“I’ve grown very close to him”: Paige Bueckers sends sweet message to UConn’s special fan

The UConn Huskies and Paige Bueckers enjoy the utmost dedication and love from their large fanbase. In a recent postgame interview, the guard revealed the importance of maintaining such relationships.

When talking to the media after a 79-44 win over Georgetown on Sunday, Bueckers was asked about a fan in a wheelchair on the sidelines whom the team met and chatted with after the game.

"It's super important just to be able to give back," Bueckers said. "I know Michael. That's who was in the wheelchair after the game. I've grown to be very close with him. Our team has grown to be very close with him. Relationships you build like that, it's very important.

"I have little siblings, so I know what that's like being a role model and being somebody that these kids look up to. So, to be able to build this relationship and have it so they're not just watching us at games and going home and not getting to know us personally at all, it's important."

The senior guard also added that the entire UConn team enjoys talking to their fans after their games as a token of their appreciation for all the support and love. Beyond this, the Huskies also participate in their coach, Geno Auriemma's annual charity event, 'Geno for the Kids', organized in partnership with the Connecticut Children's Hospital.

A fan the Huskies met through this is Abigail Zittoun. Following her passing after a long battle with cancer in October, Paige Bueckers and Caroline Ducharme mourned her loss with special posts on Instagram.

Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies continue their winning ways

Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies were on an eight-game winning streak before they had their first loss against heavyweights Notre Dame last week. Since then, the Huskies won Sunday's clash against Georgetown 79-44.

With a game against Iowa State (9-3) on Tuesday, the No. 4 Huskies (9-1) also have a big game against the seventh-ranked USC Trojans (10-1) on Saturday. The games will test UConn's potential for the latter half of the season as they attempt to win their first championship since 2016. With this being Paige Bueckers' final college season, there is extra pressure to send her off on a high note.

What are your predictions for Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies this week? Let us know in the comments section below.

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