Cameron Brink of the LA Sparks showed her support for longtime friend Paige Bueckers following UConn’s NCAA Championship victory. After Bueckers posted about UConn’s 82-59 win over South Carolina on April 6, Brink commented, “So so proud,” with a heart emoji, demonstrating their enduring friendship despite competing at different levels.
The championship marked a significant achievement for Bueckers, who overcame two major injuries during her college career. UConn’s victory helped them claim their 12th NCAA title but first since 2016.
Bueckers scored 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the championship game to end her incredible career at UConn with a career total of 2,405 points.
Cameron Brink and Paige Bueckers: A Friendship That Spans Competitive Careers
Brink and Bueckers have been friends since their youth basketball days, when they played together on USA Basketball youth teams, including the 2019 U19 World Cup gold medal team. They went separate ways in college, with Brink playing at Stanford and Bueckers at UConn, but their bond stayed strong amidst competition.
Both athletes had early success in their college careers. As a freshman, Brinks was part of Stanford’s 2021 NCAA Championship, while Bueckers was the first freshman to be named Naismith Player of the Year that same year.
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Their similar paths saw them receive individual honors and team success throughout their college years with their respective powerhouse teams.
Both players have suffered major injury setbacks. Brink’s first-year WNBA career with the Sparks was interrupted by an ACL injury in June 2024 after she played 15 games while averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. She is now in rehabilitation with hopes of returning for the 2025 season to bring her defensive presence back to Los Angeles.
Bueckers sat out the majority of the 2021-22 season with a knee injury and the entirety of the 2022-23 season with an ACL tear.
Her return to normal in 2023-2024 with 21.9 points per game and championship win in the 2024-25 season proved that she was tough, making Brink’s kind words even more special coming from someone who is enduring her own recovery process.
Brink’s support for Bueckers highlights the respect between these top players as their careers keep unfolding.
As Brink prepares for her WNBA return in 2025, Bueckers is projected to be drafted first overall by the Dallas Wings in the next WNBA Draft on April 14, which could pave the way for future professional showdowns between these friends and rivals.
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The two stars symbolize the bright future of women’s basketball. Brink concluded her Stanford career with 1,892 points, 1,223 rebounds, and 424 blocks, which is third in NCAA history, while Bueckers broke UConn’s NCAA Tournament scoring record with 477 points.
Their bond established through top-notch competition and respect for one another still glows despite them going through the adversities of injuries and transitions to professional careers.
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