Three players from the Dallas-Fort Worth area have been named starters for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game, highlighting a strong local presence in the league. Olivia Miles, a standout rookie from TCU, was recognized as the only rookie among the ten starters selected. Joining her are Dallas Wings players Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard, who were also voted in by fans, players, and media.
Miles has had a remarkable rookie season, leading the Minnesota Lynx to a league-best record of 15-4, despite the absence of their star player, Napheesa Collier, due to injury. This season, Miles has averaged 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. During her time at TCU, she led the team to its second consecutive Elite Eight appearance.
Bueckers, who earned Rookie of the Year honors last season, is making her second consecutive All-Star start. She has continued to excel in her sophomore season, averaging 19.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, helping the Wings achieve an 11-8 record, surpassing their total wins from the previous season.
Voting for the All-Star starters saw Miles ranking fifth among fans, first with the media, and third with players, while Bueckers was the top vote-getter among both fans and players, and second with the media. The other guards selected include Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell from the Indiana Fever.
Shepard, who has been a key addition to the Wings this season, is averaging a career-high 14.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. The frontcourt starters for the All-Star Game include A'Ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Aliyah Boston, Gabby Williams, and Natasha Howard.
