Paige Bueckers celebrated her 24th birthday and received a wave of heartfelt messages from fans, friends and former teammates. The guard shared a personal reflection on social media and thanked God for her journey, which sparked an immediate reaction across the basketball community.
Among the many greetings, one message stood out from the rest. Former UConn teammate KK Arnold posted a short but powerful birthday note, writing just seven words: “Happy birthday boogers. I love you and I miss you.” Arnold shared the message alongside a collage of photos on her Instagram account, and the simple gesture quickly touched UConn fans and basketball followers everywhere.
A great friendship that began at UConn
Today, UConn is entering a new era. Paige Bueckers no longer leads the Huskies, and the spotlight now shifts to KK Arnold, who has emerged as the team’s new star after shining in last season’s tournament. The program also welcomes Kayleigh Heckel, who arrives to strengthen the backcourt and provide more depth on the perimeter.
KK Arnold, Paige, and Azzi 🔥😎 on studbudz pic.twitter.com/AVuwrEGUFF
— Crass (@crassbandito) July 19, 2025
UConn will also lean on Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, two of the most talented players in the country. Analysts expect Strong to compete for national awards this season, which keeps UConn in the conversation as a contender for another run at glory. Despite the roster changes, the Huskies continue to project confidence and ambition.
Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers begins her professional journey and enjoys a new chapter in her career. She plans to attend several UConn games during the WNBA offseason, staying connected to the program that shaped her into a star. All signs suggest she will remain close to the school, its fans and its legacy, even as her basketball story continues to grow on a bigger stage.
