UConn’s grip on the Big East isn’t just firm—it’s a stranglehold. Year after year, they don’t just compete; they dictate, dominate, and dismantle. This season was no exception. With a 70-50 statement win over Creighton in the Big East championship, the Huskies once again ruled the conference, steamrolling their way to a 31-3 record. But as the trophy was hoisted and the nets were cut, the biggest headline wasn’t just UConn’s supremacy—it was Geno Auriemma’s candid postgame remarks that set the basketball world buzzing.
According to a post on X by UConn on SNY, Auriemma was asked about Paige Bueckers winning Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player for the third time. His response? “I think Sarah (Strong) should’ve got it.” He then acknowledged Bueckers’ excellence, saying, “This is quite an achievement by her (Paige Bueckers).”
He further substantiated his explanation with ” Paige is so good, and she does so many things, but in another time, in another year, the things that Sarah did would be player, you know, Most Valuable Player, most outstanding player in the tournament. That’s how you win this tournament. You need more contributions from more people. But Paige is consistent. And she plays her best games generally when we need her to play her best games. And yeah, so this is quite an achievement by her. This conference has been around a long time. So yeah, it’s quite an accomplishment.”
It’s classic Auriemma—equal parts praise, expectation-setting, and motivation. He knows Bueckers is his best player, but he also knows how to push the rest of his team to step up. And there’s some merit to his point. Sarah Strong had an incredible tournament, posting 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six steals in the championship game. She joins UConn greats Aaliyah Edwards and Napheesa Collier as the only Huskies with three double-doubles in a single conference tournament since 2000.
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