For UConn freshman Jana El Alf, this NCAA Tournament has been about more than just basketball—it’s been a test of both faith and endurance. Observing Ramadan during March Madness is no easy feat, but the Egyptian star has found unwavering support in her Huskies teammates. And leading the way? None other than Paige Bueckers.
Bueckers, already a fan favorite for her leadership on the court, has now won hearts off the court too—waking up before dawn to make breakfast for El Alfy, ensuring her teammate has the energy to get through the day’s fast.
This small but powerful act of kindness has sent a wave of admiration across the basketball world, with fans calling it a true display of team spirit, and humanity.
Paige Buecker Rallies Around El Alfy During Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, and for El Alfy, balancing the demands of Division I basketball while abstaining from food and water for long stretches has been a challenge. But with her teammates by her side, she’s been able to push through.
“It’s definitely tough,” El Alfy admitted. “I try as much as I can to fuel whenever it’s time to eat and manage it with playing. It wasn’t easy at all. But my teammates really helped with that, and the staff, they were all supportive,” she said according to ESPN.
One teammate, in particular, has gone above and beyond and it’s Bueckers, the 23 year-old point guard. On game days, before the Huskies took the court, Bueckers made sure El Alfy had a proper pre-dawn meal. The effort wasn’t lost on fans, who were quick to celebrate the team’s incredible bond.
“That’s isn’t just a team—that’s is a family,” one fan remarked, emphasizing the rare connection this UConn squad shares.
Another fan echoed the sentiment, writing, “This is what it means to be a team,” applauding how the Huskies have each other’s backs in ways that extend far beyond basketball.
El Alfy herself couldn’t help but express gratitude for the unwavering support. “I feel like I’m blessed and grateful to be surrounded with this group. It’s a really, really special group,” she said, clearly touched by the gestures of kindness from her teammates.
Bueckers’ actions, in particular, have left fans in awe, with one noting:
“Paige is really the GOAT, and I feel like not enough people are truly acknowledging how amazing she is. Not just as a player, but she’s an A+ human.”
Another described the moment as nothing short of inspiring, calling it “the best of humanity.”
And it wasn’t just Bueckers stepping up. El Alfy shared how Caroline Ducharme and Allie Ziebell have also woken up early to join her for breakfast, while KK Arnold has already committed to being her morning meal buddy next season.
Fans were moved by this display of solidarity, with one writing:
“This team is close-knit and will support each other any way they can, on and off the court.”
Even Bueckers herself laughed about the experience, recalling the many early mornings she and El Alfy have shared.
“We’ve had some pretty good meals together,” she said. “She makes me eat with her sometimes, and sometimes I’m like, ‘Bruh, I can’t eat right now, I’m going back to sleep.’”
Alfy’s Story Is Bigger Than Basketball
El Alfy’s journey to UConn is already remarkable. The Egyptian star, born in 2005, has been breaking barriers her entire career. In 2022, she became the first African woman and second-ever woman to be invited to attend the NBA Global Academy in Australia.
She represented Egypt on the international stage, leading her country to gold at the 2021 FIBA U16 African Championship and silver at the 2022 FIBA U18 African Women’s Championship, where she averaged an astonishing 24.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.
Now, she’s bringing that same determination to the Huskies, and her teammates are making sure she never feels alone.
“This is what empathy, compassion, and understanding mean. Celebrating our friends, teammates, and co-workers!”
One fan shared, praising the Huskies for lifting each other up.
With moments like this, UConn has shown that their bond extends far beyond the game. It’s about respect, understanding, and standing by each other—on and off the court.