Paige Bueckers’s career with the UConn Huskies couldn’t have ended differently. She finally got the monkey off her back to lead the program to their first national championship in almost a decade.



Geno Auriemma’s team completely dominated the South Carolina Gamecocks for the second time this season, and they prevented them from winning back-to-back championships.



Despite being stacked with talent and the best players in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, some fans jokingly claimed that they only won because of ‘the power of friendship.’ Bueckers, however, agreed. 



<h2>Paige Bueckers says UConn won because of ‘the power of friendship’ </h2>



“I saw on social media, they were saying UConn won based on the power of friendship. It’s so accurate,” Bueckers said. “Just how much we love each other, how much we’re connected, how much we’ve been through as individuals, as a team, and how much it has bonded us and helped us become national champions. So I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250409_BUS_373791_GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-1024x576_84ee3710.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Geno Auriemma and Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies" class="wp-image-371371" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Geno Auriemma and Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies embrace</figcaption></figure>



Even so, make no mistake, this team could play. They went undefeated in 18 conference contests, went 37-3 for the season, and closed out the season with a 16-game winning streak.


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At the end of the day, the chemistry certainly helped their case, especially after the losses, but there was never a doubt that this was the best team in all of the nation.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67f6cccc0c8fd1e7fdf26e2c" data-title="Will the Huskies repeat next season? " data-options="2"></div>

Paige Bueckers makes hilarious admission about UConn’s national championship

Paige Bueckers makes hilarious admission about UConn's national championship - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uconn">UConn Huskies</a> dismantled the reigning national champion South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA Tournament Championship Game, handing the Columbia-based program a devastating defeat on the national stage. The 82–59 rout secured UConn’s 12th national title and earned head coach Geno Auriemma a $300,000 bonus. Meanwhile, the loss proved even more deflating for South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, who missed out on an even larger payout.



The Huskies finally got their revenge on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/south-carolina">Gamecocks</a>, who defeated them in the 2021 March Madness Final and left Auriemma’s squad with a bitter taste. Three years later, UConn washed it all away—this time with the sweet sting of championship champagne.



Guided by a sensational performance from Sarah Strong, Paige Bueckers, and Azzi Fudd, the Huskies routed the Gamecocks in a game that was decided before the end of the third quarter. The loss stung even more for Staley, who hoped to secure her fourth national championship at the helm of South Carolina women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> program. 



Moreover, while Auriemma earned a $300,000 bonus, Staley missed out in a ludicrous championship bonus in her contract. According to Essentially Sports, the Gamecocks’ head coach would have earned a $500,000 bonus if South Carolina had defeated UConn in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> National Championship Game.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250408_BUS_372828_Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1-1024x576_2f9fbc32.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-372900" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/08181014/Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/08181014/Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/08181014/Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/08181014/Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/08181014/Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/08181014/Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/08181014/Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/08181014/Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Not too shabby</h2>



Although Staley will probably hang her head about the astronomical bonus she missed out on, the 17-year coach in Columbia still secured a big bonus check after reaching the decisive stage in March Madness.


 

 

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So far in the 2024-25 NCAA season, Staley had earned $130,000 in bonuses. The breakdown, per Essentially Sports, includes $15,000 for making the AP Top 25, another $15,000 for winning 11 or more SEC games, and $100,000 for sweeping the conference titles.



<h2>The price for history</h2>



Auriemma, on the other hand, hoisted his 12th national championship—and with it, a sizable reward. In addition to his $300,000 title bonus, the legendary coach earned $437,500 in bonuses over the course of the season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250408_BUS_372828_Paige-Bueckers-1024x576_45bb9c17.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Paige Bueckers UConn Huskies" class="wp-image-371092" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06123148/Paige-Bueckers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06123148/Paige-Bueckers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06123148/Paige-Bueckers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06123148/Paige-Bueckers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06123148/Paige-Bueckers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06123148/Paige-Bueckers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06123148/Paige-Bueckers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06123148/Paige-Bueckers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies looks on in the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins aption here>>in the Final Four game of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 04, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



Auriemma earned a $75,000 bonus for winning the Big East title, followed by $112,500 for advancing through the first two rounds. Reaching the Final Four brought in another $100,000, and UConn’s semifinal win over USC earned the 71-year-old coach an additional $125,000. 



After the national championship victory, Auriemma wrapped up the season with a grand total of $737,500 in bonuses—on top of his $3.34 million base salary

While UConn HC Geno Auriemma earned a $300K bonus, how much would have Dawn Staley earned with a national title?

Emotional Geno Auriemma gushes about Huskies legends pulling up to championship game

Kevin Durant voices powerful statement to Paige Bueckers, star teammates after UConn’s championship

While UConn HC Geno Auriemma earned a $300K bonus, how much would have Dawn Staley earned with a national title? - Bolavip US

Once again, Dan Hurley made the rounds for the wrong reasons after a loss. He went viral for his temper tantrum after losing to the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.



Hurley berated the referees after his team’s two-point loss, and some people claimed he was disrespectful towards his opponents, which has been a common issue with him.



That’s why, now that he’s had some time to cool off, he wanted to right his wrong. Talking on Barstool Sports’ ‘Pardon My Take,’ he gushed about the Gators and what they’ve accomplished. 



<h2>Dan Hurley leaves pettiness aside when talking about Florida</h2>



“When you’ve experienced championship glory, you don’t get the petty moral victories that way,” he said. “We had opportunities. Up three with the ball, in transition, three-and-a-half minutes to go with a chance maybe to get a 3 in transition and take a six-point lead, but we turned the ball over … from there (Walter) Clayton took over and did a little bit of like a Kemba Walker, Shabazz Napier thing, and he’s kept doing it.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250408_BUS_371988_Dan-Hurley-2-1024x576_a46701be.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287689" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06155005/Dan-Hurley-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dan Hurley</figcaption></figure>



At the end of the day, it’s all about being professional. Coach Hurley’s attitude has left a lot to be desired, and he’s drawn plenty of criticism for it multiple times in the past.


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Then again, Florida clearly is a special team, and as such, Hurley and everybody else in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>scene will have no choice but to give them their flowers.


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Dan Hurley tips hat to Florida’s Todd Golden with remarks on pettiness

Dan Hurley tips hat to Florida's Todd Golden with remarks on pettiness - Bolavip US

You can’t talk about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>history without talking about the UConn Huskies. The men’s team has found plenty of success, but the women’s program is the most decorated of all time.



They just won their record 12th championship, ending a nine-year drought that was the longest since they won their first title thirty years ago. Notably, they did so with some notable alumni in attendance.



From Rebecca Lobo to Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart, multiple former Huskies rallied to show their support for their alma mater. That’s why coach Geno Auriemma was almost moved to tears.



<h2>Geno Auriemma gushes about WNBA legends and their support</h2>



“This doesn’t happen everywhere,” Auriemma said. “This doesn’t happen often if at all. To have that many former national champions from your school come watch and see you play is special, but we have a special bond with all of our players and that bond is never going to be broken.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250407_BUS_371957_GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-1024x576_b505c2d3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Geno Auriemma and Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies" class="wp-image-371371" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06173806/GettyImages-2208880820-Bolavip.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Geno Auriemma and Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies embrace.</figcaption></figure>



Auriemma has been in charge of the program for four decades now, and while he’s had more elite recruits than anybody else, he also deserves plenty of credit for how he’s helped mold their careers and skills.


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The Huskies will now lose the best player in college basketball, but even though Paige Bueckers will take her talents to the WNBA, she will most likely follow tradition and stay close to the program like so many stars before her. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67f4297f0c8fd1e7fdf26d60" data-title="Is Geno Auriemma the GOAT?" data-options="2"></div>

Emotional Geno Auriemma gushes about Huskies legends pulling up to championship game - Bolavip US

It took her more time than people anticipated, and her team didn’t even need her to be at her best in the national championship game, but Paige Bueckers is finally a champion.



She will now go down as one of the most decorated players in UConn Huskies’ history, and while she didn’t need that title to get that distinction, it surely helped her case.



That’s why fellow Huskies legend Breanna Stewart wanted to make sure to give her her flowers. Following the big win over South Carolina, the WNBA star gushed about Bueckers and her journey. 



<h2>Breanna Stewart is happy for Paige Bueckers</h2>



“I’m really happy to see Paige get this one,” Stewart said. “She’s been through so much and she continued to fight back through everything. The way she led this team, she wasn’t going to let this end any other way.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250407_BUS_371966_breanna-stewart-1024x576_b87253b1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="breanna stewart" class="wp-image-301033" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155247/breanna-stewart-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155247/breanna-stewart-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155247/breanna-stewart-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155247/breanna-stewart-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155247/breanna-stewart-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155247/breanna-stewart-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155247/breanna-stewart-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/26155247/breanna-stewart.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>New York Liberty veteran Breanna Stewart will hit free agency in 2025</figcaption></figure>



Bueckers just joined Stewart in a very exclusive club as the only two Huskies to earn four all-Final Four selections. She also joined Maya Moore as the only players in NCAA Tournament history to earn four regional MOP selections.


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On top of that, she will leave campus as the all-time leader in points per game (19.83), and she’s now another player in a long list of former Huskies taking her talents to the WNBA.


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Breanna Stewart gets real on Paige Bueckers’ dream-like farewell

Breanna Stewart gets real on Paige Bueckers' dream-like farewell - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uconn">UConn Huskies</a> dominated from start to finish en route to a rout of the South Carolina Gamecocks on the NCAA’s biggest stage. Following their impressive 82-59 victory at Amalie Arena, NBA star Kevin Durant had a strong comment about the Huskies’ big three: Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong.



There’s a new sheriff in women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a>, and that title now belongs to the program in Storrs. The Huskies dismantled the Gamecocks, extending UConn’s championship streak after the men’s back-to-back titles in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns. This time, it was the women’s turn to deliver the silverware for the students and fans in Mansfield.



In a long-awaited rematch of the 2021 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a> final, UConn and South Carolina met on the grand stage once again—but this time, Bueckers and company quenched their thirst for revenge.



The Huskies’ beatdown of the Gamecocks made waves across college basketball—and even in the big leagues. Phoenix Suns star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Kevin Durant</a> wasn’t immune to the buzz, sharing a powerful comment about the stars on Geno Auriemma’s roster.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250407_BUS_371448_GettyImages-2206319316-1-1024x576_1dc02502.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers" class="wp-image-361562" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22202256/GettyImages-2206319316-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22202256/GettyImages-2206319316-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22202256/GettyImages-2206319316-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22202256/GettyImages-2206319316-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22202256/GettyImages-2206319316-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22202256/GettyImages-2206319316-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22202256/GettyImages-2206319316-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22202256/GettyImages-2206319316-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers</figcaption></figure>



“Azzi [Fudd] is just surgical… Paige [Bueckers] is just an all around monster,” Kevin Durant said, via his X account. “Sarah Strong, my goodness, how did you get so good so early???“


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<h2>In safe hands</h2>



As Bueckers moves on to the WNBA, the Huskies will keep Fudd and Strong among other top talents on the team, and will vie to repeat during the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> campaign. Auriemma isn’t going anywhere, either, so UConn will be a force to be reckoned with next season, and Bueckers has the utmost confidence in them.



“This team is in great hands,” Paige Bueckers said during the trophy presentation, per ESPN. “I’m not worried about them at all, oviously the coaching staff speaks for itself. We got the blueprint now, we know how to do it, we know what it takes to get back here, and they got a whole lot of heart, passion, and faith. I’ve got nothing but trust in them.”



<h2>Bueckers’ message for Auriemma</h2>



Auriemma has seen immense talent come and go in the NCAA and during his time at the helm of UConn’s women’s basketball program. However, he had never seen anything quite like Bueckers enter the league. As Bueckers bid farewell to her years in Mansfield in the best way possible, she left a special message for her coach.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250407_BUS_371448_Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-1024x576_085c55ce.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-371504" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies speaks to the media during a press conference after beating the South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59 to win the National Championship of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



“I love that man like more than words can describe, and there’s a lot of stuff about him that I don’t, but it’s because he’s challenging me and making us all better in ways we never even knew we could,” Bueckers said, per USA Today. “He always has our back. That’s the thing. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/paige-bueckers-reveals-what-she-told-geno-auriemma-during-emotional-hug-after-uconns-national-championship-win"></div>


“Sometimes it feels like he’s on you and he has nothing but bad things to say. But he always has belief. He always has your back and just the relationship that we have, I can’t even put in the words.”



<h2>Write her off, she writes history</h2>



Bueckers has been through the wringer during her college basketball career, battling severe injuries that placed major obstacles in her path. However, the 23-year-old embraced every setback, using it as fuel for her championship hunger—something she finally satisfied on April 6 at Amalie Arena.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67f31cee0c8fd1e7fdf26d29" data-title="Who will win the women\&apos;s NCAA Tournament next season?" data-options="6"></div>


“If I could say one thing, it would be to stand firm and [be] who you are, there’s a lot of people who write you off, there’s a lot of narratives that can be put to try and put you in a box,” Paige Bueckers stated postgame. “Tell you: you’ve got to do this, got to be more like this player, more like that player, stay firm in who you are.“

Dawn Staley, South Carolina destroyed by UConn in NCAA Tournament Final: Funniest memes and reactions

March Madness: Paige Bueckers can break Caitlin Clark’s epic record in Final Four

Kevin Durant voices powerful statement to Paige Bueckers, star teammates after UConn's championship - Bolavip US

Paige Bueckers closed out her women’s college basketball career in the highest of highs as the UConn Huskies dismantled the South Carolina Gamecocks in March Madness‘ Final. After the Huskies’ championship, former LSU star, 2023 national champ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/angel-reese">Angel Reese</a> dropped a bold message, directed at Caitlin Clark and the rest of the 2020 recruiting class.



Bueckers is stepping away from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a>, and into the next chapter, as the projected first overall selection in the upcoming WNBA Draft finally accomplished her goal that so many times eluded her. 



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/caitlin-clark">Clark</a> ended the Huskies’ national title dreams during the 2023-24 season, as her Iowa Hawkeyes eliminated UConn in the Final Four—en route to a tough National Championship loss to the Gamecocks. 



Now, things have come full circle: while Clark and Reese moved on to the WNBA, Bueckers stayed in college for a fifth year (her fourth <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> season, as she missed the entire 2022-23 campaign) after battling serious injuries during her career.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250406_BUS_371407_Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t-1024x576_82d5081d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies speaks to the media during a press conference after beating the South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59 to win the National Championship of the NCAA Women&apos;s Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida." class="wp-image-371445" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06191839/Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06191839/Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06191839/Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06191839/Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06191839/Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06191839/Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06191839/Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06191839/Paige-Bueckers-5-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-t.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies speaks to the media during a press conference after beating the South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59 to win the National Championship of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



Finally, Bueckers had her long-awaited redemption, leading <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uconn">UConn</a> to its 12th national title in program history—but her first championship. As the No. 1-ranked recruit in the 2020 class finally enjoyed the laurels of her hard work, Angel Reese dropped a blunt admission about her fellow classmate.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/huskies-hc-geno-auriemma-makes-bold-statement-about-paige-bueckers-ahead-of-national-championship-game"></div>

 


“2020 class has done so many special things for the game. #proud,” Angel Reese stated on her X account following Bueckers’ coronation in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a> 2025. 



<h2>The class that rewrote the history books</h2>



It’s no longer an open secret, it’s a fact: the 2020 recruits’ class is the greatest in women’s college basketball history. Featuring Bueckers, Clark, Reese, Cameron Brink, and Hailey Van Lith among others, the highest-ranked recruits in this list went on to become household names in the NCAA.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250406_BUS_371407_caitlin-clark-fever-wnba-1024x576_c929cd07.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="caitlin clark smiles" class="wp-image-299837" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24124449/caitlin-clark-fever-wnba-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24124449/caitlin-clark-fever-wnba-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24124449/caitlin-clark-fever-wnba-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24124449/caitlin-clark-fever-wnba-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24124449/caitlin-clark-fever-wnba-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24124449/caitlin-clark-fever-wnba-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24124449/caitlin-clark-fever-wnba-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/24124449/caitlin-clark-fever-wnba.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Caitlin Clark of Indiana Fever, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year</figcaption></figure>



Many felt like college basketball owed Bueckers a proper goodbye, after she announced her decision to stay with the Huskies and hunt for a national title. Ultimately, Bueckers did it, and she can now move on from the collegiate level with no regrets.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67f30b420c8fd1e7fdf26d24" data-title="Who is the best player out of the 2020 class?" data-options="6"></div>


<h2>A dish best served cold</h2>



Bueckers’ national title victory with UConn was even sweeter as she got one back against South Carolina—the same program that had defeated the Huskies in the 2021 National Championship Game. That chapter can now be closed for Bueckers, and a new one will begin with the WNBA Draft.

Angel Reese sends strong message to Caitlin Clark, 2020 class after Paige Bueckers, UConn’s March Madness win

Angel Reese sends strong message to Caitlin Clark, 2020 class after Paige Bueckers, UConn's March Madness win - Bolavip US

Paige Bueckers didn’t just win a national championship with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uconn">UConn</a> Huskies—she also closed out her college career in golden fashion, finishing with a major title and an emotional on-court hug with head coach Geno Auriemma, during which the two shared a heartfelt exchange of mutual respect.



Speaking to ESPN, Bueckers revealed that Auriemma told her he loved her. She joked about her response but made it clear how much he means to her: “He told me he loved me and I told him I hated him. … Nah, I love that man like more than words can describe.”



She also opened up about how Auriemma pushed her throughout her time at Uconn: “Because he is challenging me, makes us better in ways we never thought we could…” Bueckers emphasized how dedicated Auriemma is to maximizing every player’s potential and said it’s hard to fully express what he’s meant to her during her career.



Auriemma confirmed that he did indeed say “I love you” to Bueckers. Through tears, the UConn head coach mentioned that he had told her, adding, “That’s all I could say, I love you.“ The head coach also explained how all the women on the team fell in love with the process, which he believes was a key factor in reaching this far in the season.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Paige Bueckers checks out for the last time. She gets a long hug from UConn coach Geno Auriemma. Lots of emotion from both of them. <a href="https://t.co/PdTKzzpSQI">pic.twitter.com/PdTKzzpSQI</a>— Isabel Gonzalez (@cisabelg) <a href="https://twitter.com/cisabelg/status/1908991393374322849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Bueckers promised to return, and she delivered</h2>



It’s worth noting that a year ago, Bueckers had declared she would play one more season with the Huskies after an impressive campaign with 39 starts and an average of 21.9 points per game. In her final season, she played two fewer games, totaling 37, but that was enough to secure another national championship for the program.



<h2>How long had it been since UConn last won a National Championship?</h2>



Before their most recent title in the 2024-25 season, the Huskies had endured seven seasons without a major title. The last time they tasted national glory was in the 2015-16 season, one of the 12 championships that Auriemma has now achieved in his 40 years as head coach of the program.

Paige Bueckers reveals what she told Geno Auriemma during emotional hug after UConn’s national championship win

Paige Bueckers reveals what she told Geno Auriemma during emotional hug after UConn’s national championship win - Bolavip US

Bueckers reveals what she told Geno Auriemma during emotional hug

The UConn Huskies are the best team in women’s<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college</a> basketball right now. They’re the team to beat of those still left in contention, even ahead of the South Carolina Gamecocks.



Notably, plenty of that has to do with Paige Bueckers and her proficient game. And while she’s not the most explosive scorer, her all-around game has made her one of the most well-rounded players in college hoops history.



That’s why, even though she’s not known for his scoring outbursts, she can still take down one of Caitlin Clark’s most impressive records, according to Sporting News’ David Suggs.



<h2>Paige Bueckers can break Caitlin Clark’s tournament record </h2>



“As is the case with a great many NCAA records, Caitlin Clark sits atop the list of most prolific Women’s March Madness scorers, tallying 492 points across 17 tournament appearances — an average of 28.9 a game,” Suggs wrote. “Bueckers won’t catch Clark in terms of scoring average. But the UConn guard could eclipse her in raw scoring numbers if she can score at least 49 points during the Final Four.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250404_BUS_369476_paige-bueckers-1-1-1024x576_38d34246.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="paige bueckers" class="wp-image-277700" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paige Bueckers #5 </figcaption></figure>



Needless to say, that will be easier said than done. Then again, judging by the way she’s played this season, it also wouldn’t be much of a surprise if she pulled it off.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


This will be her final shot at the ultimate glory before taking her talents to the WNBA, and that should be more than enough motivation to take care of business.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67eedad10c8fd1e7fdf26c31" data-title="Will Bueckers be a superstar in the WNBA?" data-options="2"></div>

March Madness: Paige Bueckers can break Caitlin Clark's epic record in Final Four - Bolavip US

For years, UConn star Paige Bueckers has been one of the biggest names in women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. She hasn’t even turned pro, and she already has an offer to play for Unrivaled.



However, it seems like she’s often been in someone else’s shadow. Even this year, the media raved about JuJu Watkins, a younger player, more often than they did about her.



According to former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>player Etan Thomas, race has played a big factor in her failure to be acknowledged as widely as Caitlin Clark. In his latest column, he argued that she didn’t have a ‘black villain’ like Angel Reese.



<h2>Etan Thomas says Paige Bueckers hasn’t had a ‘black villain’</h2>



“Much of the media made Reese the villain to Clark’s heroine after the Black Princess upstaged the Great White Hope in the 2023 NCAA Tournament championship game,” Thomas wrote. “The viral image of Reese defiantly waving her hand in front of her face – the same taunt Clark had used in a previous game – transformed Clark and Reese from great players to lightning rods for racial animus. People who had no interest in women’s basketball suddenly became fanatics – in every sense of the word – for all the worst reasons. They were there to cheer Clark’s whiteness, and attack Reese’s Blackness, not their talent.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250403_BUS_369475_paige-bueckers-1-1-1024x576_2c083f31.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="paige bueckers" class="wp-image-277700" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paige Bueckers #5 </figcaption></figure>



Of course, not winning a national championship may have also taken a toll on the public’s perception of the Huskies star. But make no mistake, she’s a superstar in the making.


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Bueckers is about to take her talents to the WNBA as the first-overall pick. Hopefully, she will finally get the recognition he deserves once she turns pro, regardless of who she plays against. 


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Former NBA player has a wild take on why Paige Bueckers hasn’t gotten the Caitlin Clark treatment

Former NBA player has a wild take on why Paige Bueckers hasn't gotten the Caitlin Clark treatment - Bolavip US

Throughout the course of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball </a>history, the UConn Huskies have been the standard for success. They’ve had nothing but the single-greatest prospects.



Even so, Paige Bueckers has still made history for this program. The only thing missing, however, might be the biggest one, as she has yet to win a national championship.



That’s why the pressure is mounting right now. With that in mind, legendary Huskies coach Geno Auriemma made sure to ease her mind in what’s likely her final shot at the ultimate glory.



<h2>Geno Auriemma says Paige Bueckers doesn’t owe anybody</h2>



“You don’t owe anybody anything,” Auriemma told Bueckers, per ESPN. “And if you don’t play another game ever at the University of Connecticut, you’ve given them way more than they bargained for when you got here, regardless of what anybody thinks.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250327_BUS_365139_geno-auriema-1024x576_b23adfd4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Geno Auriemma" class="wp-image-270158" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/geno-auriema.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies</figcaption></figure>



At the end of the day, this is a team sport, and even though Bueckers is clearly the best player and leader there, she’s not to blame for the team’s shortcomings in recent years.



Bueckers will become the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, regardless of what happens in March Madness. Even so, it would be nice to see her walk away as a champion. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67e5a076e70a37cf621484e1" data-title="Will UConn win the title?" data-options="2"></div>

March Madness: Geno Auriemma has a stern message for Paige Bueckers

March Madness: Geno Auriemma has a stern message for Paige Bueckers - Bolavip US

As much as we hate them, injuries are always a part of the equation in sports. Notably, the USC Trojans learned that the hard way in their latest game of the NCAA Tournament.



Superstar guard JuJu Watkins sustained a season-ending knee injury. The timing couldn’t be worse, as her team could meet Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight.



That’s why, with Watkins out of the way, ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith believes it’s time for Bueckers to step up and prove that she’s the best player in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball.</a>



<h2>Stephen A. Smith urges Paige Bueckers to step up</h2>



“Now we gotta look at Paige Bueckers and we have to say, ‘Go ahead girl, do your thing,’” Smith said on ESPN’s First Take. “Do what we would have expected from JuJu, because we were expecting that collision course.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250326_BUS_363418_paige-bueckers-1-1-1024x576_f2bd48ae.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="paige bueckers" class="wp-image-277700" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/paige-bueckers-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Paige Bueckers #5 </figcaption></figure>



The controversial pundit doesn’t want to see the Huskies win games and leave it at that. He wants Bueckers to play like a superstar and put on a show for the viewers at home:



“It’s not just about winning games, losing games,” Smith continued. “It’s about people being box office and being star attractions… That’s what the expectation is going to be now, simply for us to be as intrigued as we anticipated we would be, because we knew what JuJu Watkins was gonna bring to the table.”


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Of course, the Trojans first need to get past Kansas State, and the Huskies need to beat Oklahoma before a potential rematch from last year’s Elite Eight matchup, so there’s no need to get ahead of ourselves.

Stephen A. Smith warns Paige Buckers after JuJu Watkins’ season-ending injury

Stephen A. Smith warns Paige Buckers after JuJu Watkins' season-ending injury - Bolavip US

The UConn Huskies are chasing their second consecutive Final Four appearance in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a>, after earning the No. 2 seed in the Regional 4 phase of the NCAA Tournament’s bracket. Amid their championship aspirations, star Azzi Fudd surprised the league with a shocking announcement.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uconn">Huskies</a>, led by star Paige Bueckers, are gearing up for their Sweet Sixteen clash against the Oklahoma Sooners, after taking down the South Dakota State Jackrabbits by a lopsided score of 91-57.



The upcoming test will be much more challenging for UConn as they face the No. 3 seed in the Regional semifinal. With the men’s team falling short of a three-peat, the Huskies will look to keep the school’s championship spirit alive. Bueckers, Fudd, and the rest of the squad will aim to bring the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> title back to Storrs.



On that note, UConn learned great news after Azzi Fudd voiced a big announcement about his future, with the 2025 WNBA Draft approaching on the horizon.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250325_BUS_363513_Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-1024x576_e9a6bf04.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-363587" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25171902/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25171902/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25171902/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25171902/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25171902/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25171902/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25171902/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25171902/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies dribbles during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals in the Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center on December 07, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. </figcaption></figure>



UConn Huskies star Azzi Fudd is forgoing her eligibility in the 2025 WNBA Draft, instead staying for one more <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> season in Storrs. “Hey Gampel, thanks for last night… See you next year #onemoreyear,” Fudd stated on an Instagram post, announcing her decision to stay with the Huskies.


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<h2>One year under the spotlight</h2>



Fudd explained her decision as she intended to further grow and develop before parting ways with women’s college basketball for good, embarking in the WNBA. During an interview with ESPN, Fudd admitted a conversation with head coach Geno Auriemma helped her make up her mind and stay with the program for her final year of eligibility.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250325_BUS_363513_Paige-Bueckers-1024x576_152a23ef.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-296582" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150033/Paige-Bueckers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers reacts to a play during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals. </figcaption></figure>



“He said, ‘I would say 10 games, maybe, you’ve played to your full potential of who Azzi Fudd really is and so you wouldn’t do yourself justice leaving,&apos;” Fudd stated about her coach’s advice. “‘You would leave here not doing what you could in a UConn uniform.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, he has a point.&apos;”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67e31e4ce70a37cf621483fe" data-title="Is staying in college for one more season the right decision for Azzi Fudd?" data-options="2"></div>


Moreover, with Bueckers set to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft, projected to be the first overall selection, Fudd would get the chance to showcase her abilities as the top player on the team, further increasing her stock for the 2026 Draft.

UConn star Azzi Fudd makes shocking WNBA decision amid March Madness run with Huskies

NCAAB News: Angel Reese sends 3-word message to USC star JuJu Watkins after season-ending injury in March Madness

UConn star Azzi Fudd makes shocking WNBA decision amid March Madness run with Huskies - Bolavip US

Dan Hurley is known for being one of the best coaches in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. He led the UConn Huskies to two national championships in a row, and they had the third-longest win streak in NCAA Tourney history.



That win streak was snapped when his team lost in the second round to Florida. That led Hurley to throw a massive tantrum on the sidelines, and he went viral for that again.



He was spotted talking to the Baylor Bears, and he shared some NSFW words about officiating. That was yet another one of his many incidents, and that’s why Duke legend Jay Bilas thinks he needs to do better.



<h2>Jay Bilas says Dan Hurley needs to ‘change some things’</h2>



“Well, he should change some things. Yeah, I think the way he comports himself on the sideline should change,” he said on The Dan Patrick Show. “And I think some of the things that he says after a game, you know, like what we saw in the hallway, was that a huge deal? no. But is it what you should do? I think the answer is no, too. And look, I get it that the response is, ‘well, that’s just who he is.’ I tend to think that’s an excuse for bad behavior.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250325_BUS_363323_danhurleyjpg_242310155-1024x631_316bd440.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-217995" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/danhurleyjpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/danhurleyjpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/danhurleyjpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/danhurleyjpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dan Hurley head coach of the UConn Huskies</figcaption></figure>



Hurley has rarely been accountable for his team’s shortcomings. It’s always the players, the referees, or something else. As good a coach as he is, he also has to act like it.


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It’s hard to believe this behavior would’ve gotten him anywhere in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA.</a> Maybe the Los Angeles Lakers dodged a big bullet when he chose to return to college.

Duke legend rips Dan Hurley over his latest antics

Duke legend rips Dan Hurley over his latest antics - Bolavip US

For years, Paige Bueckers has been the leader and best player for the UConn Huskies. That’s still the case this season, but it won’t continue to be like that for much longer.



Bueckers and the Huskies are striving to win the national championship for the first time in her <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> career. That’s also because she won’t have more opportunities to do so.



Recently, Huskies star Azzi Fudd shut down all speculation about Bueckers’ future, putting an end to all the rumors by saying that she will declare for the WNBA Draft.



<h2>Paige Bueckers will declare for the WNBA Draft</h2>



“Paige is going to be gone, so I can’t rely on her to speak and do all that [leadership] stuff, on and off the court,” Fudd said. “I will have to be in that position.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250325_BUS_363417_Azzi-Fudd-1024x576_628712f1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-303322" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd</figcaption></figure>



Of course, this isn’t much of a surprise, as she’s projected to be the first player off the board. Nevertheless, there were rumors about her desire not to play for the Dallas Wings, the team currently in possession of that selection.


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Also, maybe not winning the national championship could convince her to return to college for another season. However, at this point, it seems that this possibility is very unlikely.

Returning or entering the WNBA? UConn star Azzi Fudd reveals Paige Bueckers’ plans for next season

Returning or entering the WNBA? UConn star Azzi Fudd reveals Paige Bueckers' plans for next season - Bolavip US

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