Arike Ogunbowale’s return to South Bend was significant for many reasons. Not only did Notre Dame deliver a big win over UConn, but the postgame meeting between Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers served as a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations of basketball talent
If the Dallas Wings select Bueckers with the No. 1 pick, fans can look forward to a dynamic partnership with Ogunbowale—one that could redefine the future of the franchise.
Women’s basketball is in a golden era, and moments like these remind us why. From college rivalries to WNBA aspirations, the storylines continue to inspire and captivate fans around the world.
The Dallas Wings’ win in the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery marks a turning point for the franchise. Arike Ogunbowale’s enthusiastic reaction reflects the excitement and optimism surrounding the team’s future.
With UConn star Paige Bueckers likely to be the No. 1 pick, the potential partnership between Bueckers and Ogunbowale has fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come. Together, the two guards could form a dynamic backcourt that leads the Wings back to relevance and positions them as a playoff contender.
For Dallas, the 2025 season represents not just a fresh start but a chance to build something special. With Ogunbowale as their anchor and a generational talent like Bueckers in the mix, the future has never looked brighter for the Wings.
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Arike Ogunbowale: Returns to South Bend
When it comes to women’s college basketball, Notre Dame legend Arike Ogunbowale remains a household name.1
On Thursday, the Dallas Wings All-Star returned to her old stomping grounds in South Bend to witness one of the most anticipated matchups of the season: Notre Dame vs. UConn.
Not only did the game live up to its billing, but Ogunbowale also had the opportunity to interact with some of today’s brightest stars, including UConn’s standout guard, Paige Bueckers.
The meeting between Ogunbowale and Bueckers turned heads, sparking excitement about a potential future pairing in the WNBA. Let’s break down what made this encounter—and the matchup—so significant.
24 hours @ ND ☘️🎥https://t.co/mWeDHpUFka
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) December 15, 2024
A Homecoming for Arike Ogunbowale
Arike Ogunbowale’s name is synonymous with Notre Dame basketball history. From her iconic buzzer-beater shots that led the Fighting Irish to the 2018 national championship to her storied college career, Ogunbowale left an indelible mark on the program.
Her return to South Bend for this year’s Notre Dame-UConn matchup was a special moment for both fans and players.
The visit wasn’t just about nostalgia. Ogunbowale’s presence also highlighted her role as one of the leading faces in women’s basketball today.
Her dominance in the WNBA with the Dallas Wings serves as an inspiration for current college stars dreaming of playing professionally.
Arike Ogunbowale: Meets UConn Star Paige Bueckers
Despite UConn’s loss to Notre Dame, Paige Bueckers demonstrated why she is considered the top player in women’s college basketball.2
In a tough matchup, Bueckers delivered a stellar performance, finishing with a game-high 25 points while shooting 55% from the field (11-of-20). She also added three rebounds, two assists, and two steals to round out her night.
This game added yet another chapter to Bueckers’ impressive career. The 23-year-old guard from Minnesota has consistently proven herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her poise, scoring ability, and court vision make her one of the most complete players in the college game today.
Bueckers, who was named both the AP Player of the Year and the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2021, is currently averaging 20.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season. With her leadership, UConn remains a championship contender, even in the face of adversity.
A Heartfelt Exchange Between Two Basketball Icons
- The postgame interaction between Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers was a moment of genuine respect and camaraderie.
- Captured on video and later shared by Ogunbowale herself, the clip showed the two stars sharing a hug and exchanging words outside the locker room.
- “Appreciate it, good to see you too,” Bueckers responded after Ogunbowale offered her congratulations and encouragement.
- While the exchange was brief, its significance was clear. For young players like Bueckers, meeting someone of Ogunbowale’s caliber represents a connection between college basketball’s past and present.
- For Ogunbowale, the moment highlighted her ongoing influence on the game and her role as a mentor for the next generation of stars.
- Notre Dame’s 79-68 victory over the No. 2 ranked UConn Huskies was a statement win for the Fighting Irish. This was UConn’s first loss of the season, and it came in emphatic fashion.
- The Irish delivered a balanced offensive performance, capitalizing on their opportunities and stifling the Huskies’ typically efficient offense.
- While Bueckers shone for UConn, Notre Dame executed a team-oriented game plan that allowed them to pull away. The result sent a strong message to the rest of the college basketball world: Notre Dame is a force to be reckoned with this season.
The Next No. 1 Pick?
With the 2025 WNBA Draft on the horizon, Paige Bueckers is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick. The Dallas Wings, who currently hold that coveted selection, could soon find themselves with a backcourt pairing for the ages if they draft Bueckers to join Ogunbowale.
Bueckers’ skillset fits seamlessly into the WNBA game. Her ability to score efficiently, distribute the ball, and make plays on defense makes her a complete guard.
For a team like the Wings, who are striving to build a championship-caliber roster, adding Bueckers would be a game-changing move.
Arike Ogunbowale: Who Is She?
A Leader in the WNBA
Since entering the WNBA in 2019, Arike Ogunbowale has established herself as one of the league’s premier guards.3
Known for her fearless scoring and clutch performances, Ogunbowale has been a four-time WNBA All-Star and even led the league in scoring during the 2020 season.
Her ability to take over games and her leadership on and off the court make her one of the most respected players in professional basketball.
Ogunbowale’s success serves as a benchmark for players like Bueckers, who aspire to thrive at the next level.
The Potential Duo: Ogunbowale and Bueckers in Dallas
The idea of Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers sharing the court in Dallas is enough to excite any Wings fan.
Ogunbowale’s scoring prowess combined with Bueckers’ playmaking ability could create one of the most dynamic backcourts in the WNBA.
For the Wings, who are looking to take the next step toward championship contention, pairing these two guards could be the missing piece.
With Ogunbowale already established as a leader and star, Bueckers would have the perfect mentor to help ease her transition to the professional game.
A Bright Future for Women’s Basketball
The interaction between Ogunbowale and Bueckers underscores the bright future of women’s basketball. As college stars like Bueckers continue to shine and prepare for their WNBA careers, the league itself is growing in visibility and popularity.
Players like Ogunbowale, who have already made their mark, are helping pave the way for the next generation. The possibility of these two stars teaming up highlights the excitement and potential of the women’s game in the years to come.
Also Read: Mikey Williams Reveals Celebrity Encounter with 2x WNBA Champion on Angel Reese’s Podcast
Arike Ogunbowale’s Immediate Reaction
After the announcement that the Wings had secured the No. 1 pick, Arike Ogunbowale didn’t hold back her excitement. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her emotions, posting:
“I just fell to my knees. THANK YOU LORD!”
Her heartfelt reaction resonated with fans and teammates, underscoring the significance of the moment for both Ogunbowale and the Wings organization.
For Ogunbowale, the potential addition of a talent like Paige Bueckers offers hope for a turnaround after a difficult 2024 season. Despite her individual brilliance, the Wings finished with a disappointing 9-31 record, missing the playoffs and struggling to compete against the league’s top teams.
The No. 1 Pick in Waiting?
Paige Bueckers has been a household name in women’s basketball since her freshman year at UConn. A former National Player of the Year, Bueckers’ skill set makes her the consensus favorite to be selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Bueckers is a dynamic playmaker with elite scoring ability, court vision, and basketball IQ. Her ability to create shots for herself and her teammates would make her a seamless fit alongside a prolific scorer like Ogunbowale.
Some of Bueckers’ standout traits include:
- Scoring Efficiency: Whether attacking the rim or shooting from long range, Bueckers is a consistent offensive threat.
- Playmaking Vision: Her ability to find open teammates sets her apart as a point guard with star potential.
- Defensive Tenacity: Bueckers brings intensity on both ends of the court, something the Wings could use to bolster their defense.
With the Wings now holding the top pick, the odds of seeing Bueckers in a Dallas uniform are high.
Arike Ogunbowale: The Face of the Wings’ Resurgence
Arike Ogunbowale has been the cornerstone of the Wings franchise since she entered the league in 2019. Known for her clutch performances and scoring ability, Ogunbowale has solidified her status as one of the WNBA’s top players.
However, her individual success hasn’t always translated into wins for the Wings. With a dynamic player like Bueckers potentially joining the roster, Ogunbowale could finally get the support she needs to take Dallas to the next level.
Ogunbowale’s leadership will be critical in mentoring Bueckers and ensuring that the Wings can quickly gel as a team. The two guards could form the kind of partnership that defines a new era for Dallas basketball.
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The Wings’ Road to the Lottery Win
- The Wings’ path to securing the No. 1 pick was far from guaranteed. Entering the lottery, they shared the best odds with two other teams—45.4%. The suspense of the lottery process made the eventual announcement even sweeter for Dallas fans and players.
- The Wings’ disappointing 2024 campaign exposed several gaps in their roster, particularly in terms of playmaking depth and defensive consistency.
- By landing the No. 1 pick, Dallas now has the opportunity to address these weaknesses with a franchise-altering player like Paige Bueckers.
- The Dallas Wings are on the brink of a transformative moment in franchise history after winning the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery.
- With a 45.4% chance heading into the Nov. 17 lottery, the Wings emerged victorious, securing the coveted first pick that could reshape their roster.
- For star guard Arike Ogunbowale, the news couldn’t have been more exciting. Her immediate reaction on social media captured the emotion of the moment, and it also fueled speculation about the franchise’s future.
- With UConn sensation Paige Bueckers widely projected as the No. 1 pick, a potential partnership between Ogunbowale and Bueckers could set up one of the most dynamic backcourts in the WNBA.
- Here’s a deeper look at what this means for the Wings, Ogunbowale’s reaction, and the implications of a possible Ogunbowale-Bueckers pairing.
Also Read: Mikey Williams Reveals Celebrity Encounter with 2x WNBA Champion on Angel Reese’s Podcast
