The city of Hopkins, Minnesota is temporarily adopting the name Paige Bueckers, Minnesota on Friday, the day the Dallas Wings rookie makes her WNBA debut. Not many athletes receive such an honor, and even Bueckers herself found it hard to believe it was real.

“I truly thought it was fake news,” Bueckers told CBS Sports. “I saw it on social media one day and I’m like, ‘Oh, this is just like the troll page, I don’t believe it.’ But someone, a friend, texted me a screenshot. I was like, ‘Bro, this is crazy. I can’t believe it.’”

Bueckers received a social media post asking if someone born in Hopkins that day will officially be designated from Paige Bueckers, Minnesota. Mayor Patrick Hanlon chuckled and acknowledged that it was a fantastic question without a clear answer.

“I have not looked into that,” Hanlon said. “They might have been born in Paige Bueckers, Minnesota. We will need to figure that out.”

The mayor’s office acted promptly to honor Bueckers by drafting the proclamation the day after she was selected No. 1 overall by the Wings.

“We discussed doing something to commemorate the day, and typically that involves making a proclamation before the council,” Hanlon explained. “So this idea came from the staff: let’s elevate this because going No. 1 in the WNBA Draft is a significant achievement. Therefore, we decided to officially rename the town after her for a day.”

Bueckers was also the top high school player of the class of 2020 after a stellar career at Hopkins High School, where she became the school’s all-time leader in points (2,877), assists (795), and steals (574). She continued her success by winning multiple Player of the Year awards during her freshman year at UConn, ultimately capping her college career as a national champion.

Hanlon stated that not only is Bueckers’ hometown proud of her achievements in basketball, but also her contributions outside the sport.

“She’s not only a superstar; she’s also an incredible team player,” Hanlon said. “This really uplifts the teams she plays on, which is yet another reason to name a city after her for a day. She’s a remarkable role model, both on and off the court.”

“She has done numerous things for the school, including establishing a free grocery store while she was here. She’s donated to the Hopkins Education Foundation. During their last gala, she made several contributions there too, showcasing her to be a fantastic person all around. We take great pride in her.”

Bueckers’ debut, rather ironically against the Minnesota Lynx, will occur in Dallas. Nevertheless, Hopkins will rally behind her with a large community watch party, featuring local businesses offering themed specials. The Hopkins Education Foundation will host a gathering in the high school cafeteria. Here’s an official list detailing how Hopkins will celebrate this day.

While Bueckers is still absorbing the reality of having a city named after her, she is thrilled to share this moment and hopes the focus extends beyond her.

“I have so much love for the state of Minnesota and the city of Hopkins,” Bueckers said. “They’ve shaped me into who I am today. Numerous people in that city and state have influenced me and contributed to my growth. I don’t view it as ‘Paige Bueckers Day’; I see it as ‘Everybody Who Has Invested in Paige Day.’ Hopefully, it becomes a celebration for everyone, not just for me.”