paige bueckers: Paige Bueckers gets real on supporting JuJu Watkins through her ACL injury

Paige Bueckers gets real on supporting JuJu Watkins through her ACL injury

NCAA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round-South Dakota State vs UConn - Source: Imagn — Paige Bueckers reached out to JuJu Watkins after her injury. - Source: Imagn

Paige Bueckers has missed over 50 games in her college career due to injury, including a torn ACL in 2022. The UConn Huskies star reached out to JuJu Watkins, who also suffered a torn ACL this past week.

Bueckers, who will finish her college career once UConn’s season is over, opened up about supporting Watkins through her injury after the Huskies' practice on Friday.

“I reached out to her, just offering my support, my prayers, and just letting her know that we’ve exchanged numbers now, so we are locked in, and whatever she needs, mentally, physically. (If) she needs to vent, ask questions,” Paige Buckers said.

Bueckers suffered a fractured tibia in her sophomore year, playing in only 17 games after she had won the Naismith Player of the Year Award as a freshman.

Before the following season started, Paige Bueckers suffered a torn ACL in a pickup basketball game, forcing her to miss the entire 2023-2024 season.

The senior is now looking to lead UConn to the Final Four and the elusive national championship. She also shared some advice for JuJu Watkins during the interview.

“Just learn to enjoy the process. Learn to enjoy that this is the new challenge that’s been placed in front of you. And as much as you think it’s devastating, and at the time it’s the worst thing that could happen to you, how can you use it to better you,” Paige Bueckers said.

Paige Bueckers to declare for WNBA Draft

After some speculation that Paige Buckers would return to Connecticut for one more year, the Huskies star said she will declare for the WNBA draft, as reported by ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo.

"Paige Bueckers confirmed to us today that she will enter the 2025 @WNBA Draft. (Some had suggested she would not declare, play in Unrivaled, and then declare in 2026.)" Rebeca Lobo said.

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As Lobo mentioned, there were rumors she would wait one year to enter the draft, as there is a new salary structure expected in 2026, which could improve rookie salaries.

However, the UConn standout will enter the draft and is expected to be the first player selected. The Dallas Wings hold the first pick of the 2025 draft.

Bueckers is averaging 19.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.1 steals this year and is looking to take the Huskies to their first national title since 2016. The Huskies will face Oklahoma on Saturday in the Sweet 16.

About the author

Allan Wolburg Robles is a College Sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over 17 years of experience in the field writing for publications including Reforma, Yahoo! OddsShark and Apuesta. Allan studied Communications at Anáhuac University, where he learned what would become the basis of a trade that was already a dream of his before starting college.

His favorite team is Army West Point as when he was young, Allan lived in West Point for a couple of years, went to pretty much every home game, a couple of Army-Navy games and even got to meet some of the players.

Allan's favorite players of all time include Tommie Frazier, who was unbelievable during the Nebraska dynasty of the early 90's. Tim Tebow was also a favorite, mainly because of his leadership skills, although he was also awesome on the football field. As a fan of defensive football, (or what's left of it), Sean Taylor could take over a game for Miami.

Allan has always considered himself a student of the game more than a fan of it. So the historical part and evolution of the game, as well as the ins and outs of what happens on the field, and being able to put it into words for the audience, are his biggest strengths.

Besides sports, Allan enjoys reading books, watching movies and spending time with his dogs.

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Edited by Dipayan Moitra