Geno Auriemma has always been vocal about Paige Bueckers. When he likes something about her, he speaks up. Take this one for instance: “There’s a delusional side of Paige that I love,” Auriemma had shared. “‘(Paige says) I have never missed a shot; if I do miss, it’s because something happened. I have never fouled anybody in my life; the refs are always wrong.’ So there’s always this back-and-forth between me and her because I know what kids want.” Fast-forward a couple of days, and Geno’s tune has changed. That same fiery spirit he once admired? Now it’s just a tad too dramatic for his taste, especially on Senior Day.
While Gampel Pavilion was supposed to be all about celebrating Bueckers’ legacy, she had a moment that didn’t quite sit right with her legendary head coach. It all started during UConn’s game against Marquette when Bueckers looked devastated after missing a free throw. Despite leading all scorers with 19 points, dishing out seven assists, and helping UConn secure yet another Big East title, that one missed shot seemed to overshadow everything for her. And Auriemma? He wasn’t having it.
“I thought it was a little maybe it’s because it’s Oscar night it’s a little overdramatic I thought it was a little much the reaction to missing the free throw I just turned around (and) started talking to my staff,” Auriemma said, clearly unimpressed by her reaction.
“I didn’t need to be witness to anything like that—you know, I could go home and watch a movie if I wanted to see that kind of bad acting.”
However, Auriemma also had a message for Bueckers and the rest of his team.
“I think a lot of these guys today don’t really know how to fully express how they feel,” he shared. “I think there’s a reticence about letting it all come out—putting it all out there and letting everybody see, ‘This is who I am, and this is what I feel like.’”
It was a bit of final-season wisdom from a coach who has built a strong relationship with Bueckers over the years. And on Senior Day, she left it all on the court—just as she has throughout her career.
Paige Bueckers Joins UConn Legends, ahead of leading Huskies to March Madness run
Since Bueckers has been a standout for UConn, the Huskies made sure to give her a farewell she would remember forever. After her final regular-season game, UConn honored her by inducting her into the Huskies of Honor, cementing her place among program legends like Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart.
“A person who wore the jersey with pride, loved her teammates, loved her coaching staff, and enjoyed the journey,” Bueckers said when asked about her legacy. But Auriemma, ever the realist, knows that the weight of this moment may not fully hit her until later. “At some point, it’s gonna hit home, and I hope I’m around to see the reaction,” he said.
But for now, there’s no time for emotional detours. The Huskies have bigger things ahead—Big East and NCAA Tournament runs, where Bueckers’ efficiency and leadership will be crucial.
STORRS, CT – MARCH 19: Mercer Bears guard Endia Banks 4 doubled-teamed by UConn Huskies guard Caroline Ducharme 33 and UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers 5 during the first round of the Women s Div 1 NCAA, College League, USA Basketball Championship between Mercer Bears and UConn Huskies on March 19, 2022, at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT. Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire NCAA BASKETBALL: MAR 19 Div I Womens Championship – First Round – Mercer at UConn Icon22031903
Over her last few games, Bueckers has been nearly unstoppable, shooting close to 60% from the field. Even in big matchups, she has stepped up—dropping 29 points against UNC and 25 against Notre Dame. And when her shot isn’t falling, she finds other ways to contribute. Remember her 10-assist performances against Butler and South Carolina? If she keeps playing at this level, UConn will be a serious threat in March Madness.
The post Geno Auriemma Has No Time for Paige Bueckers’ Shenanigans as He Delivers UConn Star a Strong Message appeared first on EssentiallySports.