“Gigi Would’ve Loved Being There”: Vanessa Bryant Gets Emotional Celebrating Paige Bueckers & UConn’s NCAA Win

All eyes were on Tampa as UConn and South Carolina squared off for the national title. South Carolina, the reigning champs, looked to defend their crown under the guidance of Dawn Staley. UConn came in hungry, ready to give it all in the hour of need and with Geno Auriemma’s legendary presence on the sideline. The Huskies had momentum after a dominant run through the tournament. Fans expected a battle, but what followed was a complete takeover.

UConn walked into the championship with a chip on its shoulder and walked out holding history. The Huskies crushed South Carolina 82-59, ending a near-decade title drought while claiming their record-setting 12th national championship. It wasn’t just a win, but a statement. Auriemma, now with more titles than any other coach, called it “a hell of a first quarter,” and it only got better. By the end, Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and freshman Sarah Strong had combined for 65 points, outscoring South Carolina’s entire team.

Bueckers, who dropped 17 points and hit all her free throws, finished third all-time in NCAA Tournament scoring with 477 points. Fudd, returning from a torn ACL, was unstoppable with 24 points on 9-for-14 shooting and crossed the 1,000 career-point mark. Sarah Strong? She made history. Her 24-point, 15-rebound performance marked her fourth double-double of the tournament, the most by any freshman since at least 2010. “These guys gotta rebound better,” Auriemma said early on. “Right now, Sarah’s the only one.” Turns out she was more than enough.

As the final buzzer echoed through Amalie Arena, messages of love started pouring in from across the basketball world. One message in particular hit a different chord. Vanessa Bryant, the widow of the late Kobe Bryant, shared a heartfelt tribute. In her Instagram Story, she wrote, “’When you think you can’t, UCONN’ ~ Gianna Bryant 💔❤️.” She added, “Gigi would’ve loved being there with you. Congratulations 🎉 @genoauriemma @uconnwbb.” Gianna, who once dreamed of playing at UConn, had spoken often about her love for the program. For the players, it wasn’t just a win—it was a moment that felt bigger than basketball. That message reminded everyone just how deep UConn’s legacy runs.

NBA legends were also quick to show love, recognizing the magnitude of UConn’s dominance. Rip Hamilton, a former UConn star himself, shared a team photo with coach Geno Auriemma and wrote, “Wow, 12 national titles @genoauriemma. It’s something in the water in Storrs!!! Let’s goooo! #dynasty #uconn.” Kevin Garnett also chimed in, posting on Instagram story, “Salute🫡. Shout to the lady’s of UCONN .. yall did ya thing!!!🫡💯.” From players to fans, the celebration wasn’t just in Connecticut: it echoed through every corner of the hoops community.

Five years since Gianna’s passing: “Mambacita Is Forever a Husky”

This marks five years since the heartbreaking loss of Gianna “Gigi” Bryant. As UConn captured another national title, her absence feels especially heavy. Gigi had one dream: to wear a Huskies jersey and play for Geno Auriemma. “She is hellbent on UConn,” Kobe said in 2018. And she meant it.

“She loves Gabby Williams, absolutely loves Gabby,” Kobe Bryant told the Hartford Courant. “She watches how they play and learns — not just in wins, but in tough losses, how they conduct themselves.”

At just 13, Gianna’s passion mirrored her father’s. “She was actually playing just like him… she literally did the same exact fadeaway,” a friend recalled. UConn knew how much she loved the program. Shortly after her passing, they even honored her with a No. 2 Huskies jersey on the bench. Alongside it sat white roses and a note that read, “Mambacita is forever a Husky.”

Williams, touched by Gigi’s spirit, remembered her as “confident, relentless, so mean and aggressive. And then she’d walk off the court with the biggest, sweetest smile.” She added, “My favorite part about her was just seeing how much she loved the game and loved to learn.”

Kobe always believed she was ready to carry the legacy forward. When told he needed a boy to pass it on, Gigi quickly replied, “Don’t need no boy for that! I got this.” This championship was about legacy, and Gianna’s dream is still alive in every young girl watching. She may not be on the court, but her spirit will always be part of the Huskies.