WNBA Reacts to Geno Auriemma’s Move for Paige Bueckers Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Before Paige Bueckers broke into the WNBA as a rookie this season, she was a big-time star at UConn. She led the school to the women’s NCAA championship just a couple of months ago and won a slew of individual awards during her time there.
Advertisement
While there, Bueckers was coached by Geno Auriemma, who has been at the helm of UConn women’s basketball since 1985. During his time there, he has become one of the more decorated coaches in the history of the sport.
On Tuesday, when Bueckers’ Dallas Wings took on the Golden State Valkyries, Auriemma took some time during the NCAA offseason to show up and show his support for not only Bueckers but also Kaitlyn Chen, who is a member of Golden State’s roster.
In his time as the Huskies’ coach, Auriemma has won a record 12 national championships. Nineteen times, they have gone undefeated in conference play with him in charge, and he has also guided them to a perfect season six times.
Advertisement
He also coached Team USA women’s basketball to two Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016.
Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma hugs guard Paige Bueckers (5).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Bueckers averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.1 steals a game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 42.3% from 3-point range during her time at UConn. She missed all of the 2022-23 season because of a torn ACL, but she came back and continued to play at a high level.
On Tuesday, she dropped 20 points and made half of her 18 field-goal attempts while adding four steals and two blocks. On the season, she’s averaging 17.4 points and 6.1 assists per contest while shooting 46.8% overall.
Related: Brittney Griner’s Pregame Exchange With Former WNBA Teammate Catches Attention
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
