Despite her remarkable accomplishments, UConn guard Paige Bueckers is haunted by the looming possibility of leaving college without a national championship, according to her coach, Geno Auriemma. The dynamic player has been a crucial force in propelling the Huskies to a 9-1 record this season, averaging 20 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 10 games. Yet, Auriemma suggests that despite her stellar individual performance, the absence of a national title may weigh heavily on her legacy.
Bueckers, widely regarded as a future top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft—expected to join the Dallas Wings—has yet to capture an NCAA championship. With three Final Four appearances under her belt, the elusive title remains a glaring gap in her impressive collegiate resume. Auriemma believes that this void could be unsettling for Bueckers, who may feel that the absence of a national championship could tarnish her status as one of UConn’s greatest players.
“I think it scares her to leave here and be the best player ever to play at UConn without winning a national championship,” Auriemma confided in an interview with The Athletic. “That it affects your legacy a little bit.” Despite acknowledging that he doesn’t view a championship as the ultimate measure of success, Auriemma is convinced that Bueckers might see it as a crucial element to validate her legendary status.
Throughout his illustrious career, Auriemma has shaped the legacies of UConn’s most iconic players, including Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart. With 11 NCAA National Championships and eight Naismith National Coach of the Year Awards to his name, Auriemma’s vision for success has always extended beyond individual accolades. Yet, his candid thoughts suggest that Bueckers may still struggle with the idea of leaving UConn without the title that has eluded her.
Bueckers’ situation mirrors that of Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, who similarly came up short despite leading Iowa to multiple Final Fours. In response to questions about her legacy, Clark firmly stated that she doesn’t believe her worth is defined solely by championships. “I’ve played basketball at this university for four years,” Clark reflected. “For it to come down to two games—and that be whether or not I’m proud of myself— I don’t think that’s a fair assessment.”
