Paige Bueckers reveals close bond with $44,889,248 NBA star from her hometown

UConn star Paige Bueckers talked about her relationship with fellow Minnesota athletes Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren. The young guard comes from a place that has delivered several stars to the world of sports and Bueckers is one of the most famous, but she's had the chance to meet other figures who are making noise now.

In an interview with Bryan Kalbrosky of USA Today Sports, Bueckers talked about the mindset of Minnesota players and how they prepare to prove doubters wrong. She also touched on her relationship with Orlando Magic's Suggs and OKC Thunder's Holmgren while discussing the level of her fellow players.

"It means everything to be able to represent Minnesota. It is known as a hockey state but the basketball production is great as well. I’m close with Jalen and Chet and so many other basketball players who have done so well these past few years. It’s really cool to see the growth and the exposure and Minnesota getting a little bit of credit for basketball," Bueckers said.

Paige Bueckers, Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren go a long way. They have known each other from a young age.

Holmgren and Suggs were teammates at Minnehaha Academy before each joined the Gonzaga Bulldogs ahead of their NBA journey. Bueckers and Suggs have known each other since fourth grade. They became close when the Orlando Magic star played with Bueckers' brother.

The two male athletes have become big players for their respective teams in the association while Bueckers is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.

Jalen Suggs reacted to Paige Bueckers' December Instagram montage

As they continue showing their love for each other on social media, Jalen Suggs had a one-word reaction to Paige Bueckers' photo montage in December. The UConn star included a bible verse to remind herself not to get distracted from important matters.

"Staying in the moment🙇🏼‍♀️ 'This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it'- Psalm 118:24," Bueckers captioned.

Suggs used one word to pump up his good friend.

"Cinco !! 💕 (which means 'five' in Spanish)," Suggs commented.

The friendship between these two and three with Holmgren doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. They have been present in one another's lives over the years and once that Bueckers makes it to the WNBA, it's easy to imagine Suggs and Holmgren should be happy.