Geno Auriemma, the head coach of the UConn women’s basketball team, believes that his star player, Paige Bueckers, is the best player in the country. Following Bueckers’ dominant performance in the Huskies’ win over Syracuse, Auriemma stated that the numbers and the stat sheet back up his claim. Bueckers scored 32 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and made key plays on both ends of the court to help UConn advance to the Sweet 16. Auriemma pointed out that it’s not just the statistics that make Bueckers stand out, but also her ability to make winning plays in crucial moments of the game.
Despite Caitlin Clark being the leading scorer in the nation and likely to win several player of the year awards, Auriemma believes that Bueckers has the edge as the best player. Bueckers, who missed the entire previous season due to a torn ACL, has been efficient on the court, shooting a higher percentage than Clark. She also leads in steals and blocks, while Clark has the advantage in rebounding. In terms of advanced statistics, Bueckers leads the nation in box plus/minus and ranks third in offensive rating. Other players in contention for the top player title include USC’s JuJu Watkins, Stanford’s Cameron Brink, and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, all of whom have had impressive seasons and helped their teams reach the Sweet 16.
Bueckers expressed her joy at being back on the court for the NCAA Tournament this year after missing it the previous year. She reflected on the emotional experience of missing high-stakes games like the tournament and is grateful to be competing at that level again. Bueckers has played a crucial role in UConn’s success, with the team reaching the Sweet 16 for the 30th consecutive time and facing Duke in the next round. She emphasized the importance of embracing and enjoying the tournament experience and shared her gratitude for being able to compete at such a high level after overcoming injury setbacks.
Auriemma highlighted the impact of Bueckers’ performance in driving the team’s success, noting that UConn’s fortunes in the tournament will depend on her ability to lead the team and get contributions from her teammates. Despite the statistical comparisons and debates over the top player in the nation, Auriemma’s confidence in Bueckers’ abilities and leadership on the court is unwavering. Bueckers’ resilience and determination to return to form after a significant injury layoff have impressed both her coach and fans, cementing her status as a standout player in women’s college basketball.
As UConn continues its quest for another national championship, Bueckers’ influence on the team’s performance and her ability to make game-changing plays will be crucial. Auriemma’s belief in her skills and impact on the court has set the stage for an exciting journey through the tournament as Bueckers looks to solidify her place as the best player in the country. With stiff competition from other top players in the nation, the battle for supremacy in women’s college basketball promises to be intense and captivating as the tournament progresses towards crowning a champion. Bueckers’ return to the court and stellar performances have added a compelling storyline to the ongoing narrative of the NCAA Tournament, attracting attention and admiration from basketball fans and analysts alike.
