UConn star guard Paige Bueckers enters March Madness with the highest stakes of her college career, determined to secure the elusive NCAA championship in her final season with the Huskies.
Coming from a storied program that has produced legends like Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart, Bueckers is looking to add her name to that illustrious list by capturing a national title in 2025. The fifth-year senior has already overcome significant adversity, including an ACL tear, and now leads UConn into yet another deep tournament run. The Huskies recently extended their streak to 31 consecutive Sweet 16 appearances.
A lingering question remains one that once followed Caitlin Clark at Iowa: Does the absence of an NCAA championship diminish an otherwise stellar college career?
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, aware of the external pressure surrounding Bueckers, offered her a strong message of reassurance:
“You don’t owe anybody anything,” Auriemma told Bueckers, as reported by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. “If you never play another game at UConn, you’ve already given them more than they could have ever asked for.”
Bueckers has cemented herself as one of the most efficient players in women’s college basketball history. This past season, she achieved an incredible 50/40/90 shooting split hitting at least 50% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line.
Regardless of whether she claims a national title, Bueckers has every reason to be proud as she prepares for the 2025 WNBA Draft in April, where she is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick.
“If you’re happy with yourself, your life is going to be fantastic whether you win a national championship or not,”* Auriemma added. “If you’re not happy with yourself, even a title won’t change that. It might make those around you happier, but it won’t make you happier.”
Bueckers and UConn will take on No. 3 Oklahoma in the Sweet 16 on Saturday afternoon, with a Final Four berth in their sights.
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