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Paige Bueckersis entering her final year of NCAA eligibility. The guard has been a cornerstone of the University of Connecticut basketball program for the past four years, and although there are still six months left in her college career, Huskies fans are already feeling the impending loss.
Bueckers ed the Huskies in 2020 from Hopkins High School. The charismatic guard was already a top prospect and has never disappointed her loyal fans. Her impact was immediate, earning her all four Freshman of the Year awards that a first-year player can achieve in the NCAA.
On top of that, Bueckers has won nearly every accolade possible in college basketball. She was named 2021 Player of the Year, is a two-time first-team All-American, and a two-time Big East Player of the Year, among many other awards for her stellar performances.
However, all good things must come to an end, and Bueckers' collegiate career is no exception. On Monday, the star guard attended her final Media Day with the Huskies and shared a bittersweet moment with her Instagram followers.
Paige's final Media Day
Though the NCAA women's basketball preseason is just getting underway, Bueckers is already feeling the weight of nostalgia. She posted several photos to her Instagram with the caption: "Last anni media day mirror pics."
In the images, Bueckers can be seen in theUConnlocker room, dressed in her uniform and ready for the annual media event. To capture her emotions, the guard added a "Face Holding Back Tears" emoji, reflecting her mixed feelings in that moment.
Fans quickly flooded the post with emotional reactions. "The caption. Excuse me while I cry," one fan commented, while another added, "I'm not crying, you are." Others shared their sadness at this milestone: "Last media day is so sad," and, "The last time she posts a media day pic."
However, most fans celebrated the player being one step closer to the WNBA, sending fire emojis, hearts, and heart-eyed emojis to express their excitement for what lies ahead.
What's next for Bueckers
The Huskies' season kicks off on November 3 against the Fort State Tigers, a Division II team in the NCAA. Their first Division I game will take place on November 7 against the Boston University Terriers. While the road to the NCAA Championship is long, fans are hopeful that Bueckers will finally secure the one trophy that has eluded her: an NCAA championship.
Whether or not she wins the title, few doubt that the star guard will be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, most likely headed to the Los Angeles Sparksto begin the next chapter in her already illustrious career.