It’s been a busy few weeks for UConn women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers.

While her ACL injury recovery has kept her off the court, she hasn’t let it stop her from further promoting her brand and working on her latest name, image and likeness deals and appearances.

The junior made her second appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today on Wednesday to talk about her recovery journey and what kind of sideline coach she hopes to be.

“I’m two months in so I feel like the hardest part is over,” Bueckers told ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “The first week was extremely challenging, just trying to process it but I’m going through this mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically as well. But I think I’m going to be a much better player when I come back. And I’m just trying to use this as like a growth period and a period where I can get better.”

Bueckers said she’s been reading Kobe Bryant’s book “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play” to keep herself grounded during her rehab and recovery process. She admitted she dwelled on her injury the week after tearing her ACL, but after reading Bryant’s book she’s since taken his words as inspiration to remain motivated.

Read more (via CT Insider)