March Madness is in full swing, and the NCAA Women’s Tournament has proven to be one of the most eventful in recent memory. The No. 2 UConn Huskies have advanced to the Elite 8 after defeating No. 3 Oklahoma with a score of 82-59, but the victory came with its share of early challenges. Senior standout Paige Bueckers lifted the team once more with an impressive second half, achieving a career-high and securing a spot in the Elite 8. In doing so, she paid tribute to another basketball legend by donning Sabrina Ionescu’s signature Nike Sabrina 2 sneakers.
As one of the highest-rated Women’s Basketball recruits in history, Paige Bueckers has accumulated nearly every accolade possible at the collegiate level, transforming the UConn record books and striving to bring yet another championship to the illustrious program. She is also poised to become a star in the WNBA and has already signed an NIL deal with Nike, making it highly likely she will join the ranks of top Women’s Basketball players with their own signature shoe.
Leading the way for talents like Bueckers was New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu, who carved out a record-breaking career at the University of Oregon and has continued her excellence in the WNBA. Ionescu has also launched one of the most influential basketball shoes of the past two decades, which Bueckers wore during her record-setting game, creating a full-circle moment.
Paige Bueckers’ Nike Sabrina 2 vs. Oklahoma
In her latest game, Paige Bueckers sported a UConn Huskies player exclusive (PE) version of the Nike Sabrina 2. The term “PE” stands for “player exclusive,” typically designed for specific athletes at a given program. This Sabrina 2 features a primarily white base with navy blue accents throughout, perfectly complementing the Huskies’ white uniforms, and is finished with a bold red Nike Swoosh. It’s safe to assume that Sabrina Ionescu was smiling with pride as she watched Bueckers make history as the first UConn player to score over 40 points in a tournament game.
The UConn Huskies are now preparing to face the No. 1 USC Trojans. The Huskies are currently favored by 13.5 points, as USC continues its season without star player Juju Watkins, signaling that another standout performance from Bueckers is anticipated on this national stage.
Image Source: Paige Bueckers @ Instagram
