WNBA Stars Collier, Bueckers Shine in All-Star Game

Napheesa Collier and rookie Paige Bueckers have emerged as standout stars in the 2025 WNBA season, with Collier favored for MVP and Bueckers leading the rookie class as a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year. Collier, a seasoned leader and vice president of the WNBA Players Association, highlighted her longstanding admiration for Bueckers, recalling their time playing together on a USA Basketball team when Bueckers was still in high school. During the WNBA All-Star Game, Collier set a new scoring record with 36 points, while Bueckers made history by hitting the first four-point shot in All-Star Game history and contributing significantly to their teams' performances. Their relationship exemplifies the mentorship and cooperation between veteran and rookie players, a dynamic seen as vital for the league's growth and increasing sponsorships. Collier also balances her on-court success with off-court roles, advocating for players' rights amid pivotal collective bargaining negotiations and promoting the Unrivaled league, which strengthens players' negotiating power. Discussions about a potential future team-up between the two UConn alumni remain speculative but highlight the strong connection between them.