Paige Bueckers earns high praise from Barack Obama and Gordon Ramsay after NCAA championship

Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies didn't just walk away with a national title this past weekend, the team has also earned recognition from two of the most iconic figures: former U.S. President Barack Obama and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Obama and Ramsay took to their social platforms to extend their congratulatory message to the 23-year-old basketball star following the NCAA championship.

After the Huskies secured a dominant 82-59 win over the previously unbeaten South Carolina Gamecocks, Obama took to social media to share his excitement. “Congratulations to Coach Auriemma, Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd and all the Huskies for winning the NCAA Championship!” he wrote on X, joining a nationwide celebration of UConn's return to glory. It was a historic win and UConn’s first national title since 2016.

While Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd led the scoreboard with 24 points each, it was Bueckers who once again proved herself the heart and soul of the team. Her 17 points were just part of the story. All season long, she’s been the glue, the leader, and the inspiration for her squad. And with her calm under pressure and sharp decision-making, Bueckers showed the world that her comeback season was one for the ages.
Obama’s admiration for basketball is well-known. He has previously been in sporting headlines for his love for the game.
Adding a flavor of fun to the celebration, Chef Gordon Ramsay also chimed in with a congratulatory message. “Congrats @UconnWBB on your @MarchMadnessWBB Championship!! Great game @paigebueckers1 @azzi_35 and Geno! Must’ve been the Beef Wellington 😉,” Ramsay shared on X, posting a photo of himself with Bueckers, Fudd, and legendary coach Geno Auriemma.

When Bueckers was asked about Gigi Bryant— the daughter of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant— who once dreamed of playing for UConn. Bueckers didn’t shy away from the question. Bueckers shared her heartfelt tribute to Gigi.
“There have been times this whole weekend and throughout the whole tournament I feel like God has really shown himself. My mom staying in room 824 which are both of Kobe’s numbers and stuff like that. Kobe’s watching over us. Gigi’s watching over us. Abby… and everybody. I felt their presence for sure,” she said.
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Bueckers has already made her name in the college basketball scene with her performances throughout the games for the championship.