Only 10 days to go! Last year, when Paige Bueckers showed up at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, she was just one of the many NCAA players there to witness the electrifying event. She was accompanied by Flau’jae Johnson, who was busy trying to collect All-Star jerseys from just about everyone. But beyond the excitement, the two were also spotted vibing to one of Flau’jae’s iconic tracks, “Came Out a Beast”, a powerful collaboration with Lil Wayne. Supportive, right? Yes, but that reel wasn’t just Paige hyping up Flau’jae; it was her deep love for rap and beats on full display. And now, just one year later, Bueckers has gone from courtside guest to All-Star starter, making history – and receiving a surprising gift that reflects just how far she’s come. And no, it didn’t come from a fellow WNBA player, a UConn teammate, or even her high school friends or family.

It came from none other than SZA, one of the artists Paige has long admired. Sounds massive? That’s because it is, but it didn’t come out of nowhere. It all began back at UConn, where Bueckers often dropped playful TikTok videos, joking about working on her dance moves. But as her final college season drew to a close, Paige swapped choreography for calm confidence, showing off her glam look in UConn gear during what appeared to be her pregame preparation for a win over Butler. And in that TikTok? She was vibing to SZA and Kendrick Lamar’s hit song “30 for 30.”

Now you might be thinking, it’s just a TikTok, so what’s the big deal? Fair enough. But that take didn’t hold up once SZA showed up on stage in Glasgow, rocking a No. 5 jersey – Paige’s number – during her Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar. That’s all it took for fans to start connecting the dots, saying that it was a quiet, powerful nod to the rookie who’s taking the W by storm.

And let’s be clear, that’s no small shoutout, if it is one. Just consider, as of June 29, 2025, SZA has over 75 million monthly Spotify listeners, and she’s well known for making history by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 318,000 equivalent units – the largest streaming week ever for an R&B album and the longest-running No. 1 album by a woman in the 2020s.

So while SZA didn’t spell it out – no name, no logo, no UConn or Dallas branding – the No. 5 was enough to set the internet ablaze. No one knows for now whether it was a tribute to Paige or not. And no one will know until SZA herself clarifies. But here’s the biggest thing that has fans convinced. Didn’t SZA once say Paige is her favorite baller?

Honestly, Paige deserves every bit of the praise coming her way. Just a few months into her WNBA career, she’s already making headlines. Look no further than her 35-point explosion against the Phoenix Mercury – the most efficient 35-point game by a rookie since Breanna Stewart in 2016. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s also one of just ten players in WNBA history – and the only rookie in 2025 – to earn a starting spot in the All-Star Game. So, SZA’s words make sense.

“She’s my favorite player,” SZA admitted. “She plays with skill, making great shots and passes. She’s truly excelling, and I’m captivated by every game, fully supporting her.” So now you know, this isn’t just about TikToks or jersey numbers. It’s about an artist at the top of her game recognizing an athlete rising into her prime.

One beat, one bucket at a time…

For Paige Bueckers, it’s her love for rap and music that builds a unique bridge between her and some of today’s biggest artists. But the list doesn’t stop with SZA. Earlier this season, the Dallas Wings rookie revealed that “Nokia” by Drake, a Toronto rapper and long-time vocal supporter of women’s basketball, is a staple in her pregame playlist.

And it would not be wrong to say that music runs in her veins. She said it herself in an interview with Bustle, describing her pregame routine: “I read a couple of my devotionals. I pray. And then listen to some music.” So, now that Bueckers is one of the most talked-about rookies in the league, even her music taste is becoming part of her rising brand – personal, grounded, and totally relatable. 

But yes, her vibe extends far beyond just playlists. For anyone following her, Bueckers is no stranger to TikTok, where she frequently shares fun dance videos, sometimes with teammates, and sometimes solo. Remember her goofy performance filled with synchronized moves and laughter alongside former UConn teammate KK Arnold? She captioned it with a playful, “Back to hibernation I go.” That moment, like many others, was just another treat for her 1.1 million TikTok followers.