Paige Bueckers once again proved why she is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Her performance in UConn’s Sweet 16 win over Oklahoma was nothing short of spectacular, as she dominated with a 40-point explosion.
At one point, she went on a personal 19-0 scoring run, completely taking control of the game and leading the Huskies to a decisive victory. While the basketball world showered her with praise, her head coach, Geno Auriemma, remained unfazed.
Paige Bueckers’ Ranking on Geno Auriemma’s All-Time List
During a press conference, Bueckers was asked where she thought she ranked among Auriemma’s all-time favorite players. Without hesitation, she responded in a way that perfectly encapsulated their dynamic. She said,
“No. 1. He’s got different favorites depending on the day and he picks them off so. I’m anywhere from like one to a thousand. I would say.”
Paige Bueckers on where she thinks she ranks on Geno Auriemma’s all-time favorite players:
“No. 1.” pic.twitter.com/6iS7U6mGGe
— Storrs Central (@StorrsCentral) March 30, 2025
While she joked about her fluctuating ranking, her performance on the court has consistently placed her at the top of UConn’s elite roster.
Geno Auriemma’s Classic Banter After Bueckers’ 40-Point Night
Despite Bueckers’ remarkable performance, Auriemma did not let her bask in the glory without a little playful criticism. In the post-game press conference, he pointed out that her slow start in the first half cost her an even bigger scoring night. He said:
“Last year in the BIG EAST/NCAA Tournament, she (Paige) averaged like 30 points per game, so I’m not that impressed yet. If she hadn’t been so laboring in the first half, she would’ve had 50.”
He continued his lighthearted jabs in his official press conference, where he commented on both Bueckers’ shooting and her defensive efforts during the game. He also said:
“That’s the most I’ve seen her shoot, and she was really bad defensively, so we can’t just let her off the hook that easily.”
Bueckers, now a seasoned player under Auriemma’s leadership, has fully embraced his coaching philosophy. Following the game, she spoke about their relationship and how he prepared the team for the biggest moments. She said:
“He means a lot. I mean, obviously, he got on me pretty hard for this game. He challenges us in ways we didn’t know we could be challenged and he prepares us for these moments. It’s great to have that relationship and that bond with him.”
KEEP READING: Top 10 Women’s College Basketball Players in 2025
With the Huskies advancing further in the tournament, all eyes will be on Bueckers as she continues her pursuit of a national championship. Whether she meets Auriemma’s joking demand for a 50-point game or not, she has already solidified herself as one of the best players in the country and a future WNBA star.
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