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Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates with her teammates after winning the national championship of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

'Beautiful Message': Paige Bueckers ‘Power Of Friendship’ Comment Gets Flau’Jae Johnson’s Mom Kia Brooks Reaction

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 9:12 PM ET

In her Instagram story, Kia Brooks shared a post quoting Paige Bueckers in an interview, where the latter talked about the “power of friendship” at UConn.

“I saw on social media they were saying UConn won based on the power of friendship,” Bueckers said in the interview. “It’s so accurate just how much we love each other, how much we’re connected, how much we’ve been through as individuals, as a team and how much it’s bonded us and helped us become national champions.”

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Johnson’s mother shared it to her story, adding in her own caption.

“What a beautiful message,” she wrote on her repost.

Flau’jae Johnson showcased her exceptional talent during LSU’s NCAA tournament run this year, even though the team fell short in the Elite Eight against UCLA. Johnson’s versatility and scoring ability were key factors in LSU’s success throughout the tournament.

She led the Tigers in scoring for much of the season, averaging 18.6 points per game, and her ability to finish through contact at the rim and contribute defensively made her a standout player.

On the other hand, Paige Bueckers remained the standout star she has been for the UConn Huskies. In her final year in the program, she led the Huskies to their 12th championship and her first.

Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Commended By Gordon Ramsay In UConn Title Run 3 Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Kaitlyn Chen (20) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates after winning the national championship of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In their 82-59 win against South Carolina, Bueckers scored 17 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out three assists. Her efforts, combined with standout performances from teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, were instrumental in securing UConn’s first national title in nearly a decade.

Paige Bueckers Makes Surprise Appearance at Talk Show

In one episode of “The Tonight Show,” host and comedian Jimmy Fallon congratulated Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies for their NCAA Championship. To the host’s surprise, the UConn star herself entered the studio as his surprise guest.

“Goodluck Paige Bueckers,” Fallon said. “Paige Bueckers is the best. Congratulations to her and UConn on winning the national championship. I wish I could celebrate with her and hold the championship (trophy), but that will never happen.”

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Bueckers then entered the studio with the NCAA Championship cup at hand, and let Fallon have a touch for himself.

Barack Obama Commends Paige Bueckers, UConn Huskies On NCAA Championship 7 Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) is interviewed by ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after the national championship of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Paige Bueckers had an incredible 2024-25 season at UConn. She averaged 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, with an impressive shooting efficiency: 54.3% field goal percentage, 43.2% three-point percentage, and 88.8% free throw percentage.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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