Paige Bueckers, a star guard for the UConn women’s basketball team, recently played her final game at Gampel Pavilion, the iconic home court for the Huskies. After the game, Bueckers returned to the court with a microphone, a moment that mirrored her announcement a year earlier when she revealed her decision to return to UConn for one last season. This time, however, she took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the fans who supported her throughout her five years at the university.
The occasion was made even more special as Bueckers put on a remarkable performance, scoring 34 points in UConn’s 91-57 win over South Dakota State. The victory propelled the Huskies into their 31st consecutive Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Reflecting on her journey, Bueckers acknowledged how much the fan support meant to her, especially after the challenges of playing in an empty arena during the COVID-19 pandemic. She mentioned the emotional contrast of hearing the loud, passionate crowd compared to the silence of those earlier games and expressed her deep appreciation for the energy and love from the UConn faithful.
Despite UConn’s slow start against a tough South Dakota State team, Bueckers quickly found her rhythm, scoring the team’s final 10 points in the first quarter. Her teammates, like guard Azzi Fudd, were in awe of Bueckers’ ability to take control of the game. Fudd praised Bueckers, saying that when she’s locked in, there’s nothing the opposing team can do to stop her, as every shot seems destined to go in.
Bueckers’ five years at UConn have been far from easy. She missed a season due to injury and was limited in another, but her perseverance has kept her on track for a potential national championship. She’s now on the verge of leaving for the WNBA, where she’s expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. UConn coach Geno Auriemma spoke about the difficulty of winning a national championship, noting that while Bueckers has put herself in a position to win one, the road to a title is never guaranteed.
As Bueckers and the Huskies prepare for their Sweet 16 matchup against Oklahoma, the team remains focused on their goals. While Bueckers was reluctant to call the win over South Dakota State the final chapter of her UConn career, she acknowledged how much the university and its fans have meant to her. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play at UConn, calling it a dream come true, and promised to give her all in the pursuit of a national title before she leaves for the next step inher career.
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