Few programs in college basketball history have made a legacy as vast as UConn women’s basketball. Undoubtedly, the Huskies have produced some of the most dominant athletes on the court.
However, now the question arises: where does Paige Bueckers stand among all those icons? Let’s see who the top 10 UConn great players are and where Bueckers lies in the list.
Where Is Paige Bueckers Among the 10 Greatest UConn Women’s Basketball Players?
1. Breanna Stewart (2012-2016)
It is pretty safe to say that no player in NCAA history has done what Breanna Stewart did. She won four consecutive national championships, including the Final Four Most Outstanding Player (MOP) four times, and she racked up two Naismith Player of the Year awards. For fans, Stewart’s dominance on the floor surely makes her the GOAT of UConn basketball.
2. Maya Moore (2007-2011)
Maya Moore, the two-time national champion, was the ultimate competitor according to her fans. The star champion won two Wooden Awards and was a four-time All-American. Can you imagine that? With that under her belt, she finished her career with over 3,000 points. If not for Stewart’s four straight titles, Moore would likely be considered UConn’s best ever.
3. Diana Taurasi (2000-2004)
“We have Diana, and you don’t.” That famous quote, said by Geno Auriemma, perfectly showcases Taurasi’s impact. She led UConn to three straight NCAA titles (2002-2004) and won two Naismith Awards. If that wasn’t enough, Taurasi also became the ultimate clutch performer there. And after achieving all that, her legacy only grew in the WNBA, where she became the league’s all-time leading scorer.
4. Rebecca Lobo (1991-1995)
Before UConn became a dynasty, there was Rebecca Lobo. It’s because she spearheaded the program’s first undefeated season (35-0) in 1995. And with that on the side, she also won the Naismith and Wooden Awards that same year. Without Lobo, it’s clear that there wouldn’t have been any UConn dynasty.
5. Sue Bird (1998-2002)
Sue Bird was definitely the definition of a floor general. Bird was a two-time NCAA champion and was the leader of UConn’s undefeated 2001-02 team. The athlete’s clutch shooting and elite passing made her one of the greatest point guards in women’s basketball history.
6. Tina Charles (2006-2010)
A dominant post presence, Tina Charles was a two-time champion and won the Naismith and Wooden Awards in 2010. She remains the all-time leading rebounder in UConn history and ranks second in scoring.
7. Nykesha Sales (1994-1998)
Nykesha Sales was UConn’s all-time leading scorer for years before being surpassed by others. She was a versatile wing who could score from anywhere. The star player incredibly led the Huskies to a 1995 national title.
8. Jennifer Rizzotti (1992-1996)
Jennifer Rizzotti was the heartbeat of UConn’s first championship team. She was a tenacious defender and leader. With those accolades named under her plate, she set the standard for future Huskies point guards.
9. Svetlana Abrosimova (1997-2001)
One of the most versatile players in UConn history was Svetlana Abrosimova. She was an elite scorer, defender, and passer as well. The star athlete helped establish UConn as a true dynasty.
So, Where Does Paige Bueckers Rank Among These All-Time Greats?
Paige Bueckers took the college basketball world by storm in her freshman season (2020-21). That’s when she averaged 20 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. She did it while shooting an elite 52.4% from the field and 46.4% from three.
Bueckers became the first freshman to ever win the Wooden Award. Right after gaining it, she also took home the Naismith Trophy, AP Player of the Year, and USBWA Player of the Year.
However, in December 2021, she suffered a few major setbacks. They include a tibial plateau fracture and a lateral meniscus tear in her left knee. This has sidelined her for almost the whole sophomore season. The following year, she faced an ACL tear during an offseason pickup game that forced her to miss the entire 2022-2023 season.
Nonetheless, Bueckers made an incredible return in the 2024-2025 season. The athlete averaged 20.1 points per game and led the team with 171 assists. Lately, she showcased an incredible role in taking UConn to its 16th Final Four appearance in 17 years. Her performance in the NCAA Tournament averaged 29 points per game.
She led UConn to another deep March Madness run. With that, she has solidified her place in Husky’s history list.
If we rank purely based on raw talent, Bueckers belongs in the top three. With her skill set, passing vision, and scoring efficiency, she is surely among the best in UConn history.
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However, if we consider accomplishments, she has not won a national championship yet. The only thing that separates her from the top-tier legends like Stewart, Moore, and Taurasi. However, her individual accolades stack up against anyone else’s.
Given her immense impact, Bueckers likely falls somewhere in the No. 4 to No. 6 range. Let us know where you think she stands on the list!
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