“Acting skills getting better she ate this up”: College hoops fans admire Paige Bueckers as $1.5M NIL-valued UConn star promotes Unrivaled collection
Paige Bueckers is arguably one of, if not the most popular athletes in college basketball today. Over the years, the UConn guard has amassed a massive fan following not only with her incredible performances on the court but her personality off it as well.
This has helped her amass several NIL deals, including one with Unrivaled. Earlier today, Bueckers took to Instagram to share a reel of herself promoting the 'The Future is Unrivaled' collection, which comprises merchandise from the upstart 3x3 women's basketball league, which will begin on January 17, 2025.
In the reel, Bueckers sported a grey hoodie from the new collection. She brought her acting skills to the fore, carrying out sales pitches for the collection on the telephone. Her performance instantly caught the attention of her two million followers on Instagram, who took to the comment section to express their opinions.
Some praised her acting abilities, believing she nailed her role to perfection.
"Paige’s acting skills getting better she ate this up," said one fan.
Another fan said, "Someone needs to get u an Oscar!"
"Ok wait the acting skills are on point," said another.
Others marveled at her ability to put on an acting performance and also impress on the court, speaking volumes of her multiple talents.
"Girl can play basketball PLUS act. We love you," said one fan.
"UCONN delivers us actors too now along with @nika.muhl," said another.
Another fan added, "She can act and hoop."
Paige Bueckers to be rivaled by Flau'jae Johnson in Unrivaled
Per On3, Paige Bueckers signed an NIL deal with Unrivaled on August 1, which saw her become the first college athlete to have a stake in the new league co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. She plans to participate in the league once she turns pro, which will happen come the conclusion of the ongoing college basketball season.
Last week, the league took to social media to announce LSU Tigers star Flau'jae Johnson will also feature in the new league once she turns pro.
Besides battling for glory on the court, Bueckers and Johnson are also battling for the top spot on the NIL valuation list. Johnson is currently the highest NIL earner in women's college basketball with her $1.5 million valuation, while Bueckers is slightly behind, with her last known valuation standing at $1.4 million, although her NIL value is currently undisclosed on On3's list.