UConn legend Napheesa Collier makes Paige Bueckers announcement ahead of WNBA's Lynx vs. Wings

Billy Heyen

UConn legend Napheesa Collier makes Paige Bueckers announcement ahead of WNBA's Lynx vs. Wings image

Napheesa Collier and Paige Bueckers are two of the greatest players in the storied history of UConn women's basketball.

On Friday night, they face off to open the WNBA season as Collier's Lynx travel to play at Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.

Collier has a key message for this year's No. 1 overall pick Bueckers heading into the matchup.

"I'm really happy for her," Collier said. "I texted her, like, 'Good luck tonight. Don't do too much against us, wait 'til your next game.' But yeah, I'm excited for her."

Bueckers gets to make her WNBA debut against Minnesota, her home state, albeit in a game played in Texas.

MORE: Paige Bueckers, Minnesota as a city is alive and well

Collier has ascended to WNBA superstardom as one of the most talented and most influential players in the world.

The Lynx will be expected to be more competitive out of the gate this season, while there's some question as to the adjustment period for the Wings with their rookie star joining a team led by Notre Dame legend Arike Ogunbowale.

But it'll be a great WNBA season opener regardless.

And if Bueckers gets cooking, against the wishes of Collier, it could be a thriller.

MORE: Angel Reese insults Caitlin Clark with passive-aggressive comment

Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle