CONNECTICUT — Connecticut has long been considered the capital of basketball. This season, the program cemented that reputation with history no other school can claim. For the first time ever, a single college produced both the NBA Rookie of the Year and the WNBA Rookie of the Year in the same season. That exclusive milestone belongs to UConn.
UCONN Makes Rookie Of The Year History After Paige Bueckers Wins Award
Paige Bueckers, drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings, capped her extraordinary debut year by claiming the WNBA’s top rookie honor. At the same time, Stephon Castle, a one-and-done Husky with the San Antonio Spurs, seized the NBA equivalent. Together, they made UConn history.
Paige Bueckers’ Breakthrough Season
Bueckers entered the WNBA with enormous expectations after leading UConn to the 2024 NCAA title. She exceeded them with poise and dominance. Averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, she became the engine of Dallas’ offense.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is the 2025 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year! pic.twitter.com/Y8YNwZ5xvg
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) September 16, 2025
She set a rookie single-game scoring record with 44 points and delivered consistent production. She claimed 70 of 72 Rookie of the Year votes. Her success strengthens the UConn Rookie of the Year tradition, becoming the latest Husky to make an immediate professional impact.
Castle Rises With San Antonio
Castle’s story unfolded differently. After winning a national championship in his lone season at UConn, he entered the NBA draft and went fourth overall to the Spurs. The Rookie of the Year race was tight for months, but Castle broke away late.
Stephon Castle. National Champ ➡️ ROTY pic.twitter.com/tzRFX29dzL
— Barstool UConn (@BarstoolStorrs) April 29, 2025
Castle led all rookies in total points, field goals, and steals. He also made over 100 more free throws than any other first-year player. Across 80 games, he averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. His steady scoring, combined with his defensive instincts, earned him 92 of 100 first-place votes.
Castle entered with elite potential and delivered in his rookie year. He reinforced UConn’s Rookie of the Year tradition, becoming the program’s latest star ready for the spotlight.
UConn’s Unique Legacy
Bueckers and Castle now stand as proof of UConn’s unmatched ability to produce professionals who thrive immediately. Both were five-star recruits who entered Storrs with high expectations, and both exited as champions before dominating at the next level.
The achievement of producing both NBA and WNBA Rookies of the Year in the same season is unprecedented. It reinforces UConn’s reputation not just as a collegiate powerhouse, but as the undisputed basketball capital of the world.
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
