That Paige Bueckers was named WNBA Rookie of the Year for 2025 comes as no great surprise. That she earned 70 out of 72 first-place votes may raise a few eyebrows, given how well Washington's Sonia Citron played this year -- yet Bueckers dominating the final vote count will come as no huge shock to WNBA fans.
But the way in which Bueckers physically received the Kia Rookie of the Year Award surely will live long in the memory.
MORE: Paige Bueckers' surprise gesture proves her affection for Dallas and the Wings
Each time a guest appears on The Jennifer Hudson Show, they are serenaded with a "Spirit Tunnel," where the show's staffers line up in the studio hallway to cheer and channel positive energy to that day's guest.
It was Bueckers' turn to get the "Spirit Tunnel" treatment on Tuesday -- and at the very end of the walk, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented Bueckers with the trophy, as "Rookie of the Year" chants went up all around her.
Paige Bueckers did not expect THIS at the end of her tunnel! 👀 @WNBA @DallasWings pic.twitter.com/wyJ8RsJdl8
— The Jennifer Hudson Show (@JHudShow) September 16, 2025
Bueckers led all first-year WNBA players with 19.2 points and 5.4 assists per game. The #1 overall pick in April's draft, Bueckers was the Wings' sole All-Star and demonstrated her vast potential when she became one of only three players in basketball history to score 40 points in an NCAA Tournament game and a professional game in the same calendar year.
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