UConn star Paige Bueckers continues to make history.
On Monday, Nike named Bueckers its name, image and likeness athlete to design and launch a Player Edition sneaker. On Saturday, the brand introduced the Nike GT Hustle 3 by Bueckers.
“It’s definitely motivating to wear your own shoe,” Bueckers said in a press release. “I grew up wearing Nikes – all the signature shoes – so having this Player Edition model is surreal. I just want to stand out in it.”
The sneaker features personal details in regards to the 2021 Naismith Player of the Year. The area codes for Storrs, Connecticut and Bueckers' hometown in Minnesota intersect on the left tongue, and a text bubble that reads “Be You, Be Great” is printed on the left heel, as a nod to the message she receives from her father before every game. “Bueckers” is printed on the fitting heel.
Bueckers first signed a NIL take care of Nike in September 2023, adding the apparel company to a protracted list of deals with corporations like Gatorade, Dunkin', Bose and Chegg.
In August, Bueckers also signed an NIL contract with Unrivaled, the brand new winter 3×3 skilled league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. She was the primary NCAA athlete to receive league ownership. She is predicted to play within the league next yr.
Bueckers' playing future was a hot topic of conversation following the 2025 WNBA Draft Lottery in mid-November. The Dallas Wings won the lottery and can give you the option to pick Bueckers No. 1 when the Huskies star declares for the draft in April.
Bueckers is a redshirt graduate but could still return to UConn for an additional season after receiving an extra yr of eligibility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Bueckers shared this summer that this school season could be her last, and later shared in a social media post that she could be attending her final UConn media day this fall.
She joins a growing group of female basketball players to assist design Nike sneakers. Jewell Loyd and Jonquel Jones are among the many WNBA players who debuted player-exclusive Nike sneakers last season, while Sabrina Ionescu has a preferred signature sneaker and A'ja Wilsons are set to launch by the 2025 WNBA season turn out to be. Caitlin Clark also debuted several exclusive player sneakers and can reportedly receive a Nike signature sneaker in the long run as a part of an endorsement deal she signed last spring.
In six games this season, Bueckers, a two-time first-team All-American, averaged 22 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. UConn is undefeated and hosts Holy Cross on Tuesday before playing Louisville on Saturday within the Women's Champions Classic at Barclays Center.
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