“Enjoy your day BIG SHARK”: UConn’s KK Arnold showers love on Paige Bueckers with sweet birthday collage

UConn star Paige Bueckers turned 23 on Sunday and her teammate KK Arnold decided to surprise her with a unique birthday greeting. Bueckers was born in Edina, Minnesota, on October 20, 2001.

Arnold created a heartwarming birthday tribute for her good friend Paige in the form of a collage of adorable photos of the two Huskies with other teammates. She also added a sweet caption on her Instagram story.

"HAPPY BDAY P-BOOGERS," KK wrote with a heart emoji. "enjoy your day BIG SHARK. Live, Laugh, Disbelief 🥹, Love youuuu."

Arnold posted on Instagram story

A song by He Is We, 'I Wouldn't Mind (Sped Up)' played in the background as fans got to see the amazing bond the two players share.

The collage included several snapshots of Paige Bueckers and KK Arnold goofing around, traveling, involved in different matchups, and simply having a great time together.

Arnold, who joined the Huskies last season, has quickly developed a close relationship with Bueckers. The two teammates are often together at practice and are frequently spotted lounging around and sometimes even poking fun at each other on social media.

"She's definitely like a big sister," KK said of her relationship with Paige. "We're goofy off the court — TikTok partners and everything. I know you all look that no-look shot. That was a funny moment. So moments like those that I cherish very well with all of our upperclassmen."

Paige Bueckers praises her teammate KK Arnold in an Instagram post

Paige Bueckers is known for hyping up her teammates on social media as she does not shy away from putting others in the spotlight.

Arnold shared multiple photos from UConn's media day last weekend on Instagram.

"PT.2," KK wrote in the caption.

Bueckers was quick to react by commenting on the pictures:

"You ate 😝," she commented.

Bueckers commented on KK's IG post

Besides, the 6-foot guard has also praised her fellow Husky teammates Caroline Ducharme and Azzi Fudd on their Instagram posts over the past few weeks.

Paige Bueckers, who came off a season-long injury last season, had her best year, averaging 21.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Huskies. She was even more impressive in the NCAA playoffs, leading Geno Auriemma's team to the Final Four, where they lost to Iowa.

Arnold also had a stellar season as a freshman, averaging 8.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 3.2 apg. She started in 33 games and completed the season with 90 steals, the most in the Big East, earning a spot on the Big East All-Freshman team.