Paige Bueckers on Driving Women’s Basketball Growth and Her Impact

Paige Bueckers and the Connecticut Huskies (13-2) were having a promising season until Bueckers, the projected first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, suffered a knee injury. This setback adds to a troubling history of injuries that have plagued her collegiate career.

Despite her impressive freshman year, where she led UConn to the Final Four and set assist records, recurring injuries have become a significant concern.

Although coach Geno Auriemma has confirmed that she will miss the next game against Xavier, it is not a season-ending injury.

While Bueckers recovers, she shared her thoughts on various topics in an interview with *For The Win*, including the growth of women’s basketball, standout college players, and the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities.

The Growth of Women’s Basketball

Paige Bueckers highlights the remarkable growth of women’s basketball at all levels, from high school to the WNBA. She attributes this success to increased exposure, viewership, and accessibility.

Whenever women’s basketball is given a platform, it delivers, captivating fans who tune in for star players but stay for the beauty of the sport and team dynamics.

Bueckers emphasizes that this boom is no fluke, noting the significant role media exposure plays in this growth.

Key Factors Driving Growth

Bueckers believes that increased media coverage and accessibility have been pivotal in the growth of women’s basketball. She also credits players like Caitlin Clark for drawing attention to the sport.

Clark’s exceptional performances have helped elevate the profile of women’s basketball, making it more appealing to a broader audience.

Impact on Future Generations

The increased visibility of women’s basketball is inspiring young athletes and creating a new generation of fans.

Bueckers notes that this growth is not just about the present but also about ensuring a bright future for the sport.

As more young girls see their heroes on TV and social media, they are motivated to pursue basketball, contributing to the sport’s continued expansion.

Players to Watch in College Basketball

In her interview, Bueckers highlighted several standout players in college basketball. She praised USC’s JuJu Watkins, who impressed her in a recent game.

Bueckers also mentioned Olivia Miles and teammate Hannah Hidalgo as a dynamic duo, and she commended her own UConn teammate, Sarah Strong, for her impressive freshman debut.

Rivalries and Upcoming Games

Bueckers is looking forward to the upcoming games against Tennessee and South Carolina, noting UConn’s rivalry with Tennessee.

These matchups are highly anticipated and are expected to be thrilling encounters.

It’s worth noting that the Huskies’ two losses this season were to Hannah Hidalgo and Notre Dame, and the other to Juju Watkins and USC.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

As a leader on a young and inexperienced team, Bueckers embraces the daily challenges of using her voice, learning, and growing.

She focuses on finding her shot while creating opportunities for her teammates.

Her leadership is crucial in guiding the team through ups and downs, ensuring they stay competitive despite the challenges.

NIL’s Impact on College Basketball

Bueckers acknowledges the transformative impact of NIL opportunities on college basketball. While NIL didn’t influence her decision to return to college, she recognizes its benefits in helping players build personal brands, form partnerships, and increase their visibility through media and endorsements.

Building Personal Brands

NIL opportunities allow players to build their personal brands, which can lead to lucrative endorsements and partnerships.

Bueckers celebrates how NIL not only benefits individuals but also helps grow the game by giving hard-working players the recognition they deserve.

Growing the Game

Bueckers believes that NIL opportunities contribute to the growth of women’s basketball by increasing the visibility of players.

As more players gain recognition and build their brands, the sport attracts more fans and sponsors, leading to further growth and development.

Comparing Achievements

While Paige Bueckers is an outstanding player with a bright future, her career has been marred by injuries. Compared to the achievements of Angel Reese or Caitlin Clark, Bueckers still lags behind.

Angel Reese became a national champion and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2023, while Caitlin Clark’s accolades include being a 3-time NCAA season assists leader (2022-2024) and a 3-time NCAA season scoring leader (2021, 2022, 2024).

The Path to a National Championship

For Bueckers, only a national championship could elevate her to the same level as her peers. Despite leading UConn to the Final Four and setting assist records as a freshman, and even leading them to the national championship game as a sophomore, her accomplishments don’t yet measure up to those of Reese and Clark.

Future Prospects

Despite the setbacks, Bueckers remains optimistic about her future. She is determined to overcome her injuries and continue to excel on the court.

With her talent and determination, she has the potential to achieve great things in her career.

To read the full interview and learn more about Paige Bueckers’ thoughts on the growth of women’s basketball, standout college players, and NIL opportunities, visit Marca.