PHOTO: 3x national champ Dawn Staley poses with UConn star Paige Bueckers during WNBA all-star event

Dawn Staley and her potential post-season matchup Paige Bueckers were in Phoenix for the first day of WNBA All-Star. The two-day event features some of the best players in the big league battling it out on the court. Apart from the All-Star game, the WNBA 3-point contest and a Skills Challenge will take place alongside other activities.

As the two college basketball faces stepped into the Footprint Center, the WNBA posted a picture of them alongside Sheryl Swoopes, the first player to sign a WNBA contract, and Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream’s point guard.

Staley then highlighted the squad by reposting the same on her Instagram story.

Dawn Staley's Instagram story from July 19

Dawn Staley cruised to the 2024 NCAA championship by leading her South Carolina Gamecocks to a flawless record. One of her biggest feats came in the final, when her roster, which did not have a clear offensive leader, defeated the young sensation Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Next season, there is a possibility that she could face Paige Bueckers' Huskies in the deep end of the NCAA tourney.

Bueckers is one of the best women's D1 basketball players and the potential first pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. She could have declared for the big league this year but opted for a last run with UConn in light of lifting the NCAA title and solidifying her collegiate legacy.

Dawn Staley voices her WNBA Rookie of the Year favorite

Despite the championship loss to Dawn Staley, Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA as the first pick in the 2024 draft. She drew large attention and was the frontrunner for the Rookie Award.

However, before the season enters its last stretch of regulation, the 7th overall pick, Angel Reese, has emerged as a worthy contender for the honors, recording 15 consecutive double-doubles since the start of June.

Behind the statistical outburst, Dawn Staley believes that Reese is currently the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. Nevertheless, she also explored the possibility that Clark could realign with the trophy soon.

Reese is averaging 13.5 points and 12.0 rebounds before the annual event, whereas Clark, with her fair share of early struggles, averages 17.1 points and 8.2 assists.