Geno Auriemma showers praise on Paige Bueckers shoe, but says he "hasn't opened the box" yet

Paige Bueckers made history as she became the first college athlete to launch a Nike Player Edition basketball sneaker. The Paige Bueckers x Nike GT Hustle 3 Player Edition sneakers feature the athlete's favorite colors, baby blue and lavender purple. During Saturday's game against Louisville, the UConn Huskies players sported Bueckers's shoe.

Huskies coach Geno Auriemma was asked about the guard's sneakers in a chat with the media on Tuesday.

"I think they're really cool. She picked out some great colors," Auriemma said. "They look great in, you know, in person, on TV. It's a really cool shoe, you know, and the players like it. They say it's comfortable, I'll take their word for it."

He was then asked if he hadn't received a pair yet, to which he responded:

"I have a pair. I don't know if they're my size. I haven't opened the box, so now it's not on my list of favorite shoes of all time."

Bueckers's shoe includes the area codes “860” and “612.” They honor her roots and are the area codes of UConn and her hometown in Minnesota.

"It’s definitely motivating to wear your own shoe,” Paige said. “I grew up wearing Nikes — all the signature shoes — so it’s surreal to have this Player Edition model. I just want to show out in it.”

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Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies continue their winning ways

Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers listens to Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma in a huddle before the game - Source: Imagn

After the Final Four run last season, the UConn Huskies came into this season with hopes of winning a championship which would be the Huskies' first since 2016. With this being Paige Bueckers's final season with the team, there is a sense of urgency to achieve this goal.

The Huskies are yet to lose a game and have started the season 8-0. While this is a promising start, some players like Azzi Fudd are dealing with injuries.

Bueckers will lead her team in a high-stakes battle against Notre Dame on Thursday. She has been averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season. The guard has been supported by talented freshman Sarah Strong, who is averaging 16.3 ppg and 7.6 rpg.