“Need em”: Paige Bueckers draws support from UConn teammate Aubrey Griffin over announcement of Nike deal

UConn's Paige Bueckers is already a superstar on the court, and now she's taking her dominance off it too. Per Sole Retriever on Tuesday, the Huskies guard has inked a history-making deal with Nike, becoming the first-ever college athlete to score their own signature sneaker with the Swoosh.

Per the publication, Bueckers' custom GT Hustle 3 drops Sept. 12 for $190, featuring a multi-color scheme and personal logo or initials.

Her teammate, Aubrey Griffin, couldn't contain her excitement, posting the news and writing "need em" on her Instagram story.

Screenshot via Instagram/@aubrey.griffin44

This move by Nike is a major step forward for women's basketball. Remember the shade it received when Breanna Stewart flipped the brand for Puma and got her own signature shoe? Seems times have changed. The UConn star signed the deal with the American athletic giant in September 2023.

“I am blessed and honored to announce my partnership with Nike," Bueckers stated last year. "Joining the Nike family is a childhood dream come true. I can't wait to see what we accomplish together on and off the court.”

Nike seems to be investing heavily in women's basketball. Bueckers, Sabrina Ionescu, Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson are all getting signature shoes. The future of women's hoops is looking mighty bright (and stylish).

Paige Bueckers set to rule NIL in women's basketball

Paige Bueckers isn't just a basketball star, she's also a straight-up name, image and likeness magnet for brands. The UConn phenom was named the Top Earning Female Athlete by The NIL Store – a major flex in the world of college basketball.

This 22-year-old has got it all. Insane talent on the court, a face that could sell anything and the business savvy to match. Her NIL deals are off the charts, with big-name brands like Nike, Dunkin' and Crocs lining up to throw cash her way. It's no wonder her NIL valuation is $1 million (as per On3).

From the moment she stepped on campus, Bueckers was destined for greatness. Records, awards and accolades – she's got 'em all. The 2019-2020 Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year and 2020 Naismith Prep Player of the Year has lived up to expectations at UConn.

The Caitlin Clark era in college hoops came to an end, but the Paige Bueckers era is just starting.