Paige Bueckers became the sixth UConn player to be named the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on Monday night. The 23-year-old led UConn to the NCAA title just over a week ago, and the Dallas Wings have now secured her services.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma joined the hosts of the WNBA Draft to give advice to Paige Bueckers’ future coaches.
Auriemma’s Unique Coaching Model For No. 1 Picks
Auriemma was asked about what he learned from the No. 1 picks that UConn has produced.
“What I learned is that coaching really good players is really hard because they are so smart,” the 71-year-old said. “They know so much about what they are doing that you have to be on point all the time, and you have to challenge them every day because they thrive on challenges.
“And I learned that you have to also take what comes back from them because they are risk takers. So you might go…hey this is what I want you to do, and they’re working out there, and they say ‘no, no.’ But you have to trust them because everything goes the same way. Every decision that those guys made was about winning, so you have to trust that,” he continued.
“But you know something, it’s not going to be great, but in the end, you’d appreciate that they’re willing to take that risk.”
Auriemma’s Advice To Bueckers
Bueckers is widely regarded as a top talent, and the 23-year-old is expected to take the Dallas Wings by storm. The guard showed her elite scoring touch and leadership abilities for UConn, winning several Big East Player of the Year honors and national awards.
However, Auriemma offered some advice for her new head coach, Chris Koclanes regarding how he can get the best out of the guard.
“Pretend that everything’s ok.”
Geno Auriemma’s advice for coaching Paige Bueckers 😂 pic.twitter.com/6RwXma4S9A
— ESPN (@espn) April 15, 2025
“Pretend that everything’s okay,” Auriemma said. “Be ready for her to challenge you, and you should challenge her,” he continued. “She’s gonna be a risk taker, and you’re gonna have to live with some of the risks because most times they actually pay off.
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“And that at the end of the day, just keep in mind she wants to win as much as you do, and she’ll spend more time in the gym than you do. So, it’s a home run for both of them,” he concluded.
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