Paige Bueckers Shines in Unrivaled, Collier Praises Growth

Bueckers’ Brilliance on Full Display as Unrivaled Season Heats Up

Paige Bueckers is making waves in the Unrivaled league, showcasing a new dimension to her already impressive game. Following a stellar rookie season in the WNBA, Bueckers has stepped onto the Unrivaled hardwood and delivered a standout performance, dropping 29 points in a crucial semifinal matchup. Her evolution in the faster-paced, three-on-three format has not gone unnoticed, with veteran Nneka Collier, also a former UConn Husky, lauding her growth.

Collier on Bueckers’ Ascendancy

Nneka Collier, currently recovering from ankle surgery but ahead of schedule in her rehab, expressed her admiration for Bueckers’ development. “It’s been really fun,” Collier stated. “Paige is obviously such a special player. I think the places you’ve seen her grow is… she’s known for being a very unselfish player as well, but with three on three with so little like, you know, there’s you and two other people on the court, you have to call your number a little bit more often. So I think just seeing her come into her own a little bit more with that even, and just putting her skills on display, it’s been fun to watch.”

Unrivaled’s Rapid Expansion

The growth of Unrivaled itself is a significant storyline. Collier highlighted the league’s progression from its inaugural season. “Last year it was just a lot of excitement because no one knew what it was. And this year with people knowing, you know, what we have to offer here, it’s been even better,” she explained. The addition of new teams, including stops in Philly and Brooklyn, along with an extra night of games, signifies the league’s swift expansion. “Just being able to grow so quickly. It’s been we feel, you know, really lucky in that we’re providing, you know, the things that we set out to do and so it’s been fun.”

Kelsey Plum’s Commitment and League’s Future

The presence of established stars like Kelsey Plum in Unrivaled is a testament to the league’s growing appeal. Plum, a nine-year WNBA veteran, is participating in the semifinals, a move Collier sees as crucial for the league’s trajectory. “I think it just shows how special it is what we have here. You know, Kelsey wasn’t able to come last year, but having her this year is obviously huge. She’s a great player,” Collier remarked. She added that the three-on-three format is a perfect fit for Plum’s one-on-one abilities, further enhancing the excitement of her participation.

The UConn Connection

Both Collier and Bueckers share a common alma mater in UConn, a program renowned for its consistent success, including a current 47-game winning streak. Collier attributes this enduring dominance to the coaching staff and the culture instilled by coaches Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey. “Coach and CD do a great job of who they’re recruiting. They’re very intentional with the type of player, like the commitment that they have that they make it very clear this is not going to be an easy thing, but if you make it through, like the potential of it is so special,” Collier said. “And I think that’s why too so many Yukon players make it in the league and do so well is because the way that we’re taught under coach and CD and the commitment, the loyalty, all those things are bred into us. They also recruit that kind of person.” Collier remains an avid follower of her former team, expressing excitement about their undefeated season and hoping to watch them progress through the Final Four and into the championship.

Navigating Collective Bargaining Agreement Talks

On a more serious note, Collier, in her role as a WNBA Players Union executive committee member, addressed the ongoing negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). While acknowledging the fluidity of the situation and the March 10th deadline, she emphasized the union’s dedication to reaching a timely agreement. “Our goal is to speak for the collective and so I think that is what we’re focusing on where both sides are working really hard to get a deal done. We understand the time constraints we’re under,” she stated. Collier could not provide specifics due to the ongoing nature of the discussions but assured that the union is working diligently to find a resolution that benefits all parties involved and avoids impacting the league schedule.

Auntie P Breezy: A Cherished Bond

Shifting to a lighter topic, Collier shared a heartwarming anecdote about Bueckers’ relationship with her daughter, Mila. Bueckers has become a beloved figure to Mila, affectionately dubbed “Auntie P Breezy.” Collier humorously rated Bueckers a “great auntie,” noting the significant amount of candy Mila receives from her. “She really cares about people and I think that shows, especially with kids,” Collier said of Bueckers. “Her and Mila like there’s a lot of bribery going on. Ma gets a lot of candy from Paige for sure. But she loves her. She asks about Paige every single morning… so I think that just shows how much of an impact that she’s had on Mila even in this short amount of time. So I’m very grateful for that.”

Source: Collier on Paige Bueckers' growth in the WNBA & Unrivaled: ‘It’s been fun to watch!’ | SportsCenter (YouTube)