“Christmas isn’t over”: $1.4 million NIL-valued Paige Bueckers continues holiday spirit with $166.74 billion worth company 

UConn’s Paige Bueckers is one of the most prominent names in college basketball and an athlete with an impressive NIL valuation of $1.4 million, according to On3. In a post on her Instagram story on Monday, she smiled with a gift bag as she gave out gifts. The post captured her in a cozy, casual look, sharing her gratitude for the gesture from Verizon, the telecommunications giant valued at $166.74 billion by Yahoo Finance.

Paige Bueckers' post on her Instagram story

This collaboration highlighted how Bueckers continues to leverage her NIL opportunities in meaningful ways. The 2021 Naismith Player of the Year has become a trailblazer in the NIL era, securing deals with high-profile companies like Gatorade, StockX and now Verizon.

Geno Auriemma gives injury update on Paige Bueckers' scary milestone game

UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers was playing her 100th game for the No. 7-ranked Huskies against Villanova on Sunday when an incident silenced the crowd.

Bueckers attempted to retrieve a loose ball as Villanova’s Jasmine Bascoe dove for the same ball and caught Bueckers’ leg in the process, causing her to fall awkwardly to the court. Bueckers immediately clutched her knee in discomfort, a sight that left fans and teammates deeply concerned.

UConn went on to secure an 83-52 victory with Bueckers sitting on the bench with ice on her knee.

UConn is hoping Bueckers can return by next week, UConn coach Geno Auriemma said on Tuesday. Her left knee sprain will cause her to miss Thursday's home game against Xavier (5-9, 0-3 Big East). UConn (13-2, 4-0) visits Georgetown (8-6, 1-2) on Saturday.

After the game on Sunday, UConn coach Geno Auriemma addressed concerns about Bueckers' condition during a postgame interview.

"The news from what you can tell was not lousy,” Auriemma said. “She’ll be fine. She looks good. I’m optimistic, let’s put it that way. I feel good."

Paige Bueckers put up 15 points and nine assists before the injury. The initial update is a relief for Bueckers and UConn fans, given Bueckers’ history with injuries.

Bueckers endured significant time on the sidelines during her sophomore season before suffering an ACL tear in the offseason that forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 season.

“Over the last couple years when things happen, you automatically shake your head and try not to think of the worst,” Auriemma said.

Auriemma elaborated by comparing the situation to a past injury sustained by her teammate Azzi Fudd, presumably referring to a similar incident in 2022 that sidelined Fudd for a month.

"It’s not the worst thing we could imagine,” Auriemma said. “So that’s great news considering how awkward it was."

While her latest setback caused a brief scare, early indications suggest that Bueckers may avoid another long-term absence. As the Huskies aim for a strong season, keeping their star guard healthy will remain a top priority.