Paige Bueckers made UConn and Geno Auriemma proud in her rookie WNBA season. After winning the much-awaited NCAA title, she was drafted by the Dallas Wings as the No. 1 overall pick earlier this year.
Bueckers led Geno Auriemma’s UConn to its 12th national championship. After losing a year due to an injury, the 23-year-old used her extra year in college. Hence, this will be the first season for Geno Auriemma without Paige Bueckers since 2020.
Playing her last year in college, Azzi Fudd is an obvious choice for head coach Auriemma to make as a leader for the Huskies this season. Fudd hard-launched her relationship with ex-teammate Bueckers during the offseason this summer after they won the championship together. UConn officially kicked off its preseason with an exhibition match against Boston College, and the Wings star was already locked in.
Paige Bueckers expressed how she was reminiscent of her time with the Huskies and couldn’t believe it was over. She shared a snap on her Instagram as she watched UConn’s game on her iPad.
“An alum is crazy,” she wrote, referring to herself.
“UConn Hoops on my iPad,” she added.
UConn Huskies’ IG account reshared Paige’s story with their own message.
“UConn Husky and iPad kid forever,” the story was captioned.
A Look At Geno Auriemma And UConn’s 12th NCAA title
Paige Bueckers and company defeated Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59 in the 2025 NCAA championship finals. It was the end of a nine-year wait for the Huskies. Geno Auriemma won his 11th title in 2016 with Breanna Stewart. UConn came close once, but South Carolina got the better of them.
Just like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers also seemed destined to go through her college career without winning the NCAA title. With an injury-ridden college career, Bueckers went through a lot of struggles. Finally, her dedication was rewarded. Bueckers, the redshirt senior, started all 38 games in her last season. She led UConn with averages of 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds.
UConn had an impressive 37-3 record in the regular season. They also went unbeaten in the Big East, 18-0. Auriemma was in his 40th season, as was his assistant Chris Dailey. There will be a lot of expectations from the defending champions. Despite Paige Bueckers’ departure to the WNBA, the Huskies have a strong squad.
Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, KK Arnold, and newcomers Kayleigh Heckel and Blanca Quinonez are some of the names that can turn up on their best day and win the game for Auriemma. They have made a strong start.
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Azzi Fudd just showed her class in the latest exhibition match. UConn was a comfortable winner against Boston College. Can Geno Auriemma win his 13th title? Can Azzi Fudd lead UConn to defend its title?
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