'Just a Good Ol’ UConn Friendly Chat': Paige Bueckers and Napheesa Collier Share Mutual Respect

Though they never played together at UConn, Collier and Bueckers are part of the same storied program that has shaped generations of WNBA talent. Collier starred for the Huskies from 2015 to 2019 and became an All-Star and MVP candidate. Bueckers joined in 2020 and quickly rose to national prominence, winning the Wooden Award as a freshman and leading UConn to the 2025 NCAA championship game.

They’ve also spent time together through USA Basketball’s 3×3 events, building familiarity through shared training environments. That history made Friday’s matchup meaningful on a personal level.

“It’s extremely fun to play against Phee,” Bueckers said postgame. “She’s just the ultimate competitor, and she brings out the best in you, because she’s one of the best in the league. … So to be on the other side and want to beat each other — it’s fun as well. I think that’s the ultimate sign of respect.”

Collier was equally complimentary before the game, speaking with reporters after morning shootaround.

“I’m really happy for Paige,” Collier said. “I really, really like Paige — her family, the way she plays. She’s just a great person and player, so I’m really happy for her. I texted her like, ‘Good luck tonight. Don’t do too much against us — you wait till your next game.’ But yeah, I’m excited for her.”

Collier, who enters the season as the league’s preseason MVP favorite, also broke down what makes Bueckers special.

“First of all, her work ethic,” she told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “And then I think the way that she’s already a three-way player. Midrange is probably the hardest to master, and she’s really good in the midrange. But especially as a point guard — being able to score at all levels and then her vision — it’s really impressive, especially for someone who hasn’t played professionally yet.”

Paige Bueckers Has Homecoming on the Horizon

The storyline between Bueckers and Collier continues on Wednesday night, in Bueckers’ home state. The Wings visit the Lynx at Target Center in Minneapolis, where Bueckers will play her first WNBA game in Minnesota.

She grew up just minutes away in Hopkins, where she became one of the country’s most decorated high school players before heading to UConn.

“I have a lot of family — my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents — and then a lot of my former teammates from Hopkins and my AAU teams coming out to support,” Bueckers said. “Just to have them here means everything to me.”

Friends, family, and former teammates are expected to attend, making the nationally anticipated rematch a true homecoming for the No. 1 overall pick.