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Paige Bueckers wasn't just making headlines with her performance on the court-her signature style is also catching on in the stands.
During UConn's dominant 91-49 victory over Seton Hall on Wednesday, Bueckers delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Her efforts not only helped the Huskies extend their winning streak to four games but also saw her sur WNBA legend Diana Taurasi to become UConn's ninth all-time leading scorer with 2,158 career points.
A Growing Fan Movement
However, it wasn't just Bueckers' play that caught people's attention-it was the growing number of fans mimicking her signature hairstyle.
With just over four minutes left in the third quarter, the game's broadcast cut to a group of young girls proudly sporting the UConn star's iconic double-braid look while holding custom Huskies signs.
"We got a little Paige braid going on there," play-by-play announcer Allen Bestwick remarked. SNY analyst Meghan Culmo added, "There's a lot of braid imitation that we see around the country. It's fun to see."
Bueckers first started wearing her distinctive hairstyle-two thin front braids framing a middle part-back in high school when an AAU teammate's mother suggested it.
The look has since become her trademark, with young fans now embracing it as their own way of showing iration.
A Fashion Trend That Angel Reese Would Love
The idea of an athlete's signature style sparking a movement is something Angel Reese, one of the most fashion-forward stars in women's basketball, can certainly appreciate.
Reese, known for her bold on- and off-court fashion choices, has repeatedly shown how personal style and sports can go hand in hand. Whether it's her vibrant tunnel walk outfits or her love for accessories and nail art, the Chicago Sky star has built a brand around her individuality.
With Bueckers' braids now becoming a recognizable trend, it mirrors how athletes like Reese use their personal aesthetics to connect with fans and build their identities beyond the game.
UConn Still Looking for More Improvement
Despite the excitement surrounding her latest accomplishment, Bueckers emphasized that UConn still has work to do, particularly in how they start games.
"Our response right away wasn't great in of starting out aggressive, throwing the first punch," she itted in the postgame press conference.
"Knowing Seton Hall was gonna play with a chip on their shoulder based on what we did to them at home, they play hard, they're well-coached.
"I think it shouldn't have to take us a half to really settle in and play our basketball, but the response in the second half is what we need to continue to move forward."
Her coach, Geno Auriemma, echoed that sentiment, stressing how crucial Bueckers' aggressive mindset is to the team's success.
"She draws a lot of attention to herself, which is good," Auriemma said. "Obviously, she could go out there and try to get 25 shots every night if she wanted it to be that way, but she doesn't.
"The more aggressive she is, the better our team is. And that doesn't always represent how many points you score, how many shots you took. I thought she played a great game over the weekend, and she played really well today."
Auriemma further praised Bueckers for her defensive effort and rebounding, pointing out that many high-scoring players tend to focus solely on offense.
With UConn continuing to find its rhythm and Bueckers' influence growing both on and off the court, her impact is undeniable.
As young fans embrace her signature look, it's clear she's inspiring a new wave of basketball ers-one braid at a time.