UConn Huskies superstar Paige Bueckers has made her move to Dallas and the WNBA. Through six games, the 2024 top-overall pick is averaging 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. Meanwhile in Storrs, Connecticut, Huskies HC Geno Auriemma is preparing for life without Bueckers.
As he continues his tenure of dominance, his employer decided to pay tribute to the dynamic duo on the latest cover of the university’s alumni magazine.
Paige Bueckers and Geno Auriemma Grace Cover of UConn Alumni Magazine
The UConn Magazine cover features a touching hug between Paige Bueckers and Coach Geno Auriemma. This image tells the story of the intense emotional joy of the coach and player as they complete the emotional journey.
The photo was taken following the 2025 NCAA national championship, where Bueckers is hugging Auriemma. More than just a photo, it is the precise moment the team’s dreams came to fruition.
National champion Paige Bueckers ’24 (CLAS) and Coach Geno Auriemma cover the latest edition of #UConnMag.
Tap here for the digital version: https://t.co/puxc3L2BzZ pic.twitter.com/ujuhUhpIbh
— UConn Alumni (@UConnAlumni) June 6, 2025
Bueckers, the top pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft and a three-time unanimous First-Team All-American, is the program’s highest point scorer, averaging 19.9 points per game.
Her freshman years at UConn were entwined with both success and difficulty, during which she was awarded the National Player of the Year, and it was her first collegiate year. Despite being held back by injuries, she always tried to come back even stronger and got her team back to the Final Four every year she was healthy.
As Bueckers transitioned to the WNBA, her impact on the game and UConn’s culture remained undeniable. “I love that man more than words can express,” Bueckers said of Auriemma in a postgame interview, reflecting on their relationship.
Geno Auriemma’s Unmatched Legacy
Behind the celebration stands the history of a team that is one of the best in the world of sports. Geno Auriemma, currently on his 40th season with UConn, is the most successful coach in the history of the NCAA with an unbelievable career record of 1,244-165 (.883) and 12 national championships—the most by any coach in college basketball.
His teams have actually had more All-Americans and National Players of the Year and have had a 100% graduation rate among four-year student-athletes. Auriemma’s leadership is marked by both relentless standards and deep compassion.
“I love you,” he told Bueckers as they embraced after the championship win. “That’s all I could say. I love you”. This moment, captured for the cover, is a testament to the culture Auriemma has built—one where excellence is expected, but the journey is cherished.
RELATED: UConn Women’s Basketball Reveals Jersey Numbers for 2025–26 Newcomers
“You just never know if you’ll ever be back in this situation again,” Auriemma reflected after the championship.
“And there were so many times when I think we all questioned, ‘Have we been here too long? Has it been time?’ And we kept hanging in there and hanging in there and that’s because these players make me want to hang in there every day.”
The 2024-25 season saw UConn go 37-3, dominate conference play, and reclaim the throne in women’s college basketball.
Now, Bueckers sets her sights on WNBA domination, while Auriemma focuses on reloading and continues his reign of power.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
