The basketball world is buzzing with controversy following Geno Auriemma’s latest remarks on UConn star Paige Bueckers. During halftime of a recent game against Holy Cross, the legendary coach remarked, “Paige likes to stand around a lot,” sparking debates across the sports community. As the Huskies push toward another championship, the growing tension between coach and player raises the question: Is Auriemma’s tough-love approach still effective in today’s game?

Rachel DeMita, host of the Courtside Club podcast, weighed in on the matter, shedding light on Auriemma’s coaching style and its impact on Bueckers.

“She’s a great player,” DeMita began, “but I think all of the comparisons and things that we’ve heard and people trying to make her Caitlin Clark when she’s not—some media people are trying so hard. I’m probably going to make an entire video about this, but to hear him saying stuff publicly, it also doesn’t necessarily seem to be pushing the right buttons with Paige. Again, we don’t know what’s going on in the locker room, and they might have a great relationship.”

DeMita’s comments highlight the balance between public criticism and private encouragement, a line Auriemma seems to blur frequently. However, we have also seen Buecker’s joke about his approach and smile away since she is used to it. While his approach has historically produced incredible talent, like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the landscape of women’s basketball is evolving.

Teams like South Carolina and LSU are leading the charge with innovative coaching styles, while UConn continues to rely on its old-school approach DeMita added in her podcast, “Like sometimes being so tough on a player, sometimes throwing them under the bus, sometimes doing all these things doesn’t press the right buttons that you’re hoping it would.”

Auriemma’s critique of Bueckers came in halftime, “Paige likes to stand around a lot when she dont have the ball in her hands, so, I guess we are gonna have to give her the ball every possession and let her play one on one ’cause that’s what she likes to do.”

Such statements have drawn criticism, with many questioning whether this tough-love strategy truly benefits excellent players like Bueckers. While Auriemma’s methods have long been credited for UConn’s unparalleled dominance, the rise of programs like South Carolina, LSU, and Tennessee suggests a shift in how elite teams empower their players.

Paige Bueckers, now in her senior year, has posted strong numbers this season, averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game on an impressive 56.3% field goal shooting. But is the tough love really getting to the Husky No. 5?

Tough love or too much? Auriemma’s criticism of Bueckers sparks debate

DeMita acknowledged these ups and downs, saying, “Paige is having a good season so far. I don’t think it’s her greatest performance or her greatest season so far. And she’s struggled in a couple of these games. I do hope that she finds a way to really have that star season that she deserves before she goes to the WNBA.”

Across eight games in the 2024–25 season, her performance, while strong, does mark a slight decline from her 2023–24 season averages, where she posted 21.9 points per game while grabbing 5.2 rebounds, and making 3.8 assists per game across 39 games. Additionally, her free throw percentage has dipped from 83.4% last season to 79.2% this year.

This season has also seen moments of struggle for Bueckers with some notable uneven performances. In UConn’s 85–52 victory over Louisville, she managed just 8 points but contributed with 10 rebounds and 6 assists. However, during the Baha Mar Women’s Championship, she shined, scoring 29 points against Mississippi on 64.7% shooting from the field. Similarly, on December 4 against Holy Cross, Bueckers scored 11 points on 44.4% shooting, slightly below her season average.

However, one needs to understand that this is Geno Auriemma we are talking about—the winningest coach in NCAA women’s basketball history and the holder of the most NCAA championships (11). Auriemma may simply be employing a tried-and-tested tactic to push Bueckers to her full potential. It’s worth noting that Auriemma has not solely been critical of Bueckers; just eight months ago, he praised her, saying, “She’s been the best player in the postseason in the country.“

Moreover, Paige Bueckers herself holds Auriemma in high regard. Speaking to Alexa Philippou of ESPN, she shared during Auriemma’s winningest coach celebration, “He gives credit to everybody around him, and he doesn’t really take it for himself. But what he’s built here, it’s here because of him, so he definitely downplays it. He doesn’t want to do the whole thing: the celebration, the goats, the ice cream, it’s all extra to him. But he deserves it, and we want to celebrate him, because he doesn’t celebrate himself a lot. So everyone around him will make sure they do that job.”

As UConn strives to capture another national title before Bueckers departs for the WNBA, the relationship between coach and star player will be critical. Whether Auriemma’s fiery remarks galvanize the guard or hinder her remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the spotlight on UConn basketball is brighter—and more scrutinizing—than ever.