Paige Bueckers is certainly enjoying her offseason. The UConn Huskies guard added some glamour to her summer, attending the Off-White fashion show as part of her experience at the ongoing New York Fashion Week.
Her outing didn't end there though as she shared the red carpet with two-time Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee. Bueckers flaunted an all-black outfit studded with butterflies, while Lee dazzled in a grey dress with a black handbag. Both athletes carried the Off-White brand, which was founded by designer Virgil Abloh, well.
Lee shared their moment on her Instagram story, which Bueckers reshared on her profile. They also took a selfie together at the event.
Lee overcame a severe kidney issue to win her second Olympic gold medal in as many appearances last month in the women's team event. Her first Olympic gold medal came in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she won the all-around event.
Bueckers and Lee share a deep bond that stems from their Minnesota roots. In an interview last month, Bueckers spoke highly of Lee's ability to overcome adversity while representing the USA in the Paris Olympics.
"She’s from Minnesota. I’m from Minnesota, so just being Minnesota-made, being friends and seeing all the adversity that she’s come back from. Her resilience.
"The fact that doctors told her she might not ever do gymnastics again (due to a kidney disease diagnosis in 2022), and here she is, winning medals at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. It’s been inspiring to watch, and I’m just super proud of her."
Paige Bueckers projected as the top pick in the 2025 WNBA draft
After missing the 2022-23 season due to a torn ACL, Bueckers bounced back in the best way possible. In 2023-24, the star guard averaged 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.2 steals, leading the Huskies to their fourth Big East regular season title in a row, the Big East Tournament title and the Final Four of March Madness.
She won the Big East Player of the Year Award and first-team All-American honors among other awards. Should Bueckers stay injury-free in the 2024-25 season, she should produce a season worthy of projections currently naming her the top pick of the 2025 WNBA draft.
She will be eager to follow Caitlin Clark's footsteps and lead the Huskies to an NCAA championship before eventually making the step up to the WNBA.
Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here