Paige Bueckers, who may end up becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has seen a drastic increase in her popularity over the past couple of years. Popularity provides plenty of positives, but there is a dark side to it as well. A man was recently arrested for stalking the UConn women's basketball star, and on Monday it was revealed that he was charged with harassment, electronic stalking and breach of peace, per Katie Barnes of ESPN.
The disturbing situation is unfortunately not uncommon. Men and women athletes deal with stalkers, but the increase of stalking women athletes has become a troubling trend.
Paige Bueckers: A basketball star
Bueckers, 22, has an extremely bright basketball future. She would love to place her focus on her sport. However, it is surely difficult to do that given the aforementioned situation.
According to the ESPN article, the man made multiple references about wanting to marry Bueckers. He also reportedly shared disturbing social media posts.
This situation is bigger than basketball. The pressure on star female athletes such as Bueckers to play at a high level is already immense. Adding frightening situations such as this into the equation is troubling to say the least.
Bueckers is not the first star to deal with these circumstances.
Angel Reese previously addressed the subject
Angel Reese emerged as one of the most popular stars in college basketball during her time with LSU. She has continued to receive plenty of attention at the WNBA level. Similarly to Bueckers, however, Reese has endured the downside of fame.
Reese recently called out atrocious behavior she has seen from fans while speaking on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel.
"I think there's a lot of racism when it comes to it," Reese said previously. "But when it comes to death threats... I'm talking about people coming down to my address, follow me home. It's come down to that. Multiple occasions people have made AI pictures of me, like, naked, literally. They have sent it to my family members. My family members... are sending it to me, like, 'are you naked on Instagram?' It sucks to see that."
Female athletes should not have to endure this behavior. The trend has unfortunately continued, casting shadows on the exciting growth of women's basketball.
Nevertheless, Reese, Bueckers and other stars are looking to continue to help grow the game. They have played crucial roles in drawing new fans to both the college and professional levels. The NCAA and WNBA will surely enhance their security measures amid the aforementioned trend. Again, these situations are bigger than basketball and must be a top priority.