UConn star Paige Bueckers hypes up former teammate Aaliyah Edwards for 2024 Paris Olympics

While UConn star Paige Bueckers is preparing for the 2024-25 college season, her former teammate, Aaliyah Edwards, is on the global stage with Team Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After four years with the Huskies, Edwards joined the WNBA in 2024 as the No. 3 pick to the Washington Mystics.

Cheering the forward, Bueckers posted Edwards' photo on her Instagram on Friday and wrote:

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"OlympicAliiiiii"

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This is Aaliyah Edwards' second Olympic run after her debut in the 2020 Tokyo Games. She was the youngest member of the Canadian women’s basketball team.

At UConn, Edwards played a crucial role in the Huskies' four Big East regular season and tournament titles. She averaged 13.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists. The forward ranks sixth in the Huskies' history with 35 career double-doubles, finishing with 1,800 points and 1,000 rebounds.

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Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards' special bond that transcends time

Paige Bueckers, Nika Muhl and Aaliyah Edwards were the important trio on the UConn Huskies roster. The three joined in 2020 and traversed tough times because of injuries and slumps while relying on each other.

Commenting on their relationship during 2024 March Madness, Paige Bueckers said:

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“Nika and Aaliyah are like my sisters. They're my bridesmaids. I want them to be like my kids’ godparents, like godmoms. We've built such a strong relationship ever since we came into UConn together as freshmen and it means everything to be here, especially with all the blows we were dealt.

"The adversity that we went through to really come together and find strength within each other and lead this group of freshmen here to the Final Four."

Bueckers was there to support and cheer them during the 2024 WNBA draft and is a frequent visitor to their games. With both Edwards and Muhl in the league, the guard is aware of the huge responsibility on her shoulders.

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"It's crazy. I don't have Nika, I don't have Aaliyah. So, it's really all on me," Paige Buecekrs said. "And it's mostly my responsibility. Obviously Aubrey, Azzi and other upperclassmen but I'm the only one on the court right now. So, I'm taking that responsibility and I'm doing it with pride."

Bueckers said she will lead by example and try to be their voice as the Huskies attempt to bring back the championship home. Aaliyah Edwards, on the other hand, will be hoping to win maiden gold as Canada takes on hosts France on Monday.

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