Paige Bueckers, the standout guard for the Dallas Wings, has garnered significant recognition after being named one of the most influential rising stars of 2025 by Time magazine. This accolade highlights her remarkable performance during her rookie season, where she became the seventh player from the renowned University of Connecticut (UConn) to win the prestigious WNBA Rookie of the Year award, achieving an impressive 70 out of 72 first-place votes.
Despite the Wings finishing the season with a challenging 10-30 record, which resulted in them missing the playoffs, Bueckers made a powerful impact on the court. Over the course of the season, she averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. She also led all WNBA rookies with a total of 692 points, ranking third in history behind Caitlin Clark (769 points) and Seimone Augustus (744 points).
Bueckers has been praised for her multifaceted abilities on the court, with WNBA legend Diana Taurasi commenting on her exceptional basketball IQ. “The easiest thing to do in a game is shoot the basketball every single time you touch it. And Paige Bueckers is the best player on the court 99.99% of the time because she’s so gifted offensively, defensively—she disrupts so much,” Taurasi noted, emphasizing Bueckers’ capacity to play selflessly and facilitate for her teammates.
In addition to Bueckers, the Time 100 Next list features a group of other notable athletes making waves in their respective sports. Taylor Fritz is highlighted for his accomplishments in tennis, maintaining a commendable run this year, including two ATP Tour titles. India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal has made history in cricket as the first Indian player to score 1,000 runs in test cricket in a calendar year before turning 23. On the LPGA Tour, Thai golfer Jeeno Thitikul has excelled, boasting multiple victories and a consistent performance across all facets of the game. Meanwhile, Spanish soccer prodigy Lamine Yamal has shattered age records with his significant contributions to FC Barcelona.
The recognition of these young talents, including Bueckers, showcases not only their athletic prowess but also their potential to shape the future of their sports. With their rising stars’ status, fans can look forward to witnessing their continued growth and impact in the world of athletics.