In a heartbreaking turn for one of the WNBA’s brightest young stars, 2025 rookie sensation Paige Bueckers has announced an indefinite leave from the Dallas Wings following the sudden and tragic passing of her father, Bob Bueckers. The 24-year-old guard, selected No. 1 overall in April’s draft after leading UConn to an NCAA championship, shared the devastating news on social media late Friday, asking for privacy as her family navigates this profound grief.
“Today, we lost the heart of our family—my dad, Bob,” Bueckers wrote in a poignant Instagram post. “He taught me everything: how to dribble a ball, how to chase dreams, and how to love fiercely. His light will never fade, but right now, I need time to heal with my loved ones. Thank you for the support; I’ll be back when I’m ready.” The post, accompanied by a childhood photo of father and daughter on a Minnesota court, quickly amassed millions of likes and messages of condolence from fans, teammates, and rivals alike.
Bob Bueckers, a 58-year-old software engineer and former college basketball player at Minnesota State University, was more than a parent—he was Paige’s first coach and unwavering champion. Divorced from Paige’s mother, Amy Fuller Dettbarn, when she was just 3, Bob remained a constant presence, attending every UConn game and texting her “Be you, be great” before tip-off. His emotional interview during Paige’s WNBA debut in May against the Minnesota Lynx—where he teared up on national TV—captured the depth of their bond, going viral as a testament to fatherly pride.
The incident unfolded tragically on November 5 during a routine family gathering in Edina, Minnesota. Authorities report Bob suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while playing pickup basketball with Paige’s half-brother, Drew, and nephews. Despite immediate CPR and paramedic intervention, he was pronounced dead at the scene. “It was so sudden—no warning, just gone,” a family spokesperson told ESPN. “Paige was there, holding his hand till the end. She’s shattered.”
Bueckers’ meteoric rise had been nothing short of magical. After overcoming a torn ACL in 2022, she exploded in her senior year, averaging 20.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds en route to that 82-59 title win over South Carolina. Drafted by Dallas, she dazzled in her first 15 games, posting 18.7 points per contest and earning Rookie of the Month honors in June. Teammates like Arike Ogunbowale praised her as “a generational talent with a heart of gold.”
Now, the league rallies around her. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement: “Paige’s strength inspires us all, but family comes first. The WNBA family extends our deepest sympathies to the Bueckers—take all the time you need.” Dallas coach Scott Morrison added, “She’s family here too. The court will wait.”
Fans flooded X with tributes, one viral post reading: “Bob raised a queen. Paige, heal—basketball needs you whole.” As Bueckers steps back, her absence leaves a void, but her resilience—forged in Bob’s lessons—promises a triumphant return. In his memory, she’ll play on, forever changed but unbreakable.
