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Credits: Imagn
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via Imago
Credits: Imagn
Baptism by fire—that’s what UConn’s season is turning into. The Huskies, once untouchable, are now struggling to find their footing. Another tough loss added to their growing list of setbacks, the Geno Auriemma’s Huskies fell to Tennessee 80-76, marking the Lady Vols’ first win over UConn in 18 years. For a program built on dominance, this is unfamiliar territory.
Auriemma was refreshingly candid during a recent postgame interview. “The bottom line is we have some players on our team that are supposed to be our best players,” he said. It was like he was addressing his stars head-on, starting with Bueckers.
The message to his stars, according to him: talent doesn’t cut it; leadership, effort, and execution do. As UConn battles back for its former dominance, the fiery words of tough love from Auriemma could be the difference-maker—or something more sinister.
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“Paige wants the ball in her hands all the time,” he said. “When they trap her, she doesn’t want the ball in her hands.” It’s a conundrum for the coaching staff, who are trying to find ways to maximize her impact. “We’ve got to come to some sort of definitive thing here, how we’re going to handle it,” Auriemma added.
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Dec 3, 2024; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma watches from the sideline as they take on the Holy Cross Crusaders at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Auriemma’s comments seemed to zero in on Paige Bueckers, the team’s standout guard. The 5-of-20 three-point shooting told a different story. “Stat sheets lie a lot,” he said. “There were big plays we needed to make, big stops we had to get—and we didn’t.”
Though his words were cutting, Auriemma did mention one bright spot: Vickie Johnson. She was the most competitive player for UConn today,” he said, complimenting her energy and poise off the bench. But attention is always drawn to the team’s stars. “They’ve got to play better,” Auriemma said. That’s all there is to it.”
Geno Auriemma UConn star Paige Bueckers faces a big decision
“Yeah, that’s the plan,” she said. All eyes were on PB UConn’s superstar, still in search of her first national title. However, the post-loss discussion suddenly turned the table around. Rather than how the Huskies will come back, questions focused on the future of Bueckers.
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Rumors have circulated about whether Bueckers will declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft or use her remaining year of eligibility. Some speculate she’s hesitant to join the Dallas Wings, who hold the top pick. So, when asked if she plans to turn pro after this season, Bueckers didn’t dodge the question.
This isn’t really news: Bueckers has been transparent about her desires. But amid all the speculation surrounding her making a case by playing for the Huskies, this may be her recommitment. Now, maybe she can quell the rumor mill and start focusing on the real issue at hand: returning a championship to Storrs.
Can UConn turn it around? In terms of talent? Yes. Geno Auriemma noted the other day, however, that talent isn‘t enough. Big plays win championships, and big stops do. So do big buckets. At least for now, the Huskies are missing them in enough doses.
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For Bueckers, the clock is ticking. Whether she’s leaving for the WNBA or staying another year, her legacy at UConn will be defined by what happens next. Can she and the Huskies rise to the occasion? Or will this season end as another “what if?”
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Can Geno Auriemma's tough love reignite UConn's dominance, or is the dynasty fading?
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Can Geno Auriemma's tough love reignite UConn's dominance, or is the dynasty fading?
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