- NCAA. Paige Bueckers makes off-court history and sures Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese as 'superstars'
- NCAA. Meet the 21-year-old forward who will make everyone forget Caitlin Clark
Paige Bueckers continues to break barriers as she partners with Nike for a groundbreaking sneaker release. The UConn star has become the first college athlete to have her own Nike Player Edition basketball shoes.
This milestone aligns perfectly with her trajectory as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Fans are buzzing with excitement as her Nike G.T. Hustle 3 is set to launch on December 7, but not all reactions have been glowing.
Former NBA player Evan Turner stirred up a discussion about the design of Bueckers' sneakers, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts. "I wish they didn't give Paige a big man shoe," Turner remarked, implying that a low-top design might have been a better fit.
In contrast, the G.T. Hustle 3 features a high-collar design, providing enhanced ankle -a feature Nike believes will elevate her performance as she wraps up her college career.
Despite the critique, Bueckers is enthusiastic about her signature sneakers.
"It's definitely motivating to wear your own shoe. I grew up wearing Nikes - all the signature shoes - so it's surreal to have this Player Edition model. I just want to show out in it," she said, embracing the historic moment.
What makes Bueckers' sneakers unique?
The G.T. Hustle 3 isn't just another basketball shoe-it's a deeply personal statement. Designed in Bueckers' favorite colors, baby blue and lavender purple, the sneakers pay homage to her roots.
The left tongue features area codes from her hometown in Minnesota and her current home at UConn, while the right tongue displays an embroidered bucket, symbolizing her nickname, "Buckets."
Bueckers' favorite detail, however, is the heartfelt message on the left heel: "Be you, Be great," words her father shares with her before every game.
"My favorite detail is the message from my dad, and the tribute to both of my homes is so meaningful for my first Player Edition model," she shared.
From a performance perspective, Nike has equipped the shoes with advanced technology, including a double-layered Air Zoom unit in the forefoot and a sewn-in Air Zoom strobel for optimal energy return.
The Radial Knit upper provides targeted , ensuring that these sneakers are as functional as they are stylish.
While other basketball stars like Bronny James have had Player Exclusive models, Bueckers' G.T. Hustle 3 stands out by being available to the public. Fans can grab a pair at select retail stores and on Nike's SNKRS platform.
Bueckers' collaboration with Nike cements her status as a transformative figure in women's basketball. With her relentless drive and a historic sneaker release under her belt, she's not only paving the way for future athletes but also setting the stage for an iconic professional career.