogunbowale vs. the Internet
Arike Ogunbowale, never one to back down, made her excitement known after the Wings secured the top pick. She took to X (formerly Twitter—yes, we’re all still adjusting) to share her joy. But this innocent enthusiasm quickly devolved into a meme fest, with users jabbing at her supposed aversion to passing.
Some fans seemed to think it was Bueckers’ responsibility to wade into this social media quagmire and defend her potential future teammate. One particularly vocal fan tweeted:
“Paige needs to gather her booklets up and tell them to chill. It’s disgusting that they’ve been harassing a black woman like this. This is disgusting and nasty and she has to speak up now.”
“Booklets” referring to Bueckers’ die-hard fanbase? Hilarious. Another fan chimed in, claiming, “Paige needs to get her fans in check.”
Well, Paige hasn’t said a word—perhaps too busy at UConn plotting her return to full dominance after injuries derailed her last few seasons. Or maybe she’s wisely staying out of the fray, letting Ogunbowale do what she does best: clap back.
Arike’s Unbothered Energy
Ogunbowale addressed the criticism on Tuesday with a masterclass in casual indifference, tweeting:
“idk why people don’t realize i never cared like not to b insensitive but I’m healthy, VERY happy, & get paid to hoop. & most importantly extremely blessed by God.”
Translation: Y’all can keep joking, but I’m over here thriving. Her mic drop response earned some applause from fans who know the kind of teammate Ogunbowale truly is.
“They’ll be on the Arike bandwagon next season,” one defender noted. Another added, “Anyone who doesn’t think Arike is a great teammate just doesn’t watch the games. Every player in the league would be lucky to be wearing the same jersey as her.”
Fair points. Arike is a certified bucket-getter who leaves it all on the court. But the narrative surrounding her as a “ball hog” persists, and the online banter isn’t letting up anytime soon.
What About Paige?
All eyes remain on Paige Bueckers, who has yet to declare for the draft. The Wings have the first pick, but sources say Bueckers may not be thrilled about landing in Dallas. According to ESPN’s Michael Voepel, in a perfect world, Bueckers would’ve preferred the LA Sparks to win the lottery. Playing alongside Cameron Brink, another young star, sounds enticing.
Still, the choice isn’t so simple. Bueckers could return to UConn for another year, delaying her entry into the WNBA and avoiding the draft altogether—for now. But can she resist the allure of starting her pro career alongside Ogunbowale and the Wings?
The Bigger Picture
While the Dallas Wings and LA Sparks both had dismal 2024 seasons, the lottery win gives Dallas a shot at a much-needed turnaround. Ogunbowale and the Wings went 9-33 last season, while the Sparks stumbled to an 8-32 record. Bueckers could provide the spark (no pun intended) the Wings desperately need, potentially forming a formidable duo with Ogunbowale.
The fans’ concerns, while dramatic, underscore one thing: the pressure and expectations surrounding Bueckers are enormous. And with Ogunbowale continuing to do her thing unapologetically, it’s clear this team could be as dynamic on the court as it is dramatic off it.
So, will Paige step into the fray, either online or in Dallas? Or will she keep everyone guessing for a few more months? Either way, the 2025 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be must-watch TV. Stay tuned, because this soap opera is far from over.
