Strong Bond: Bueckers & Auriemma Head to Final Four

In Spokane, Washington, following the University of Connecticut’s win over Southern California, which secured the Huskies’ place in the Final Four, Paige Bueckers was found analyzing the box score with coach Geno Auriemma.

“When she was sitting up here, I pointed to her four turnovers and asked, ‘What was that?’ She immediately checked the next column and said, ‘Look, I got it back, I got four steals,’” Auriemma recounted. “That’s her mentality, always thinking about how she contributed to the win, rather than the mistakes.”
Auriemma praised Bueckers, calling her unique for having the ability to focus on what matters for victory, disregarding less significant details.
“I’ve admired her forever,” said Auriemma, emphasizing his utmost belief in her capabilities.
In the Elite Eight victory over the Trojans, which ended in a 78-64 score, Bueckers scored an impressive 31 points, helping to lead her team to their 24th national semifinal appearance in women’s NCAA Tournament history. UConn is set to compete against top-seeded UCLA this Friday in Tampa, Florida, as they strive for their first national title since 2016.
Bueckers is set to conclude her college career at UConn and is projected to be the No. 1 choice in the upcoming WNBA draft. Her performance in the tournament so far shows a determination to retain her UConn jersey as long as possible.
She delivered a career-high of 34 points against South Dakota State in the second round during her last game at Gampel Pavilion, and surpassed that with a 40-point feat against Oklahoma in the Sweet 16.
“Staying present, focusing on the moment, and not worrying about pressures or stakes is key,” Bueckers shared. “Everyone is vying for a national title, everyone belongs here due to their skills. So, it’s about staying present and capitalizing on the opportunities.”
Auriemma regards Bueckers highly, describing her as the most positive person he’s encountered, yet he maintains his expectations and holds her accountable. During the game against Oklahoma, he critiqued her defense.
“Just an everyday interaction between Coach and Paige,” Bueckers commented with a grin.
Their relationship, formed over her time at UConn, thrives on seriousness towards winning paired with good-natured exchanges.
“Despite all the attention, expectations, and demands she faces, she consistently delivers,” Auriemma said, recalling his first impression of Bueckers in high school.
Arriving at UConn in 2020, Bueckers quickly rose as the national player of the year during her freshman year. Unfortunately, she missed the 2022-23 season due to a torn ACL after playing only 17 games the prior year.
This season, she was celebrated with AP All-America honors and claimed the Big East player of the year for the third time, while maintaining an average of 20.1 points per game.
After securing their path to the Final Four, Auriemma expressed a hint of emotion about Bueckers’ nearing departure. “I’m really going to miss her,” he confessed quietly, quickly following up with, “But I can’t say that out loud.”