The excitement is palpable as the UConn Huskies women's basketball team gears up for another season of collegiate competition. Among the most anticipated players is none other than Paige Bueckers, who has made headlines not only for her on-court prowess but also for her stellar marketability.
Recently, Bueckers was named the fourth-most marketable college athlete, leading the pack for women’s basketball players, according to the Action Network. The ranking reflects her prominence both as a player and as a public figure, scoring 43.1 out of 100 on the Marketability Index Score. This recognition is particularly significant as it highlights how college athletes have begun to embrace opportunities for endorsement deals since the introduction of NIL (name, image, likeness) rights.
For those unfamiliar, NIL rights allow student-athletes to profit from their own brand, and Bueckers has leveraged her impressive social media presence, boasting two million Instagram followers, to maximize her marketability. She ranked second among all athletes, behind only LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, who topped the list with a score of 61.9.
The preseason for NCAAW basketball is always filled with speculation and predictions, and the UConn Huskies find themselves once again at the forefront of discussions. Many fans are eager to see how Bueckers, along with redshirt juniors Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharme, will perform this season as they strive to reclaim UConn’s storied reputation.
UConn women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma believes this talented roster has the potential to excel. Historically, his teams have improved as the season progresses. The last time the Huskies were ranked No. 1 was back during the 2020-21 season, and they reached the Final Four before falling to Arizona. The notable absence of key players due to injuries left UConn striving for consistent performance last season, but with Bueckers back and fully healthy, expectations are sky-high.
Looking at the competition, UConn is dealing with formidable adversaries, particularly the reigning national champion, South Carolina. The Gamecocks are set to open the 2024-25 season as the top-ranked team, with four starters returning from last year's undefeated squad. They have been touted for their depth, which could pose significant challenges for UConn as they attempt to navigate their path to championship glory.
Auriemma noted, "The goal is always to get to the pinnacle of college basketball, and we know we have the talent to challenge for it this season. We just have to stay healthy and play our game." With Bueckers leading the charge, the Huskies will rely heavily on her experience and skill, especially after enduring setbacks from knee injuries over the past two seasons.
Interestingly, as much focus is placed on UConn's return to form, other prominent teams are also gearing up for impressive seasons. USC and Notre Dame are expected to be key contenders, with the Trojans ushering fresh talent to join their ranks. No doubt, the competition will be fierce, but UConn fans can't help but remain optimistic about their team's prospects.
This season, UConn has been projected to start at number two behind South Carolina as per early AP poll predictions. Auriemma's track record of developing talent and instilling perseverance will likely play a pivotal role. Not only are the expectations centered around the players' performance on the court, but there's also significant excitement around the stories of their journeys back—from injuries to triumphs.
Over the past few years, the focus on athletes' marketability and public personas has increased, placing them on similar platforms as professional athletes. Bueckers has capitalized on this shift and emerged as one of the most visible names not just among college players, but athletes nationwide. Her rise isn’t just due to her skills; it’s also her engaging personality and her ability to connect with fans.
With each meaningful play on the court, Bueckers forges her path, setting the tone for what the rest of the Huskies will need to achieve as the pressure mounts. For UConn, this upcoming season presents not just the challenge of competing against the best, but also showcasing their talent to the world.
There’s no doubt 2024-25 is shaping up to be another thrilling season for the UConn Huskies, especially with star players like Bueckers positioned to make headlines both on and off the court. The stage is set, the players are ready, and fans are eager to support their team throughout this exhilarating ride.
