It feels like the whole world is tuned in when Paige Bueckers speaks. Before her name topped the draft board as the No. 1 pick, the “Paige Effect” was already there, murmured in broadcasting rooms and shouted from rafters. Now, with a championship crown resting on her head, she has proved that she is here to reshape the outlook of women’s basketball. Yet, as lovely as always, Bueckers knows one truth that didn’t make as many rounds: no arena roars from the sound of a single hand clapping.
Kaitlyn Chen has started all 40 games for the Huskies, yet when she entered the draft, she didn’t have glass shoes or any expectations. She entered like she played all season: selfless, steady, and simply being the teammate every team dreams of. Even though Bueckers did not hold back her admiration for the ex-teammate, Chen never imagined the moment would belong to her—the moment when her name would echo through the room, when the cheers she had been giving would return to her, and her teammates would lift their phones to capture the quiet joy blooming on her face. “I was really just here to watch Paige get drafted, and I’m so happy for her, but it’s been an unreal night,” she said after being drafted.
So, when the Golden State Valkyries called Kaitlyn Chen’s name in the third round, it felt like Paige Bueckers’ pre-draft words were still echoing in the room. “I think two teams—one team—would be genius to add Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin to their rosters. I think they should get drafted tonight,” she had said with quiet conviction. And clearly, someone was listening. And there was something unmistakable in Bueckers’ expression—a knowing nod, like she was saying, “Told ya.”
Yet, in basketball, while every Cinderella story starts with a sparkle, it’s the doubt about the ending that stirs the most conversation. Will the magic last, or fade before midnight? Similar was Michelle Smith’s concern, who put it bluntly on the ‘Locked on Women’s Basketball Podcast’. When asked about Chen’s capacity in the Golden State rotation, Smith pulled out the ultimate reality check, saying, “And with Kaitlyn Chen, again, a 3rd round pick. It’s hard to talk about fit with the 3rd round pick. It’s got, you have got to be surprised. You have got to over-perform. You have got to do all of those things to be able to stick on a roster.”
But make no mistake. Smith’s comments more reflect WNBA’s structure than they doubt Chen’s capabilities. Because the reality remains that there are just not enough roster spots for those drafted. Last year, not even half of the players drafted could don their teams’ jerseys and had to resort to playing overseas. And one might say, “Oh, had they not been drafted, their paycheck overseas would have been peanuts“. True. Once you are drafted, your stock potential rises enormously. However, when we say that we are just taking the spotlight away from the real issue.
Anyway, that is a longer discussion to have later. For now, Kaitlyn Chen’s story as a third-round pick might just be the start of an unexpected chapter. The Golden State Valkyries, the W’s newest team, are building from the ground up. No anchors, no stars—just open space and open questions. And into that space walks Chen. All she needs to do is remind the Valkyries why she’s a championship-winning piece of the puzzle. And with a team flush with cap space and fresh ambition, Golden State has room not only to sign one but all three of their draft picks.
Now, the rest is on her—to prove she belongs and to carry forward her Taiwanese roots.
Chen Breaks a Record on Draft Night
Kaitlin Chen won the National championship along with her UConn teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. She was drafted by the newest team in the WNBA, the Golden State Valkyries. Being picked 30th overall in the draft, the UConn guard created a new record in the WNBA.
NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball: Marquette at Connecticut Mar 2, 2025 Storrs, Connecticut, USA UConn Huskies UConn Huskies guard Kaitlyn Chen 20 is recognized during senior night along side head coach Geno Auriemma and her family after the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Storrs Harry A. Gampel Pavilion Connecticut USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDavidxButlerxIIx 20250302_db2_sv3_056
Kaitlyn Chen, who is the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, achieved a new feat. She became the first player of Taiwanese descent to be drafted by a WNBA team. Chen will be the torchbearer for the next generation of Taiwanese players who aim to play at the professional level. “I feel like growing up, there haven’t been a ton of Asian American athletes playing at the highest level, and to be able to sort of be that role model for younger Asian Americans and Asians in general is definitely really special,” Chen said at a press conference.
If Kaitlyn Chen makes it all the way, she won’t just be earning a roster spot—she’ll be heading home. Back to her roots, closer to her parents, and right into the heart of the Bay Area, where a vibrant Asian-American community awaits her story. In many ways, it’s the most meaningful kind of three-pointer.
And judging by the Valkyries’ excited post—“Taking her ‘ship to the Bay ”—it seems the team’s already all in. So when the season tips off, don’t be surprised if we’re all rowing in her direction, remote in hand, ready to cheer from living rooms across the country.
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