Arike Ogunbowale daps up future teammate Paige Bueckers in heartfelt exchange after Notre Dame outing

By Sahir Bhojwani

Modified Dec 17, 2024 12:35 GMT

Follow Us

Share

0 Discuss

When it comes to Notre Dame women's basketball, Arike Ogunbowale is an icon. On Thursday, the Dallas Wings All-Star returned to South Bend to attend this year's blockbuster matchup between Notre Dame and UConn. Ogunbowale was able to hang out and meet some of the college game's biggest stars, and one name in particular stood out.

UConn guard Paige Bueckers is considered the top player in women's college basketball. The 23-year-old Minnesota native is in the midst of an incredible season with the Huskies. Bueckers expected to be the first pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, a pick that is currently held by the Dallas Wings. This week, Ogunbowale and Bueckers, who could very well be future teammates, were captured by cameras in a heartfelt exchange.

In the video released by Arike Ogunbowale on Monday, the two can be seen dapping up and exchanging a hug outside the locker room after the game (15:10). The Wings star says a few words to the UConn talent before Bueckers responds to her.

"Appreciate it, good to see you too," said Bueckers

Notre Dame upset the No. 2 ranked Huskies 79-68 on the night, handing Geno Auriemma's team their first loss of the season. Bueckers was outstanding on the night, finishing with a team-high 25 points on 11-of-20 shooting. She also chipped in with three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Bueckers was named the AP Player of the Year and the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2021. This season, she is averaging 20.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 4.2 apg.

Since making her WNBA debut in 2019, Arike Ogunbowale has developed into one of the most dominant guards in the league. She is a four-time All-Star and led the league in scoring in 2020.

Pairing Ogunbowale with Bueckers is an exciting prospect for Wings fans. With Dallas holding the No. 1 pick, there is a real possibility that two of the game's most talented guards will be teammates next year in Texas.

Arike Ogunbowale reacts after Dallas Wings win first pick to set up potential Paige Bueckers partnership

Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale reacts during the game against the Indiana Fever at College Park Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

The Dallas Wings were one of three teams in contention for the first pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. Going into the lottery on Nov. 17, The Wings had a 45.4% chance of winning the pick.

After the news was announced that Dallas had secured the No. 1 pick, Arike Ogunbowale couldn't hold back her excitement. Ogunbowale was thrilled and posted the following message on X:

"I just fell to my knees. THANK YOU LORD!"

UConn's Paige Bueckers is the favorite to be the first overall selection and a partnership with Ogunbowale would give the Wings one of the most dangerous backcourts in the WNBA.

Last season, Ogunbowale led the Wings' roster in points (22.2), assists (5.1) and steals (2.1). Despite her exceptional numbers, the Wings finished with a disappointing 9-31 record to miss out on the playoffs.