Paige Bueckers revealed her top five players of all time, a list that paired NBA superstar Stephen Curry with her former UConn teammate Sarah Strong. The selection instantly reframed how the sport views Strong. Despite her limited time at the college level, Bueckers’ vote of confidence signals that Strong’s impact already resonates at a historic level.
Paige Bueckers’ All-Time List Features Former UConn Teammate
Bueckers sparked conversation across the college basketball landscape after sharing her personal list of the five greatest college players ever during a Fanatics autograph session. The moment quickly gained traction, not only because of the legendary names included but also due to the presence of Strong.
When asked to name her selections, Bueckers walked through each choice with clear reasoning tied to championships, iconic tournament runs, and personal admiration.
“Stewie won four. So, I’m going to say Stewie. I’m going to say Asia Durr was like low key growing up. She was a dog. Night-night, if you know. Steph Curry, his Davidson run. Jimmer Fredette at BYU, his run. I’m going say my young goat Sarah Strong.”
Strong’s inclusion stood out immediately. Bueckers later referred to her as “my young G.O.A.T.,” placing the sophomore forward in a group that blended UConn icons with stars who shaped her basketball upbringing.
The setting added to the moment’s visibility, as Bueckers was appearing on behalf of Fanatics, the memorabilia company that signed her to a historic endorsement deal in November following her WNBA Rookie of the Year honor.
Strong arrived at UConn with major expectations as the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 high school class. She stepped into the lineup right away and delivered a standout freshman season, posting 16.4 points per game while shooting with elite efficiency.
Her production helped guide the Huskies to a national championship. In her second season, Strong has maintained her scoring presence while expanding her influence in other areas, showing noticeable growth as both a passer and defender.
Advanced metrics reinforce her impact. Strong is currently averaging .39 win shares per 40 minutes, a measure used to estimate how much a player contributes to team success.
That figure leads all players nationally. According to the Her Hoop Stats database, only one player has posted a higher mark since the 2009-10 season: former UConn star Breanna Stewart, who also appeared first on Bueckers’ list.
Strong’s resume extends beyond the college game. She is named the 2025 USA 3×3 Female Athlete of the Year by USA Basketball. Competing at the 2025 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, she averaged 7.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while helping the United States finish 4-1.
She also earned a spot on the USA 3×3 Women’s Series Team and previously captured gold medals at the 2022 and 2023 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cups, followed by a U18 Women’s AmeriCup title in 2024.