Q&A: Baylor's Darianna Littlepage-Buggs on her funniest insect-related NIL deal

Baylor Bears guard Darianna Littlepage Buggs has one of the most clever NIL deals in college basketball.

Littlepage-Buggs is in her third season with the Baylor program and has earned several notable honors while under head coach Nicki Collen, including Big 12 Freshman of the Year and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. The junior guard and her Bears teammates want to add another accolade to their resumé: national champions. To do that, Baylor has to squash the competition with an elite defense, something Littlepage Buggs knows about through her fitting NIL deal with Raid.

The partnership, which has been going strong with NIL campaigns for two seasons, has catapulted Littlepage-Buggs and Baylor men's basketball player Jeremy Roach to the top of the list for the best NIL deals that perfectly play on words. Still, Littlepage-Buggs admits that she was nervous about joining the Raid family.

"I didn't know how people were gonna take it," Littlepage-Buggs shared with For The Win. "So, I was kind of like, 'I don't want my name to be related to bugs...' But ... on the brighter side, I'm also like, 'This is a cool opportunity as well.' So, I think just through partnering with them, it's also made me love my name even more."

Before the women's March Madness tournament, For The Win chatted with Littlepage-Buggs about her perfect insect-themed NIL deal, what she learned about herself after returning from injury, and the wildest things Baylor has played in the locker room to get hyped for a game.

What do people think when you tell them about your NIL deal?

Baylor Bears guard Darianna Littlepage-Buggs poses for Raid's March Madness campaign while wearing a "Bug U" jersey and holding a can of Raid. (Photo courtesy of Raid)

They're initially like, "What?" And I'm like, "Yeah ..."

As I further explain [more] ... "Oh. BUGS! I get it ..." Then, they usually watch the videos, and they're like, "Oh my Gosh. This is so cool!" A lot of people ― they really love it. I'm pretty sure their initial l reaction isn't like, "Ugh, bugs ..." I honestly feel like the people love it at first sight.

In your latest March Madness campaign, how did you and Jeremy Roach keep a straight face when bug jokes are flying?

Oh, man. It was fun. This is our first time doing it together. He was at Duke last year and then transferred here this year, so that was a plus for us. I think it just made the process even smoother, and it was just fun to do ... I had a really good time, and honestly and truly, I think when it comes down to it, you do have to be serious. But it was really hard ...

Sometimes you tend to just say your lines and then you're kind of just like, "Okay, what's next?" I think that was the hardest part because you have to stay in it. And there was some eye contact ... It was a little awkward, but I think we just made it work and didn't make it so much about awkwardness ― but just made it more fun.

What makes Baylor such a dangerous NCAA tournament team?

Nov 29, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Lady Bears center Aaronette Vonleh (21) scores a jumpshot against the New Orleans Privateers during the second half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

We have depth. Everybody could score ― inside and out. So, it's kind of like playing as honest. I think that's just our biggest strength ... You take away one thing: we have more things.

And then eventually, it's just, "Okay, we'll have to play honest because I'm not sure who's gonna just go off and score." I think that's just the beauty of our team. There's a lot of versatility.

You recently came back from injury. What did you learn about yourself while away from the court?

Mar 7, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Baylor Lady Bears forward Kyla Abraham (12) celebrates after defeating the Iowa State Cyclones at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

The first thing I really noticed was ― I know I've always been loved, but one thing for me that was even better was actually seeing it and honestly cherishing it ... I honestly and truly felt the love to such a great extent, and I absolutely love that.

I think that played a great role in my recovery process because it helped me keep my mind off of my injury and just [say], "Oh, okay. You know, there's people that love you ..." I also say just patience and gratefulness ... I can't take anything for granted... I am able to come back, and that's not everybody's situation. But just being grateful. I do get to come back, and I do get to practice. I do get to run. I do get to shoot hoops ... You know, all that just made me even more grateful.

Let's do some fun questions. Which of your Baylor teammates is responsible for being the locker room DJ?

Kyla Abraham. She's putting on the music every time.

I don't know what we're playing. We can be sad. We can be hyped. We can be in the middle ... There's been a couple of times you listen to Gracie's Corner ... Kyla is definitely on the aux ... I think there was a time when we're listening to... I think the veggie song. I don't know. We just went in there and vibed.

Who is your favorite WNBA player to watch?

Oct 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) looks to drive past Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) in the third quarter during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Breanna Stewart. She's awesome. I've been watching her since middle school, and just hearing her story, I feel like I relate to her a lot ... She said she plays some positions just because she's tall. She struggled and trying to figure out what she's best at. But then, you know, going to UConn and just flourishing from there.

I just love her versatility and the way she uses her length. I think that's something that I really admire. Because it's like, "Okay, I'm tall, but I can't, I can't be a little guard because I'm not a little guard. I'm a big guard. So, I need to use my big guard skills ― But knowing that you gotta play me honest, and I can shoot the ball. I can go get a bucket, but I can also be a great teammate.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Baylor's Darianna Littlepage-Buggs has funniest insect-themed NIL deal

Topics

McNeese student manager Amir Khan becomes fan favorite, earns NIL deal due to viral clip with players

Khan is the first student manager to get an NIL deal and poses with fans before and during games.
Yahoo Sports - 22h
Mater Dei High School Signs Seven-Figure Media, NIL Deal With Playfly

Mater Dei High School, a California private school nationally known for its strong sports programs, has inked a 10-year multimedia rights deal with media and marketing company Playfly Sports. It’s ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
EA Sports paying players $1500 to be in College Football 26

EA Sports is increasing how much college football players will be paid in NIL deals for appearing in this year's video game.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
McNeese's student manager has a boom box, 'aura' and now an NIL deal as Cowboys win first NCAA Tournament game

Khan and the Cowboys are dancing into the second round after a big win over Clemson
CBS Sports - 20h
NCAA to let schools offer NIL before enrollment

The NCAA is dropping its rule that prohibited athletes from negotiating the terms of NIL payments until after they enrolled in school.
ESPN - 3d
From Shaq to Zion: Which past men’s college basketball legends would have earned the most money in the modern NIL era?

A poll of NIL experts revealed who they think would have made the most money if they played in the NIL era.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13
Report: Florida basketball to have one of the ‘top basketball NIL budgets in the SEC’

According to On3 national basketball reporter Joe Tipton, Florida basketball will be among the top of the SEC in terms of NIL budgets this offseason.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Celtics' Joe Mazzulla on Baylor Scheierman's career game: 'He delivered tonight'

Baylor Scheierman caught fire in the second half on Tuesday and finished with a career high in scoring, helping the Celtics defeat the Nets.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Baylor vs Mississippi State Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends and Stats for 2025 March Madness

Baylor Bears vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Game Preview
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla talks growth of rookie Baylor Scheierman

Baylor Scheierman has played sparingly this season with the Celtics but coach Joe Mazzulla has been impressed with him in a limited sample size.
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Maryland's Kevin Willard says departing AD, lack of NIL money have stalled contract extension talks

Willard wants assurances that Maryland will be among the best in the country in NIL money and facilities as he's rumored to be a candidate for other jobs.
Yahoo Sports - 19h
Rookie Baylor Scheierman delivers career night for Celtics in win over Nets

As a rookie on the defending NBA champions, Baylor Scheierman knows he has limited opportunities to make much of an impression outside of practice. Scheierman got an opportunity Tuesday night and ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Chance McMillian injury update: Texas Tech basketball player exits in first half vs Baylor

The Texas Tech basketball team will be without key starter Chance McMillian for the rest of their Big 12 tournament game against Baylor.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Celtics rookie Baylor Scheierman recaps special moment with Garden crowd after career game

Boston Celtics rookie Baylor Scheierman reflected on a special moment with the TDGarden crowd after dropping a career-high 20 points
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Baylor Scheierman's career night lifts shorthanded Celtics past the Nets 104-96 at home

Baylor Scheierman had a career night Tuesday at home, helping the shorthanded Boston Celtics grab a 104-96 win over the Brooklyn Nets
Yahoo Sports - 2d
What time is Mississippi State basketball vs Baylor today? Time, TV schedule to watch March Madness game

Mississippi State basketball and Baylor will face off on Friday in March Madness. Here's how to watch, including start time, TV channel and more:
Yahoo Sports - 5h
Baylor vs. Mississippi State odds, March Madness predictions: 2025 NCAA Tournament picks from proven computer

The SportsLine Projection Model has revealed its Baylor Bears vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs picks for the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Friday
CBS Sports - 4h
The funniest 2025 March Madness names for your bracket: Picking our favorites

There’s not too much shame in a botched March Madness bracket. The NCAA Tournament is compressed chaos in single elimination, upsets are part of the game, and only one entrant can actually win it ...
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Mississippi State vs Baylor schedule, TV channel: How to watch March Madness NCAA Tournament game

What time is the Mississippi State vs Baylor NCAA Tournament game? How to watch Bulldogs vs Bears March Madness game on Friday, March 21 on TV.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Baylor guard Jeremy Roach eyes potential Round 2 March Madness rematch with his former team Duke

Jeremy Roach couldn’t help but chuckle when the NCAA Tournament bracket was announced. Roach, who spent four seasons at Duke before transferring to Baylor last April, faces the prospect of an ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
JT Toppin leads No. 9 Texas Tech past Baylor 76-74 in Big 12 Tournament

JT Toppin had 26 points and 10 rebounds to lift No. 9 Texas Tech to a 76-74 victory over Baylor in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday night. Darrion Williams scored 14 points and ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Celtics Baylor Scheierman is earning the respect of his teammates

The Boston Celtics rookie scored a career-high 20 points against the Brooklyn Nets
Yahoo Sports - 17h
Hims & Hers to Discontinue Dermatology Line Apostrophe

Apostrophe is folding back into Hims & Hers.
Inc. - Mar. 8
'I'm not the only woman who does stand up': Iliza Shlesinger on 'digestible feminism' and mom brain

In her latest comedy special, "A Different Animal" which premiered Tuesday on Prime Video, Iliza Shlesinger dives into her evolution as a mother of two dealing with "mom brain" while proudly ...
Los Angeles Times - Mar. 11
Best March Madness bracket names (that we could print) for 2025: The 9 funniest

The best March Madness bracket names in 2025 for Taylor Swift fans, Severance die-hards and so much more.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Donatella defied the doubters - what's next for her and Versace?

Versace took over the Italian fashion house after her brother's untimely death and made it her own.
BBC News - Mar. 14
Rebecca Wisocky on how her character discovers her power in this week's "Ghosts"

The hit CBS comedy "Ghosts" reveals a new twist as Hetty, played by Rebecca Wisocky, discovers her unique ability. This week's episode explores her Gilded Age aristocrat character's Irish roots, ...
CBS News - Mar. 12
Her sudden pain was an aortic tear. An iPhone ultrasound saved her life.

Sara Adair knew she was at risk for a life-threatening aortic dissection after her father and sister experienced the same deadly condition.
CBS News - 6d
Central London van crash victim was a beautiful soul, her family says

Aalia's family have paid tribute to her, calling her a "beautiful soul", after her death on Tuesday.
BBC News - 1d
UCLA’s path to the Final Four: Will LSU or Baylor contain Lauren Betts? Not likely

For the first time in program history, UCLA earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins aren’t just on the top line — they are the top overall seed as they seek their first Final Four ...
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Boston Celtics rookie Baylor Scheierman's basketball journey is about love for the game

Given the context he needs to grow his game in, it is not hard to see it in action.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Pelicot’s Daughter Pursues Conviction That He Raped Her, Too

Her mother, Gisèle, was at the center of a trial that gripped France and made her a feminist icon. But it left Caroline Darian with her own pains and suspicions unanswered.
The New York Times - 3d
Uzo Aduba on her new role, parenthood and working with Shonda Rhimes

Uzo Aduba stars in the new Netflix murder-mystery series, "The Residence." The Emmy winner spoke with "CBS Mornings" about her love for her character and the impact her daughter has had on her life.
CBS News - Mar. 12
Coco Gauff Comes Home, to the People and Places That Made Her

The American is a sporting superstar, but she recenters herself on the public tennis courts that shaped her childhood and her game.
The New York Times - 4h
LSU football gets $13 million in NIL funds to fuel offseason recruiting

LSU football landed the top ranked transfer portal class and a top 10 high school class. Here's how LSU got the money for it.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Other states are preparing for the House NIL settlement. But can Florida schools compete?

Facing new costs for compliance with the NCAA lawsuit, and even more spending to potentially match competitors, Florida universities are full of trepidation with the settlement agreement looming.
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Matt Painter's greatest test - Can loyalty and honestly compete with NIL?

John Fanta is a happy guy. The sports media personality and Field of 68 host, doesn't appear to ever have a bad day. If Matt Painter ever retires and doesn't decide to disappear into a sea of ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Kandi Burruss on ‘Housewives,’ Sex Toys, and What Performing in a Girl Band Taught Her About Running a Business

The success of her many ventures rests on her honesty with consumers and hands-on promotion.
Inc. - 4d
Tabitha Brown on new children's book and her growing empire

Social media sensation Tabitha Brown, known for her viral vegan cooking videos, is expanding her reach once again. She is now releasing a new children's book, "Hello There, Sunshine," inspired by ...
CBS News - Mar. 11

More from Yahoo Sports

Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in NCAA Tournament first round

It's Ohio State women's basketball vs Montana State in the first round of March Madness. Follow for scores, NCAA Tournament updates from the game.
Yahoo Sports - 26m
Viktor Hovland contending at the Valspar Championship after (another) coaching change

Two weeks ago, Hovland announced a switch back to Grant Waite, insisting he's trying to "get to the bottom" of his slump.
Yahoo Sports - 29m
Auburn basketball vs Creighton: Who has edge in 2025 NCAA Tournament second round?

It’s Auburn Tigers vs. Creighton Blue Jays in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction, pick for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.
Yahoo Sports - 29m
Georgia Amoore scores 34 points and Kentucky holds off charge by Liberty for 79-78 March Madness win

Georgia Amoore scored 34 points, including three free throws in the final 10 seconds for fourth-seeded Kentucky, which nearly blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead but held on for a 79-78 victory ...
Yahoo Sports - 29m
Mexican club Leon banned from FIFA Club World Cup

Club Leon from Mexico were incensed Friday after they were banned from the June-July Club World Cup in the United States for violating rules on multi-ownership, FIFA announced Friday. A FIFA ...
Yahoo Sports - 33m