Cynthia Cooper knows excellence when she sees it. The Hall of Famer and four-time WNBA champion, who helped shape the early years of the league as the face of the Houston Comets dynasty, now sees that same level of professionalism in Dallas Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers.
On the August 30 episode of We Need To Talk, Cooper lauded Bueckers’ record-setting rookie season and her smooth adaptation to the WNBA spotlight.
“I absolutely love what Paige is doing. She’s incredible. Yes, she just broke my record by a single point, but seeing it happen is exciting because of the energy and enthusiasm she brings—not just to women’s basketball, but specifically around her and the Dallas Wings,” Cooper said. “They’re doing an outstanding job, and it’s always inspiring to watch young talent step in and make an immediate impact.”
Paige Bueckers is Breaking Records
On August 20, Paige Bueckers tied Cynthia Cooper’s rookie scoring record of 44 points, first set in 1997, by dropping 44 against the Los Angeles Sparks. She made history as the first player in WNBA history to score 40 or more points while shooting at least 80 percent from the field, going 17-of-21 overall and hitting every attempt from both three-point range and the free-throw line.
For Cooper, this wasn’t about her record being broken—it was a sign of the potential of the next generation.
“You have the pressure to show what you can do at the next level, then make your adjustments, and then execute,” she said. “Bringing your A-game every night—that’s always exciting to see.”
Cooper noted that a rookie’s true challenge is less about a single historic performance and more about handling the day-to-day demands of a WNBA season. She highlighted Bueckers’ composure and discipline as qualities that distinguish her.
“You can always spot who’s going to become a great pro by what they do off the court,” Cooper explained. “How they prepare before practice or training, how they handle themselves mentally. Paige stays even-keeled, never too high or too low. She’s focused, driven, and I believe she’s going to have an incredible professional career.”
Proving It in Dallas
Dallas’ struggles this season, marked by injuries and constant lineup changes, haven’t overshadowed Paige Bueckers’ impact. She has grown into more than just the Wings’ top rookie—she’s become a voice of confidence and belief. Following Friday’s 100-78 loss to Atlanta, Bueckers invoked NBA superstar Stephen Curry’s early years with the Golden State Warriors, recalling his “stick with us” message to fans before the team rose to prominence.
“Just to stick with it,” Bueckers told reporters. “Whoever puts on a Wings jersey that night, that’s who we believe in. We don’t need outside validation—we believe in each other. I remember Steph Curry, before the Warriors became the Warriors, tweeted, ‘Just stick with us.’ That’s the message.”
For Cynthia Cooper, who praised Bueckers for “showing up every single night,” those words underline the professionalism she already sees in the rookie. Head coach Chris Koclanes echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Bueckers’ leadership is tangible in the locker room.
“Everything,” Koclanes said. “That’s real belief, not lip service. She pours into her teammates, trusts everyone in the locker room. Even when times are tough, Paige and this group maintain perspective. They don’t wallow—they uphold standards, hold each other accountable, and stay focused on the future.”
Bueckers continues to back up her leadership with results. Against Atlanta, she notched 16 points and 10 assists—her second points-assists double-double of the season, making her the only rookie to accomplish that more than once. Cooper highlighted that consistency as the hallmark of a true professional and a future cornerstone for Dallas.
“The fact that Paige has stepped into the WNBA and consistently showcased her talent for the Dallas Wings, night after night, is remarkable,” Cooper said. “It demonstrates her professionalism and how great she can be.”
As the Wings navigate a rebuilding season, Bueckers’ performance stands out as both a silver lining and a foundation for the future. For Cooper, a pioneer of women’s professional basketball, Bueckers represents the next evolution of the game.
