Paige Bueckers pays homage to UConn with custom Kobe sneakers in WNBA debut

Hunter Cookston

•
Paige Bueckers pays homage to UConn with custom Kobe sneakers in WNBA debut image

Paige Bueckers will forever be a UConn icon, having given the basketball program five unforgettable years. Throughout her time at the university, she experienced both the lowest of lows and the highest of highs—culminating in a national championship victory in her final collegiate game. Bueckers and head coach Geno Auriemma built one of the strongest player-coach bonds in college basketball history.

Bueckers arrived at UConn with one goal: to win a national championship. It took her five years, but she ultimately delivered on that promise. She was visibly emotional as she checked out of her final game and later bid farewell to the Husky faithful upon the team’s return.

“This is an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the entire journey. This place is a second home to me. Thank you so much for everything,” Bueckers said.

Before being selected first overall in the WNBA Draft, Bueckers signed a deal with Unrivaled, where she is expected to earn more than she will during her rookie WNBA contract.

“Bueckers' first-year salary for the 10-week Unrivaled season will exceed what she would make in four years of her WNBA rookie contract, sources said,” Kendra Andrews wrote.

On Friday, Bueckers made her WNBA debut in a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, finishing with 10 points. Reflecting on the experience, she called it surreal.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

“It's super surreal in terms of the turnaround from where I was two weeks ago to where I am today," Bueckers said. "But just soaking it up, enjoying every moment, getting used to new routines, traditions, new teammates, new organization.”

Despite entering a new chapter, Bueckers paid tribute to her UConn roots by wearing a pair of Kobes in a blue and red UConn colorway during the game.

She’s poised for a remarkable rookie season with the Dallas Wings, but her heart still seems to be with UConn—especially in the wake of her long-awaited national title.

Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.