UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said that star guard Paige Bueckers is “on the right track” as she prepares to depart the Huskies basketball program at the end of this season.
Bueckers scored 19 points in a 92-57 win over Marquette on Sunday, and the seniors were honored after their final home game of the regular season. It was a particularly special day for Bueckers, who became the 23rd player in program history to be inducted into the Huskies of Honor.
Auriemma has coached several future WNBA champions and basketball legends during his 40-year tenure at UConn, but appeared emotional when asked what it meant for Bueckers to stand out on her special night. The coach and player share a close relationship, and that was clear to see in his response.
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“Yeah that’s what you want to happen, games like today where it’s your game, it means a lot,” Auriemma told reporters. “You want to show your best version of yourself. It doesn’t always work out that way.
“But sometimes it does, and for Paige this season has flown by so fast like they always do. But she’s on the right track right now. You always want it to be special and I think today certainly was for her.”
After the games, Bueckers’ name and jersey number were displayed on a slate as she joined the Huskies of Honor wall inside Gampel Pavilion. Bueckers then delivered a wholesome speech on the court, as she addressed the UConn fans who have supported her through college.
“Thank you guys for coming out, thanks for an amazing four, five, six years,” Bueckers said. “The basketball capital of the world wouldn’t be what it is without you guys, the support through the ups and downs, the journey of all of our careers. You’ve been there every step of the way.
“Best fans in the country, best support system in the country. I couldn’t have imagined going to a different place. This was a dream come true and I’m forever grateful for it. We wear this jersey with pride to make you guys proud, but we’re not done yet. We’ve got two more home games, so we’re going to need you back.”
Bueckers is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and is expected to join the Dallas Wings after they won the draft lottery. While the future is exciting for Bueckers, her focus remains on March Madness as she’s desperate to win a national championship.
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Auriemma has won 11 national titles as Huskies head coach, but none since Bueckers joined the program. Bueckers told SNY earlier this season that it’s “definitely national championship or bust” in her eyes, and Auriemma is aware of the pressure she has placed on herself.
“If, for whatever reason, we don’t win a national championship this year, she’ll feel like, ‘I’m the best player to ever play at Connecticut that didn’t win a national championship,'” Auriemma said. UConn won the Big East title, and is the No. 5 seed heading into March Madness.
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