Paige Bueckers is set to turn heads when draft season arrives. The UConn Huskies standout is already making waves by speaking her mind on key issues.
In that regard, she shares similarities with UConn and WNBA legend Maya Moore, and the four-time WNBA champion recently praised Bueckers.
Maya Moore Shares Her Appreciation for Paige Bueckers
Moore recently appeared on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and was asked about Bueckers’ recent comment that the UConn legend is just a phone call away from her. Moore responded with high praise for the point guard, saying Bueckers is following in her footsteps by striving to make a difference beyond basketball.
“Yeah, Paige, man, I wish we could spend more time together, but life is so busy,” Moore said. “But like she said, a phone call away.”
“These players like Paige who started off her career knowing there’s a bigger picture, right? I remember her at the ESPYs talking about honoring other people, and it’s bigger than basketball.”
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“So, I’m really proud of Paige for the way she has tried to speak and use her voice and care about things bigger than basketball. That’s near and dear to my heart.”
Bueckers Hints at the Possibility of Going to the Drafts
Bueckers had an interview with Yahoo Sports, posted on its YouTube channel on March 4. She was asked how this year has been different for her compared to her previous seasons at UConn. The 23-year-old’s answer sent shockwaves through the basketball world.
“Yeah, definitely knowing it’s my last. I mean, I had a feeling last year that I wanted to come back. I hadn’t made that decision until late but it was always a gut feeling of mine,” Bueckers said. “So, just knowing that there are more ‘lasts’ coming up, like my last XL Game, Senior Night is this weekend.”
Bueckers still has one more year of eligibility left at UConn. However, her comments regarding “lasts” suggest that she might be ready to leave her college behind and enter the 2025 WNBA Draft pool.
If she declares, the 2021 Naismith College Player of the Year is expected to be a top pick. Many suggest that the point guard will be the first overall pick — the Dallas Wings sit at the top of the draft order and likely would not mind grabbing a top talent like Bueckers.