The University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball team has long been a dominant force in the sport, thanks in large part to the leadership of head coach Geno Auriemma. Auriemma has led the Huskies to 11 national championships and has produced countless WNBA stars, including the recent loss of generational talent Paige Bueckers. But despite the absence of Bueckers, Auriemma has found a way to keep her at the center of UConn’s title ambitions.
On Monday, March 9, Auriemma’s Huskies faced Denise Dillon’s Villanova Wildcats at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, in the Big East tournament championship game. UConn was favored to win, but Dillon’s Wildcats put up a strong fight, pushing the Huskies to their limits.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that Bueckers’ absence on the court was not going to stop her from making an impact. Auriemma revealed that Bueckers played an unexpected role in motivating her teammates, particularly the incoming freshman class.
“I told them, ‘You guys have a big responsibility. You’re coming in after the greatest player ever to play here,'” Auriemma said. “Paige is watching you and she’s not going to be happy if you don’t carry on the tradition.”
Bueckers, who was recently drafted first overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2021 WNBA draft, has left a lasting legacy at UConn despite only playing one season. She broke numerous records, won countless awards, and led the Huskies to an impressive 28-2 record. But her impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
Bueckers’ leadership, work ethic, and passion for the game have left a lasting impression on her teammates. And even though she is no longer physically on the court, her presence is still felt. Auriemma has made sure of that.
“Paige is still a big part of this team, she’s still a big part of this program,” Auriemma said. “She’s still a big part of our lives. She’s not going to be here physically, but she’s here.”
Auriemma’s words ring true as the Huskies continue to dominate on the court, even without Bueckers. They are currently on a 14-game winning streak and have their sights set on another national championship. And while Bueckers may not be there to lead them, her impact on the team is undeniable.
Her absence has also allowed for the emergence of other talented players, such as freshman sensation Azzi Fudd. Fudd, the top-ranked recruit in the 2021 class, has stepped up in Bueckers’ absence and has proven to be a valuable asset to the team.
Auriemma has also made sure that Bueckers is still involved with the team, even from a distance. She has been seen at practices and games, offering words of advice and encouragement to her former teammates. And her presence has not gone unnoticed.
“Paige has been super supportive throughout this whole process,” Fudd said. “She’s always giving us tips and pointers, so we still feel like she’s here with us.”
As the Huskies continue their quest for another national championship, Bueckers’ presence will continue to be felt. Her impact on the team goes beyond her impressive on-court performance. She has instilled a winning mentality and a sense of determination in her teammates that will carry them through the rest of the season.
Auriemma has once again proven his ability to adapt and lead his team to success, even after losing a key player. He has kept Bueckers at the center of the team’s title ambitions and has used her absence as motivation for her teammates.
The future looks bright for UConn’s women’s basketball team, and Bueckers’ legacy will continue to live on through the players she has inspired. As Auriemma and his team continue to push for another national championship, Bueckers will be cheering them on from afar, proud of the team she helped build.
In the words of Auriemma, “Paige is not just a player, she’s a part of this program forever.” And her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
