How Kobe Bryant's mentality helped Paige Bueckers' ACL recovery | ESPN College Basketball

UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers opens up about recovering from an ACL tear and preparing for a return in the 2023-24 NCAAW season.
✔️ Subscribe to ESPN+ espnplus.com/youtube
✔️ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔️ Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔️ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔️ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV

[@jjohnson3203]

Love Paige. Great perspective and openness. Wishing her the best this year.

[@JayzoTheNextKobeBryant2.0]

Same Here

[@QGolfVlog]

@@JayzoTheNextKobeBryant2.0 v

[@lexsea]

love paige. she didn’t deserve to go through she’s had to the last two years but i just know she’s gonna be better because of it. everyone rooting for her to be great this season!

[@MultiTim2012]

I just love this kid! She’s so humble so amazing

[@iSethWoods]

My 7 year old daughter doesn't know too much about basketball other than I played it and she likes playing it with me. Whenever I'm watching basketball she says "I want to watch the girl huskies play" - which means she wants to watch Paige play. I showed her highlights of Paige one time to show her that she too could be one of the best girls at whatever she wants to do in the future. I had to explain to her that we couldn't watch her play because she was hurt so we've been waiting for you to take the court again. Grind to shine!

[@omotayosatuyi252]

That's incredible she won't forget that

[@edwardtakeactiongba2397]

Here’s my take after watching her since junior year in high…..super smart and intelligent, personable, unselfish, tremendously coordinated, confident, fun to watch her play !

[@Kat-vj2xu]

I’ve been watching her since her junior year in high school as well. Agree w/ everything you said. The vision and unselfish play caught my attention but her down to earth humble personality has me locked in for good 💪🏼💙

[@victorlopez2143]

The great thing about Paige is that she is a 'TEAM' player. She gets everyone involved in the game and when needed, she can step up and make big shots when she has to. Love that game she played against NC state. She was terrific, especially in OT...I expect this years team to go all the way to the final four especially with the addition of this year freshman class including Ice and Aubrey coming back..I expect the ladies to be playing 'OLD' Uconn basketball with constant back court pressure....Go Huskies..

[@travel9two557]

This was an EXCELLENT piece by ESPN! Wow 👏👏 so raw and real. I went to see her play at UCONN a couple years ago vs. Note Dame that was the game she got injured in the final mins I felt so bad for her then. It was coaches fault in my opinion. But she bounced back and played the end of the year and tournament. I hope she has a terrific year this year and UCONN can get back to the Final Four. Her light was dimmed last year with Caitlin’s Rise and Angels rise at LSU. And of course South Carolina w/ Boston. She might very well end up being the best pro career out of all them

[@futurehofer1564]

Angel? Really? cmon lol

[@Optim40]

Can we stop selling out already ? Dayyummm.

[@KingEst87]

I’m here cause I Seen Kobe & I left appreciating her more ! #RIPMAMBA

[@lawbinson]

ACL Injury is tough. You can come back physically and be really close or even stronger than before. But being a non-contact injury, you start to question moves you’ve made tens of thousands of times in your life. The mental recovery is a massive component.

[@nickb638]

Great kid, and I was saddened to see her injuries. College hoops is better with her in it so I hope she’s able to stay healthy.

[@QGolfVlog]

How can you not admire this kid? ❤❤

[@MsKylea]

I'm 43 years old and agree with this message. I am an ex athlete who never paid attention to nutrition warming up etc. I'm feeling it now. Good luck this season and take care of yourself!!

[@joaquinpardo3192]

She's so awesome her Faith is a beautiful thing to hear about. Rooting for you sis!

[@JF238xCreatingABetterFuture]

Mamba Mentality is the best mindset to have if you want to achieve the best version of yourself 💯

[@palehorserider1407]

Kobe Bryant Muse 666 workout no it’s not evil it’s a blueprint to be GREAT

[@fkap4153]

Kobe was trash nobody should look up to that scumbag

[@user-fi5sw2ov4v]

Torn my ACL in game on the day right before Paige’s season debut. This video really helped me put myself together.

[@alainbrouillaud484]

Great piece… amazing to see how Kobe Bryant has mentored so many people on sport… not just Basketball. I am hopeful that Paige Bueckers will have a great professional career 😊🏀

[@Ms.Athletic]

She actually figured this out at a young age and I'm so happy she is spreading it!!

[@NJSportsGirl2]

She’s so great! ❤ I love her mentality and how strong she is ❤

[@jstape740]

Its crazy how much more inspiring and important ppl become once they die..

[@Mitch7179]

this woman is simply amazing..

[@aerielkins5334]

my favourite College basketball player, hope nothing but the best for you this season Paige and same for Uconn, let's go Huskies !! 🥳💙

[@Fieldhockey_]

I love Paige sm. I’ve had a lot of injury’s in my sport and sometimes it feels horrible and like I should give up but this helped sm. She described everything so perfectly

[@kylemiyamoto3896]

Incredible story. Congrats Paige on getting back to it and coming back stronger than ever. @ESPN you had some rookies shooting/lighting this interview

[@HeyNickJ]

Short stories are awesome. Thanks for sharing Paige way to capture it ESPN. I hope she dominates her fifth year. I wish her nothing but health and success and pray that she continues to grow her faith. She such a great example to many.

[@TheGatewoods1023]

Not a UConn fan. But I am a fan of Paige and her game. She is the future of the game. Glad she’s back. Much respect all the best.

[@eletteahmad1597]

Great interview. Great encouragement

[@baselinetobaseline9821]

I love watching her play ! You can just see how much she loves the game.

[@captain0310]

What a breath of fresh air. I have gotten so tired of the media trying to suck everyone in with CC's self-centered performances and AR on the court and off-the-court dramas. PG plays the right way and she is a role model for all young athletes. God Bless you Paige.

[@Juan_nicolas4]

UConn stand up🙌🏽 can’t wait to see Paige and Azzi back in action

[@Skoogz_]

Love you PB. Gonna be one helluva comeback 🦾

[@Dre-xc2no]

So many Kobe stans in this generation of mens & womens hoops. I love it!

[@futurehofer1564]

Only people who saw freshman Paige that won NPOY (only freshman ever to do that btw) and CARRIED that UCONN team to the championship game know who she is as a player, I hope she gets back and surpass that level!!!! Hoping she doesnt get any major injuries anymore!

[@JayzoTheNextKobeBryant2.0]

I Know The Legendary Childhood GOAT R.I.P Kobe Bean Bryant Smiling In Heaven & Everytime Someone Talks About The Legendary Childhood GOAT R.I.P Kobe Bean Bryant AkA Black Mamba Angel is Smiling

[@abelaldrich7831]

I love her she's great at basketball 🏀 and coming back is an inspiration and plus she's so cute 🥰

[@danwayment6842]

Never Forgotten.💗

[@Whizkidsoo]

Man she’s a generational talent…womens basketball needs her. We were robbed w her playing w azzi even Lou but all her teammates geno set up his schedule expecting to have Paige this year will be great. Stay healthy & ball out no cap they’re winning it all!

[@peedidadon]

yu are a blessing on n off da kourt kontinue to do whatchu doin with faith

[@glenntoups4615]

Hope your knee heals 110% and you have a great comeback season......Love the new look with eye makeup....WOW Girl! You are a WINNER!

[@iceman9428able]

I wish Paige Bueckers good luck this season and stay healthy

[@AceEthos]

Wholesome, beautiful, beautiful soul, one of the greatest Eva!

[@snekmeseht]

Not very often, but once in a while, ESPN does something good.

[@ToshiroMifuneSamurai]

Good luck next season Paige. I'm happy you stay at UConn for another year and hope you win that championship.

[@trajohnadams1772]

i love Paige Bueckers 💕🏀

[@curtisCclarke]

She is my favorite female college basketball player of all time! Period! She will become my favorite female professional basketball player of all time (as well)! As of right now, LeBron Raymone James is my favorite male professional basketball player of all time. I love me some Paige Bueckers! ❤❤❤

[@phillipdeluca9930]

I think she is so strong.

[@waynemiller7692]

Praying for you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@bpraise517]

Flat out Gorgeous, Baller, Character, Faith, UConn Paige B....Lets Go💪🏾😎🔥

[@JayzoTheNextKobeBryant2.0]

Love Paige She's a Great Basketball Player!!

[@Fatboy53]

We got luv for this kid. Very classy after their team loss to Iowa. Love how she gives glory to God. Hats off to her. I did my ACL. Prevention is key. Never skip leg day. PT shows how we got there.

[@iloveGod1105]

She has the most BEAUTIFUL HEART!!!!!

[@bostonrican5082]

She’s on a mission you could see it in her eyes leeeeeets gooooo!!!!

[@JayzoTheNextKobeBryant2.0]

I Wanna Wish Paige The Best This Year!

[@blackbeansauce1150]

She’s gonna kill it this year

[@jaylewis1993]

I Love You Paige You’ll Remind Them This Year I Really Believe That

[@johntheclyde2816]

If she can stay healthy, she’s one of the best female basketball players in the world. Good luck this year!

[@limeebri]

Paige is incredibly self-aware and refreshingly honest. What an impressive and admirable human being!!

[@Nikeira_Henry1]

I’m ready for the comeback

[@markhathaway9456]

She's a star, and a basketball player.

[@chiefs816kc]

It's time for Paige to take her crown back. God bless.

[@doubleburnttoast5281]

I remember ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🚀♾ just keep going

[@anthonyjeter4643]

Outside of Maya Moore, Paige is my favorite Huskie of all time! And Im a S. Carolina Gamecock ! I want her to be successful in the WNBA.

[@hoopdr3amz23]

She Is A GREAT TALENT greatest of luck 2 this young women...gonna b a problem in the W

[@pulajul7644]

I both pray to God, I wish you success this year 🤍🙏

[@larrycollins3585]

Am I the only one that notice she said, " this year, next year. I'm coming up on the last couple of years. We can make it happen." 7:20 mark

[@muthusiedwin]

I just love this young lady

[@pulajul7644]

aaaaa paigeeee don't cry 😭

[@joshmartinelli1681]

Paige is a great person. She is humble and a good person.

[@tinashepule]

Why am I crying 🥹🥹🥺

[@shawnthorington7723]

Hopefully she can help Uconn win it all in her last year with the team.

[@b2bfusion]

2nd to last

[@shawnthorington7723]

@@b2bfusion Isn't she a senior?

[@b2bfusion]

@@shawnthorington7723 yes she is - she has an extra covid year of eligibility

[@ImadogGarcia]

I just want to see her play and be happy

[@Theonlyyy.dakendriascaife]

I love her sm❤

[@khaimcmillan9152]

Great story 🙏🙏🙏✊✊✊❤️❤️❤️

[@dustinparsons4404]

I love her so much ❤

[@jamesvandall6238]

Love Paige bucekers she is a great basketball player 👏

[@TH-zy1nb]

Love her❤❤

[@justinjones5886]

Love the video… the music sucks tho it makes me feel like somebody died, or I’m about to get a massage

[@brianrymill4071]

i like paige a lot stay with it paige you can do it

[@sayannahjcarter]

Stay strong Paige Kobe & Gigi are by your side #HatersgonnaHate

[@pleiku887]

Some of the mean, even hateful, comments! Some of you need to look into your hearts and ask where this is coming from.

[@fkap4153]

Lol people are allowed to have differing opinions it's perfectly fine

[@violetforpb]

@@fkap4153opinions about her body? Her mentality? Opinions about the way she’s doing? It’s seriously none of yall’s business. Your “opinions” are straight up hate, none of y’all are gonna get ahead in life. Do better

[@fkap4153]

@ultravioletdiguise oh you are one of those weak minded people who thinks someone else's thoughts and beliefs can hold another person down, paige is just fine lmao I just don't like the dead scumbag she idolized

[@Ashley-cr4tf]

Love u paige😊❤

[@katherinesheridan4139]

Shout out Hudy!!!

[@JayzoTheNextKobeBryant2.0]

Paige Should Uses Mamba Mentality Uses That As Motivation To Be The Best Version of Your Self To Be The Best Basketball Player That You Can Be Kobe Bryant Words That He Said

[@dcstoy]

Can't wait to see her succeed and kill it this year🔥🙏🏾!!!

[@djemraidola264]

This is another reason he is top 3

[@MrMcfly6]

A real BALLER

[@damagedone56]

As a Connecticut resident myself just like her I must say this woman is beautiful

[@ccarrillo262]

she sounds like she would have a dope mix tape

[@wavyseal1447]

We love you Paige!

[@robertpalatsky5017]

Paige, thank you so much for sharing your story. Such a raw piece. Hope you and UConn win another Natty. Good luck and HAVE FUN!!!

[@TrashBandicoot12]

Happy to see Paige healthy again and tearing the game up like she never left. Real ones know she’s been HER since Day 1!

[@radjedi2010]

The only thing I was surprised at is Paige talking about her haters. What is there possibly to hate about Paige?

[@sayannahjcarter]

Oh trust me Paige got some haters, and I'm not talking about me or you because she's one of my favorite Uconn players

[@kpwaterfield]

There are always Haters when you're successful!

[@JapChaeJan]

Go Paige!

[@wavyseal1447]

I'm gonna go cry now

[@victorlui5955]

Paige is amazing.

[@jstape740]

I knew her a few years ago and she now speaks so much differently. That's interesting to me

[@acegohard4731]

in what way?

[@rouwidah8660]

so u haven't changed in the past few years? ur still the same? talk the same? act the same way?

[@emzlovesu3]

I love her so much

[@walterwhitebean972]

The queen of ucon

[@MrNiceGuy80x5]

after her first injury i felt that she needed to get on like a weightlifters plan, eat lots of protein and gain more muscle to protect the body. she was too lean for how lengthy she is.

[@obionuora8979]

Background music makes it hard to listen to the whole thing

[@tebhernandez]

Not trying to be insulting but does her college program not include any weight training at all?