Three players from the Dallas-Fort Worth area have earned starting positions in the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game, showcasing the region's talent in professional women's basketball. Olivia Miles, a rookie from TCU, was the only first-year player among the ten starters announced on Thursday. Joining her are Dallas Wings players Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard.
Miles has had a standout season with the Minnesota Lynx, helping the team achieve the best record in the league at 15-4, even in the absence of their leading player, Napheesa Collier, due to injury. The point guard is averaging 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. During her time at TCU, Miles led the Horned Frogs to their second consecutive Elite Eight appearance.
Bueckers, who was named Rookie of the Year last season, has continued to excel in her second year, averaging 19.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Her performance has contributed to the Wings' current record of 11-8, surpassing their total wins from the previous season.
The selection process for the All-Star starters involved votes from fans, players, and media, with fans accounting for half of the total votes. Miles ranked fifth among fans, first with the media, and third with players, while Bueckers was the top choice among fans and players, and second with the media.
In addition to Miles and Bueckers, Jessica Shepard has also made her mark this season, averaging a career-high of 14.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. The All-Star Game is set to take place on July 25 at the United Center in Chicago, starting at 7:30 p.m.
