The UConn Huskies women’s basketball team is just steps away from their goal: capturing their first national championship since 2016. On April 4, the Huskies will face the UCLA Bruins in the Final Four semifinals, a crucial opportunity to end their title drought. Throughout this journey, Paige Bueckers has been the player leading her team with exceptional skill. Considered one of the most complete and talented players in college basketball, Bueckers has averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game throughout the tournament, solidifying herself as the cornerstone of the Huskies. Her ability to score from anywhere on the court and her impact on all aspects of the game make her one of the standout players of the Final Four.
Bueckers’ name has shined among the greats of college basketball, especially with comparisons to other stars like Caitlin Clark. Clark, who has left an indelible mark at Iowa, has become the all-time leading scorer in U.S. college basketball history, both for women and men. This season, Bueckers has shown that her game is just as impressive, excelling not only in scoring but also in defense and her overall contribution to the team. While Clark has been a benchmark in college basketball, Bueckers is ready to carve out her own path, leading UConn in the battle for the championship with a style of play that has captured everyone’s attention.
Paige Bueckers gets badly snubbed by Geno Auriemma
Paige and the pressure she carries on her shoulders
For Bueckers, the pressure of playing at a program as prestigious as UConn isn’t something that scares her; it motivates her. Speaking about the expectations of being part of this legendary program, the player shared, “When you decide to come to UConn and be part of this historic program, you know the expectations are high. It’s a decision you make before you even step on campus.” However, far from feeling overwhelmed by these standards, Bueckers sees them as a source of motivation. “Seeing all the history, the names, and the banners inside the practice facility only motivates me more. Here, anything less than a national championship is seen as a disappointment,” she emphasized, highlighting her commitment to UConn’s expectations.
Far from being a negative pressure, Bueckers views the weight of these expectations as a true privilege. “Pressure is a privilege,” she stated confidently, stressing her focus and gratitude for playing in one of the best women’s basketball programs in the world. “We’re extremely grateful to play here, under the best coaching staff and in the best program,” she added. With this mindset, Bueckers is not only ready to face the challenge of winning the national championship but also to live up to the legacy that UConn’s players and coaches have built over the years.
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