When will Paige Bueckers return from injury? Latest update on UConn star

Paige Bueckers was ruled out of the 2022-23 NCAA season after tearing the ACL in her left knee in a pickup game. Bueckers underwent successful surgery in August and won't be cleared for any full-contact basketball activity until May.

In an interview with CT Insider last week, Bueckers gave an update on her recovery. She said that she's been playing basketball, doing shooting and different drills:

"Where I’m at now, I’ve been able to do a lot more basketball. And that's lit a new spark under me, to see myself getting closer and cutting and shooting and going through drills at practice. I've had many milestones along the way that have lit a new fire under me."

Paige Bueckers was a star for UConn in her freshman season, named a unanimous first-team All-American. She also was honored as the AP Player of the Year, Naismith College Player of the Year, USBWA National Player of the Year, John R. Wooden Award and Nancy Lieberman Award.

Bueckers had a down second season due to several injuries. She underwent right ankle surgery before the season and suffered a tibial plateau fracture in her left leg. It was later discovered that she also tore her lateral meniscus and had to undergo surgery.

Despite being eligible to declare for the WNBA draft, Bueckers decided to return to UConn for her senior season next year. She also believes that she will be able to fully recover from her knee injury and will be better than ever:

"I think once I get my feet under me and once I get back into the flow and get my confidence back and my movements in my knee, just in how I play and how I used to play, I think I'll be better than I was before."

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Paige Bueckers' role for UConn despite injury

Paige Bueckers of UConn

Paige Bueckers is with UConn and her teammates during the final stretch of the season as she recovers from her injury. Bueckers has been the Huskies' hypewoman, and her voice helps the team during the game.

UConn (31-5), a No. 2 seed, faces No. 3 Ohio State (27-7), on Saturday in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

In her diary for Fox Sports, the 21-year-old guard explained how she's helping the team despite being on the sidelines. She also noted how her injury brought her closer to the fans.

"The season is long and grueling, and some people get tired, and I remind them that they are blessed to play basketball and play here at UConn," Bueckers wrote. "I also know that I can still be a positive role model for kids while I'm not playing. ... Whenever I'm at games, I take a few minutes and take selfies with people and sign autographs"