UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma made bold statements following the Huskies’ victory over Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament, praising star player Paige Bueckers for her 32-point performance. Auriemma emphasized the impact of Bueckers’ plays in crucial moments and highlighted her role in leading the team to success. Despite being overshadowed by other standout players this season, such as Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese, Bueckers has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the court. Last year, UConn’s tournament hopes were dashed early after Bueckers suffered a knee injury, but this season, she has led the team alongside Aaliyah Edwards after Azzi Fudd’s ACL injury.
Bueckers’ impressive stats this season, averaging 21.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, have showcased her talent and resilience following her injury. Despite facing adversity with injuries to key players, UConn managed to go undefeated in the Big East and secure the No. 3 seed in the tournament, thanks in large part to Bueckers’ performance. Auriemma emphasized the importance of players stepping up in critical moments, particularly in the final minutes of games, and believes that the team’s success will depend on contributions from everyone in addition to Bueckers’ leadership.
Looking ahead, UConn faces a challenging matchup against Duke in hopes of advancing to the regional final. Their potential Elite Eight opponents include No. 1 USC or No. 5 Baylor, setting the stage for intense competition as the tournament progresses. Despite the setbacks and injuries the team has faced this season, UConn remains determined to make a deep tournament run with Bueckers leading the way. Auriemma’s confidence in Bueckers as the best player in America reflects the team’s trust in her abilities and resilience on the court.
The hype surrounding players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has not overshadowed Bueckers’ impact on the court, as she continues to prove herself as a standout player for UConn. Last season’s early exit from the tournament served as motivation for Bueckers and her teammates to come back stronger this year, with Bueckers leading the charge with her impressive performances. UConn’s ability to overcome adversity and injuries throughout the season speaks to the team’s resilience and determination to succeed in the NCAA Tournament under Auriemma’s guidance.
In the face of injuries to key players like Azzi Fudd, UConn has relied on Bueckers and Edwards to carry the team to success, showcasing their depth and resilience as a unit. Auriemma’s emphasis on making winning plays in critical moments highlights the team’s focus on executing when it matters most, with Bueckers leading the way with her impressive scoring, rebounding, and defensive contributions. As UConn prepares to face tough opponents in the upcoming rounds of the tournament, Bueckers’ leadership and talent will be crucial in their quest to make a deep run and compete for a championship title.
