“Paige always wants to be superhuman.” Well, that’s what Geno Auriemma said when Paige Bueckers led UConn to the Final Four in what was supposed to be a comeback season after months of injuries. Now, as the 23-year-old returns for the last time, the Huskies HC has raised his expectations for her. He’s made it clear that he wants more than just an average performance. 

Ahead of the team’s opener against Boston University, the coach said, “I certainly don’t want a repeat of last year’s Final Four game where Paige only had a normal game, and we came up short because we didn’t have enough from other people.” 

That sting is still fresh, and it was clear that last year’s Final Four performance, where the guard couldn’t put numbers as Gabbie Marshall locked her up all night, wasn’t enough to push UConn over the line. So, Auriemma expects more from his star this season. “I still want her to try to get 30 whenever she can,” he straight out demanded. 

This will be the hooper’s first full season after she had to sit out for nearly two years due to a torn ACL. On top of that, she suffered a tibial plateau fracture and lateral meniscus tear in 2021, which sidelined her for most of that season, too. But she returned to the court like a rocket.

It was much needed for Uconn’s injured roster. For three consecutive seasons, the program has not had five-plus healthy bench players. They finished 2023-24 with just six players in the regular rotation, including Bueckers. Still, they managed to make it to their 23rd Final Four appearance. Auriemma, however, wasn’t satisfied as they fell short.

Paige Bueckers’ final push for UConn and the WNBA

But we have to give it to 2021 AP Player of the Year for her electrifying performance in UConn’s regional final game, where she dropped 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. At that time, the coach said, “Paige always wants to be superhuman. She tries her damndest to be superhuman.”

Even Paige herself termed it as “one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever felt in my life.” Now that she is back for a final fifth year, she is gunning for the National Championship. Knowing her potential, we totally understand the HC’s expectations. But this could create a conflicting environment.

As the 70-year-old coach puts it, “Whenever you have a player that can do those things, it’s a double-edged sword.” He goes on to say, “There were times early in November last year…mid-November we watched Paige play a lot instead of alongside her. This year, we’re trying really hard to just play together and not just watch Paige be great, so I know that’s what she’s going to be.” 

Auriemma clearly believes that the potential No.1 WNBA Draft pick’s leadership can carry UConn, but he’s also pushing for more teamwork this season. No one player can do it all, right? But marking her last as a college player, Bueckers is giving her all as he prepares to transition to the pro.