Paige Bueckers isn’t just a college basketball star- she’s a phenom. Her clutch performances and all-around dominance have made her one of the most lethal players in UConn history.
As she enters her final season before heading to the WNBA, fans and analysts are locked in on her every move. But beyond her game-changing skills, one thing has remained constant: her iconic No. 5 jersey.
For Bueckers, No. 5 isn’t just a number. It’s a statement about her journey and the path that’s led her to the brink of professional basketball. So, why did she choose it?
Team USA Connection That Defined Paige Bueckers’ Jersey Choice
Bueckers dazzled in high school wearing No. 1, but her transition to UConn forced her to reconsider. The Huskies don’t allow players to wear Nos. 0 or 1, leaving her with a tough decision. Rather than picking a random number, Bueckers chose to honor a key chapter of her career, her time with Team USA.
“I wore No. 1 in high school. UConn doesn’t allow 0 or 1. And I wore 5 with USA Basketball, so it was like, ‘Next number up,’” Bueckers told CT Insider in 2024; Bueckers had been assigned No. 5 by Team USA.
Needless to say, Bueckers isn’t just any Team USA member. She’s won gold medals at the FIBA U16, U17, and U19 World Cups, as well as at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Her time wearing No. 5 on the international stage shaped her career and made it an easy choice when she stepped onto UConn’s court.
When she arrived in 2020, the jersey had just been vacated by Crystal Dangerfield, who wore No. 5 for four seasons before heading to the WNBA. With the number available, Bueckers seized the opportunity, carrying her Team USA legacy into college basketball.
At UConn, jersey numbers hold even greater significance. The program doesn’t display player names on uniforms, making numbers the defining identity on the court. For fans, No. 5 quickly became synonymous with Bueckers’ brilliance, leadership, and ability to take over games when it mattered most.
Bueckers Is Ready to Kick-Start Her WNBA Career
Bueckers has already left an indelible mark at UConn, leading the Huskies to the national championship game in 2022 and consistently putting up elite numbers. During the 2024-25 season, she is averaging 19.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.
Now, the next chapter of her journey awaits. Ahead of the Huskies’ Sweet 16 matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners, Bueckers confirmed to ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo that she will enter the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Expected to be the No. 1 overall pick on April 14, she’s drawing interest from teams like the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, and Indiana Fever.
Though she still has another year of college eligibility, Bueckers has made it clear: she’s ready for the next level. With her elite basketball IQ and ability to thrive under pressure, she is poised to be a franchise-changing star.