Former UCONN women’s basketball standout Napheesa Collier made her return this week after missing two games due to a back injury, seamlessly resuming her MVP-level performance with the Minnesota Lynx. Though the Lynx endured their second loss of the season in Washington against the Mystics on Tuesday, Collier bounced back for Friday’s overtime clash versus the Atlanta Dream, playing 40 minutes and leading Minnesota to a 96-92 win with 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists (a season high), two steals, and two blocks.
Collier continued her stellar play on Sunday against the Connecticut Sun, contributing 23 points, nine rebounds, and two assists in a commanding 102-63 victory. She shot a season-best 64.3% from the field and added two steals and two blocks, driving her team to the win. On top of her impressive stats, Collier earned the honor of being named a captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game for the first time, secured by the second-highest fan votes behind Indiana Fever’s Kate Linklark. Collier, a four-time All-Star over seven seasons, had only missed past selections while sitting out during childbirth or when the game wasn’t held in 2020 and 2022.
Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers impressed in front of childhood idol Kyrie Irving during a Friday game as the Dallas Wings fell 94-86 to the Fever in front of 20,409 fans at the American Airlines Arena. Despite the loss, Bueckers scored 27 points, shot 66.7% from three-point range, recorded six assists, two steals, and two blocks, with her highlight being a buzzer-beater three-pointer just before halftime. She helped Dallas secure their fourth win of the season on Tuesday with 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists in an upset over the Atlanta Dream. However, Bueckers was sidelined on Saturday against the Washington Mystics due to a precautionary right knee injury, with her coach noting she remained an enthusiastic supporter from the bench.
Former UConn point guard Kate Rinchen has faced challenges since being picked in the third round by the Golden State Valkyries but rejoined the team on June 15 after several key players left for EuroBasket. Since her WNBA debut last week, Rinchen has become a valuable contributor, playing 25 minutes and scoring 10 points in a recent 83-78 win over the Chicago Sky, followed by strong performances in subsequent games. Veteran Husky Tiffany Hayes also had a productive week for the Valkyries, leading in assists and contributing strong scoring efforts.
Despite struggles for the Los Angeles Sparks, forward Azura Stevens continues to rise, posting career highs including 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and multiple steals. She has improved her shooting percentages dramatically this season, hitting 50.8% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.
Other former Huskies had mixed weeks: Tina Charles of the Connecticut Sun showed flashes of scoring prowess; Stephanie Dolson played effectively for the Washington Mystics; Aaliyah Edwards posted solid rebounding and scoring despite limited minutes; Bria Hartley had a season-high scoring game for the Sun; and others like Moria Jefferson, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Kia Nurse, Kia Stokes, and Gabby Williams all contributed notable performances for their teams.
In broader league news, the WNBA announced expansion plans to add teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia within the next five years, signaling growth and increased opportunities for women’s professional basketball.
Fan Take: This update highlights the incredible impact former UConn stars are having across the league, showcasing both rookies and veterans excelling at the highest level. The WNBA’s expansion plans are especially exciting, indicating the league’s rising popularity and promising a broader platform for talent and fan engagement in the years ahead.
