With WNBA?s Early Draft Entry Creeping Up on Her, Will UConn Star Paige Bueckers Declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft?

One of women’s basketball’s brightest stars, Paige Bueckers, is gearing up for her comeback in the 2023?24 season. Bueckers is prepared to dominate the court once more after missing a year due to an ACL tear. Her rise in the basketball world started with an impressive rookie season in 2020?21, during which she won Player of the Year honors. Unfortunately, injuries marred her sophomore season.

Well on her road to recovery now, Will UConn star Paige Bueckers declare for the 2024 WNBA draft?

Will Paige Bueckers Declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft?

After suffering a series of setbacks, including a tibial plateau fracture, lateral meniscus rupture in her left knee, and a torn left ACL? in December 2021, UConn Huskies icon, Paige Bueckers missed the whole 2022?23 season. She spent the past few months focusing on getting better, mentally and physically. Bueckers even put on about 15 pounds since her freshman year, preparing her body to be stronger for the court.

Bueckers obtained complete medical clearance last month, but she decided not to play with her UConn colleagues in Europe for their exhibition matches. Most recently, the 21-year-old athlete spoke to the media about her WNBA draft ahead of the 2023-2024 season.

Turning 22 on October 20, Bueckers currently has three years of collegiate eligibility remaining, including the extra year granted to student-athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While speaking to the media following the UConn Huskies’ first official practice in October, Bueckers was asked whether her NIL deals are a factor that could make her play longer for the Huskies. She responded emphasizing that her decision-making process is not driven by financial considerations.

“I’ve said before, I just love the college experience,” said Bueckers. “I love being here at UConn and putting on that UConn jersey every single day and I just have tremendous pride playing here and playing for this program. I came here and I wanted to come here a little bit before NIL even started, so that really has no factor into my decision. It’s more just the basketball aspect and school aspect.”

Regardless of when she declares for the WNBA draft, the young basketball prodigy is expected to be a top pick in the WNBA draft.

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Meanwhile, let’s take a look at her NIL deals.

Breaking down Paige Bueckers NIL Deals

While almost every collegiate athlete out there has signed NIL deals, Paige Bueckers has a distinct approach to them. She could have NIL deals with any company she desires, yet, Bueckers has a “non-negotiable” stipulation for her partnerships – they must include a charity or community engagement component.

With a massive social media following and a prominent platform in college sports, Bueckers could easily capitalize on the NIL era. However, she is choosing to be deliberate and meaningful in her choices. Bueckers states, “I really have huge goals with all this.” She wants her deals to contribute to the betterment of her community.

Recently, Bueckers inaugurated a free grocery store within Hopkins West Junior High School. This initiative, in partnership with Chegg, Goodr, and ICA Food Shelf, aims to combat food insecurity among students. Her NIL deal with Chegg, an education technology company, is centered on fighting this crucial issue.

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She also has an NIL deal with Gatorade, one she signed in 2021, becoming the first collegiate athlete that the company signed. Following her NIL deals, her valuation reportedly stands at $641,000.

Do you think Paige Bueckers will declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft? Let us know in the comments below!