The UConn Huskies women’s basketball team dropped to 21-3 this season after an 80-76 loss to Tennessee on February 6. For head coach Geno Auriemma, this was unfamiliar territory—his first loss against the Lady Vols since 2007, back in the legendary Pat Summitt era. And, well, let’s just say he didn’t take it lightly. Auriemma seemed to throw his star player, Paige Bueckers, under the bus. 

And many fans, including analyst Rachel A. DeMita, were not happy about it.

Bueckers finished the night with 14 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds. Not bad, but definitely not Bueckers-level good. She shot just 5-of-16 from the field, struggling to find her rhythm in key moments. So, when Auriemma was asked about her performance postgame, his response wasn’t exactly supportive.

During the press conference, he made some pointed comments about his team needing their “best players” to step up. When specifically asked about Paige’s shooting struggles, he didn’t hold back, “Paige wants the ball in her hands all the time, then when they trap her, she doesn’t want the ball in her hands. So we try to move her from one thing to another, get her moving without the ball.”

Rachel DeMita was not here for it. She played the clip on her show and called the coach out, saying, “This is not the first time Geno has seemingly thrown Paige under the bus… but it honestly seems to be only this season.” 

She pointed out how in past years, he’s always backed Bueckers up—even going as far as defending her while criticizing Caitlin Clark. But this season? Something’s different.

DeMita also brought up how Auriemma rarely takes accountability himself. “You don’t see many clips where Geno is saying, ‘I could have done things better.’ Whether it was your fault or not, as a coach, a lot of times, it’s your job to take accountability for a loss.” And she’s got a point. 

According to her, there were definitely better ways to address the guard’s struggles without making it seem like she was the problem.

And here’s the real concern—how does this impact Bueckers’ confidence? With March Madness around the corner and her preparing for the pros, this is the last thing she needs. 

Speaking of that… she just confirmed her WNBA plans.

Paige Bueckers confirms WNBA plans, shutting down rumors

Bueckers, who has yet to win a national title with UConn, should have been focusing on how she and the team could bounce back from this loss. But instead, the postgame conversation shifted toward her future. 

For months, there had been speculation about whether she’d stay another year in college—especially since rumors suggested she wasn’t thrilled about being drafted by the Dallas Wings, who hold the No. 1 pick. Even national analysts’ discussed how she could use her last year of eligibility. 

So, naturally, she was asked if she was planning to turn pro. And her response was, “Yeah, that’s the plan.” It shouldn’t be a shock, though. She has been saying this all along. But with all the uncertainty surrounding her draft situation, hearing her confirm it again definitely made waves.

Now, with that question out of the way, she can (hopefully) focus on capturing that elusive national championship for UConn. 

So, can wBueckers bounce back in the next game, shutting down any doubts and leaving no room for criticism? Or will Auriemma still have something to say, even if she’s in form? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.