Sarah Strong’s mom Allison Feaster reacts as Paige Bueckers gets emotional addressing UConn teammates’ support

Modified Apr 15, 2025 21:14 GMT

NCAA Womens Basketball: Final Four National Championship - Source: Imagn

A star is nothing without those who love and support them, and Paige Bueckers knows that. At Monday's 2025 WNBA draft, the UConn star was surrounded by her teammates, who gave her a standing ovation when she was drafted to the Dallas Wings as the No. 1 pick.

Following her selection as the first pick, Bueckers was asked about the importance of her UConn teammates' support.

"They've changed my life. Those are my sisters," Bueckers said, brought to tears. "I'm just extremely grateful for them."

One of Bueckers' teammates in attendance was freshman phenom Sarah Strong. Strong's mother, Boston Celtics vice president of team operations and organizational growth, Allison Feaster, shared Bueckers' emotional response on her Instagram story.

Sarah Strong's mother shares a clip of Paige Bueckers discussing the importance of her teammates

Bueckers may be leaving UConn to begin her professional career, but it is clear how much she values the support of her teammates, whom she views as sisters.

Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers' teamwork at UConn this season

Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong led the UConn Huskies in every major category this season. Bueckers led the squad in points per game, with 19.9, and assists, with 4.6. Meanwhile, Strong led in rebounds (8.9), steals (2.3) and blocks (1.6).

In her first college season, Strong served as UConn's starting forward. She was second in scoring behind Bueckers, with 16.4 ppg. Strong also established herself as an excellent shooter, averaging 58.6%, including 38.8% from beyond the arc.

Bueckers also had a strong season on her way to being the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft. She had the second-highest steal and block values behind Strong. Like the freshman forward, Bueckers shot the ball well at 53.4% (41.9% on 3-pointers)

The two UConn stars worked together to help lead the team to its first national title since 2016. Bueckers saved her best basketball for the postseason, during which she averaged 24.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Her defensive depth was highlighted with 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.

Strong became just the third freshman to put up 20-plus points in both the Final Four and national championship game.

NCAA Womens Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Connecticut at UCLA - Source: Imagn

Bueckers and Strong were invaluable in bringing the national title home to UConn. At her draft day, Bueckers ensured her teammates knew how much they meant to her.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

Know More

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos