But in between her slick passing and enjoyment of the All-Star Game atmosphere, Bueckers still found time to hone her game, sneaking away from the spotlight to South Side Chicago’s ITAV Academy for an afternoon workout session with 16-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant. Bueckers spoke about her experience with Durant to Dallas reporters Tuesday afternoon, grateful for the opportunity to learn from one of basketball’s most prolific and experienced scorers.
“It was really cool. It’s really fun to see his footwork and his balance and how low he plays — I think he’s almost seven feet tall, and he gets lower than me,” Bueckers said, per Dallas Morning News reporter Myah Taylor. “I see the work, and I see how much further along he is than me. And just watching the little nuances of his game that have made him one of the best scorers of all time … It was great to work out with him.”
Bueckers noted that she first connected with Durant while playing for Breeze BC in the Unrivaled basketball league earlier this spring, as the Houston Rockets forward stopped by to attend a March practice. Durant had previously praised the 3×3 basketball league, which was founded by UConn alums Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, last winter, stating that he “love[d] the concept.”
Bueckers and Durant are regarded as two of the best mid-range shooters in their respective leagues, so it was little surprise that a video of the workout shared by Swish Cultures focused largely on creating separation and pull-up jumpers. Durant was also impressed by Bueckers’ dedication, as the pair’s workout was held early last Thursday, just hours after Bueckers dropped 21 points in a victory over Portland on the West Coast.
Bueckers and fellow UConn great Azzi Fudd will return to WNBA regular-season action Wednesday evening against the Atlanta Dream. The game will air on USA Network and tip off at 8 p.m. ET.
