Following UConn’s recent victory, Geno Auriemma showed immense emotion when his star player, Paige Bueckers, unexpectedly left the press conference. The coach’s reaction displayed the deep connection that existed between him and his star athlete.
The Geno Auriemma-Paige Bueckers Press Conference Moment
During the postgame press conference, Bueckers shared her heartfelt thoughts about UConn while expressing gratitude to her coaches, teammates, and fans. Then, she exited the podium.
Some speculated that the weight of her journey had caught up to her, while others suggested it was a poignant realization that her time at UConn was nearing its end. The high-stakes tournament environment, combined with the possibility that this could be her final run as a Huskies player, led to overwhelming emotions.
Coach Geno Auriemma holding back tears as Paige leaves the presser 🥹 🫶#MarchMadness x @UConnWBB pic.twitter.com/F1vYCtfY5v
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 25, 2025
As the press conference continued, head coach Auriemma struggled to keep his emotions in check visibly fighting back tears.
Bueckers has shown remarkable resilience and unwavering determination throughout her college career. After an impressive freshman season in 2020-21, when she received the Naismith Award expectations surged through the roof. However, injuries soon disrupted her journey.
A tibial plateau fracture and meniscus tear in her left knee in December 2021 forced Bueckers to miss extensive playing time. Despite a brief return for the 2022 NCAA Tournament, she was far from full strength.
Bueckers finally returned after a long rehabilitation period to play college basketball in the 2023-24 season. Following her comeback, Bueckers has reaffirmed her position as one of the leading basketball players in the nation.
Bueckers’ raw emotions following her games demonstrated the strength she built through battling adversity which elevated her return as truly remarkable.
Few player-coach relationships in college basketball are as profound as the one between Auriemma and Bueckers. Since arriving at UConn, Bueckers brought transformative potential to the team while facing various injury challenges. Through every setback, Auriemma remained her foremost cheerleader.
The Huskies’ progression through the NCAA Tournament will enable fans to savor Bueckers’ final accomplishments while she wears the UConn jersey.
UConn Cruises Past South Dakota State
South Dakota State suffered a 91-57 defeat against UConn in their second-round NCAA Tournament matchup, where Bueckers delivered an outstanding performance.
During her final Gampel Pavilion game, Bueckers scored 34 points, setting a new career high.
All spectators rose to their feet as Bueckers stepped off the court to celebrate an emotional farewell. UConn’s victory over South Dakota State extended its successful tournament performance, clinching a spot in the Sweet 16.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
