A'ja Wilson and Paige Bueckers Honored with AP WNBA Awards
A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings have received top honors from the Associated Press (AP) for the 2025 WNBA season. Wilson secured her second consecutive AP Player of the Year award and third AP Defensive Player of the Year award, while Bueckers was named AP Rookie of the Year.
A'ja Wilson's Dominance Continues
A'ja Wilson capped off another outstanding season with the Las Vegas Aces, leading the league in scoring and blocked shots. Her exceptional performance led to her being named AP Player of the Year for the second year running, beating out strong contenders like Napheesa Collier and Alyssa Thomas. She also earned her third AP Defensive Player of the Year award in four seasons.
"She's put in the work and she passes all the tests—the math tests, the optics tests — she's the most exciting player in the W," Aces coach Becky Hammon told the AP. "And here's the thing, she's also the most exciting player on the defensive end."
Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 50.5 percent from the field, contributing significantly to the Aces' 16-game winning streak and securing the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
Paige Bueckers Named Rookie of the Year
Paige Bueckers lived up to the hype in her rookie season with the Dallas Wings, earning the AP Rookie of the Year award. Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, demonstrating her all-around skill set and potential to be a franchise cornerstone.
"I am very grateful for everyone who voted and saw me fit for Rookie of the Year," Bueckers said. "I have always felt like individual awards are a way to acknowledge the team around you."
Bueckers also had a 44-point performance during the season, the highest scoring game of any player in the WNBA this year.
Dawn Staley's Impact on A'ja Wilson's Defensive Prowess
A'ja Wilson attributes her defensive excellence to the demanding coaching of her former college coach, Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina. Wilson has been open about Staley's tough love approach during her collegiate career, which transformed her into a defensive powerhouse.
"Considering coach (Dawn) Staley was so hard on me about my defense in college, I'm glad I can have some success at the pro level multiple times," Wilson told the Associated Press.
Other AP Award Winners
In addition to Wilson and Bueckers, several other WNBA players and coaches were recognized by the AP for their outstanding contributions:
- Coach of the Year: Natalie Nakase, Golden State Valkyries
- Comeback Player of the Year: Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics
- Most Improved Player: Veronica Burton, Golden State Valkyries
- Sixth Woman of the Year: Naz Hillmon, Atlanta Dream
| Award | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Player of the Year | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces |
| Rookie of the Year | Paige Bueckers | Dallas Wings |
| Defensive Player of the Year | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces |
| Coach of the Year | Natalie Nakase | Golden State Valkyries |
| Comeback Player of the Year | Shakira Austin | Washington Mystics |
| Most Improved Player | Veronica Burton | Golden State Valkyries |
| Sixth Woman of the Year | Naz Hillmon | Atlanta Dream |
The AP WNBA All-Rookie Team also included Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Leila Lacan, Janelle Salaun and Dominique Malonga.
