Nike and basketball are almost inseparable, a symbiotic relationship that transcends mere sponsorship to become a cultural phenomenon. From Michael Jordan’s revolutionary Air Jordans to modern-day icons like LeBron James and Sabrina Ionescu, Nike has woven itself into the fabric of basketball history, transforming athletic footwear from functional gear to global style statements.
The newest basketball phenom to team up with Nike is none other than that UConn’s, Paige Bueckers; who continues to make history.

This past Monday, Nike announced Bueckers as the first NIL (name, image and likeness) athlete to design and launch a player edition sneaker!
The Nike G.T. Hustle 3 is set to drop this Saturday, and it’s worth all the buzz. For Bueckers, it’s a surreal moment.
“It’s definitely motivating to wear your own shoe. I grew up wearing Nikes. I just want to show out in it.”
And rightfully so. The effort that Nike put into the details of the Hustle 3 are impeccable. From highlighting Bueckers’ 2021 Naismith Player of the Year award, to the “860” on the left tongue (representing Storrs, CT’s area code), and the embroidered bucket on the right tongue (a nod to her b-ball nickname, iykyk), they don’t miss. Nike even added a text bubble with the words “Be You, Be Great;” a message that Bueckers receives from her dad before every game!



Choosing Bueckers as the first NIL athlete with a Player Edition sneaker is a genius move. Not only is Paige “Buckets” an electrifying star for UConn women’s basketball, she represents the pinnacle of collegiate athleticism and star power. In her final season, she returned from a significant injury to lead the Huskies once again.
Her journey embodies resilience and excellence, having been a generational talent who captured national attention even before college, and whose impact extends beyond her statistical achievements on the court to become a cultural icon elevating women’s basketball.