$1.5M NIL-valued Paige Bueckers hilariously shares what “frazzles” Sarah Strong
Sarah Strong has emerged as a leader for the UConn Huskies, much like Paige Bueckers, who boasts an NIL valuation of $1.5 million, has been throughout her college career. The freshman is comfortable in playing every position and can score and defend on all three levels.
She is averaging 16.0 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 56.5% across eight games. Strong tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds in Sunday’s win over the Georgetown Hoyas.
When Bueckers was asked during the postgame interview about the one thing that "frazzles" the UConn freshman, the star guard took a lighthearted approach in her response.
"Her video games," Bueckers said. (7:30 mark)
"Why would you say that?" Strong responded.
"When we're playing Fortnite and a team is pressing us, she gets a little nervous. But yeah, I would just say video games," Bueckers added.
Strong opened her college career with an efficient 17-point outing against Boston University and has logged double-digit scoring games ever since. Strong has lifted UConn’s offense during moments when Paige Bueckers struggled from the floor.
Earlier this month, Bueckers shot a combined 6-for-20 for 19 points across games against Holy Cross and Louisville. Strong stepped up to shoulder the extra offensive load, helping UConn secure victories while posting her best performances yet.
In that two-game stretch, she scored 43 points on 17-for-22 shooting (72.5%).
Paige Bueckers believes Sarah Strong is essential for UConn in title pursuit
Paige Bueckers said Sarah Strong possesses all the traits of a high-impact, winning playmaker. The guard praised the freshman’s aggression around the basket, versatility and ability to use her physicality throughout the game.
"Her aggressiveness and her will to win and her ability to impact winning without scoring, like tonight, she had 14 rebounds," Bueckers said.
"So she's willing to do whatever, sacrifice her body and really do anything for the team to win. And so, I think that's the main thing you need in order to play a big role and contribute to winning." (8:32 mark)
UConn coach Geno Auriemma also believes Strong’s presence will have a direct impact on the team’s success later in the season. He compared the freshman’s early run to Breanna Stewart’s first year at UConn.
However, Auriemma also said he expects Strong’s numbers to dip midseason due to the inevitable learning curve.