The first time Brian Cosgriff, Paige Bueckers’ high school basketball coach, saw her play, she was a second grader competing against sixth graders during halftime at a University of Minnesota women’s basketball game. Even then, he thought she was the best player on the court.
By seventh grade, Bueckers was already playing for Hopkins High School’s junior varsity and sophomore teams, and by eighth grade, she became the first player off the bench for a strong varsity squad. By ninth grade, Cosgriff believed she was the best player in Minnesota.
Now, as Bueckers leads UConn into the Elite Eight after a 40-point performance, Cosgriff still sees the same dynamic and selfless player he once coached—an elite scorer, playmaker, and competitor whose passion and joy for the game set her apart.
During her time at Hopkins, she scored 2,877 points, recorded 795 assists, 574 steals, and 83 blocked shots while maintaining an incredibly efficient playing style. She had a career field goal percentage of 57.6%, shot 43.6% from beyond the arc, and hit 82.1% of her free throws, with an impressive 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Despite her remarkable skills, Bueckers was often underestimated due to her slender build, which led her teammates to nickname her “Olive Oyl,” after the lanky cartoon character. However, her performances quickly silenced any doubts. She would drain eight consecutive three-pointers, make no-look passes, take charges, block shots, and lead in rebounds and assists all while weighing less than 100 pounds.
Cosgriff vividly remembers an eighth-grade game where she came off the bench and hit eight straight threes. By then, it was clear she had her sights set on UConn and playing for Geno Auriemma, a dream she fulfilled.
At Hopkins, Bueckers built a legacy as a McDonald’s All-American, Slam Magazine All-American, Jordan Brand Classic All-American, USA Basketball’s Female Athlete of the Year, and the No. 1 recruit in the country. Even today, young players seek out Cosgriff to hear stories about her.
Her fan base extends far beyond Minnesota. Cosgriff recalls wearing a Hopkins basketball polo in a Miami Foot Locker when a young fan recognized the school as “where Paige Buckets played.” Her widespread recognition reflects the impact she has had on the game.
Beyond her skill, Bueckers is known for her humility and generosity. After games with thousands in attendance, she would stay to sign autographs for hundreds of fans, even if it meant missing the team bus.
Her style of play, a balance of elite scoring and unselfish passing, remains her hallmark. Even at UConn, she occasionally needed reminders to shoot more. As she nears the end of her college career and prepares for the WNBA, Bueckers continues to be the same passionate, intelligent, and team-first player she has always been.
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