UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers celebrated her 23rd birthday on Sunday, Oct. 20. Several of her college basketball peers sent warm wishes on her big day.
Bueckers is poised for another sensational year after leading the Huskies to the NCAA Final Four last season. Despite winning several individual accolades, the Minnesota native has yet to win a national championship. The upcoming season will be her last in Storrs, Connecticut before she likely declares for the WNBA Draft.
Many players who wished Bueckers a happy birthday are among the best in the college game. Here are five hoopers who celebrate the UConn star's birthday.
Five college basketball players to wish Paige Bueckers a warm birthday
Flau'jae Johnson
Flau'jae Johnson, a junior guard at LSU, sent a simple but cordial message to Paige Bueckers on her Instagram story.
"Happy Birthday To My Dawg," Flau'jae wrote with a love and a bucket emoji.
The photo Johnson shared was from when the two were coaching at the Overtime Select Takeover event in August.
The duo get to know each other better during the WNBA All-Star game earlier this summer. They were seated together at courtside and appeared to bond well. Bueckers also joined Flau'jae's podcast "Best of Both Worlds" in August.
KK Arnold
Paige Bueckers' UConn teammate KK Arnold was the first to wish her a happy birthday on social media.
Arnold, a sophomore guard, created a collage of memories from their time spent together to commemorate Bueckers's special day.
HAPPY BDAY P-BOOGERS❤️," KK captioned the story. "enjoy your day BIG SHARK. Live, Laugh, Disbelief 🥹, Love youuuu."
Azzi Fudd
Azzi Fudd, another UConn teammate and the dearest friend of Bueckers' also chimed in to send a warm message.
"Happy Birthday Dood 🥳💗," Azzi wrote on her Instagram story.
Fudd also created a collage of photos of the pair over the years. They have played together at UConn for three seasons.
Jana El Alfy
Jana El Alfy, a 6-foot-5 center at UConn, was another player to wish Bueckers on social media.
"Happy 23rd," Alfy posted on her story with a cake emoji and collage images of the two together, "I love you BDB!"
Ashlynn Shade
Ashlynn Shade, the reigning Big East freshman of the year, celebrated Paige Bueckers' birthday by sharing pictures of the two from basketball games.
"Happy Birthday @paigebueckers!!! 🥳🥳🥳," Shade wrote on Instagram, "Hope you have the best bday! Love ya P!"
Shade had a solid freshman year averaging 11.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
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