Canada Sport News

Geno Auriemma of UConn praises Paige Bueckers as the top player in America
  • Game coverage - story, March Madness 2024
    •

    Geno Auriemma of UConn praises Paige Bueckers as the top player in America

    You can have Caitlin Clark, JuJu Watkins and Cameron Brink, UConn’s Geno Auriemma is rolling with Paige Bueckers seven days a week and twice on Sundays.

    Following UConn’s 72-64 win over Syracuse in the second round of the women’s March Madness tournament, Auriemma made a bold assertion, stating without a shadow of a doubt that his superstar guard is the best player in the country.

    “We have the best player in America,” Auriemma said in the post-game press conference. “In this world of analytics, the numbers say that she is. And the whole stat sheet says that she is. And everybody that watched knows it.”

    Bueckers was outstanding in the second-round win, dismantling Syracuse to the tune of 32 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, four steals and a block. She was also unbelievable in their first-round win over Jackson State, finishing with a final stat line of 28 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block.

    Her performance in the tourney is one that was sorely missed after she tore her ACL ahead of the 2022-23 season, causing her to miss the entirety of the year.

    The Huskies would be eliminated in the Sweet 16 that season in a 73-61 loss to Ohio State, their worst finish since the 2005 tournament.

    “We’re fortunate and we get to go back to where it ended for us last year,” Auriemma added. “I think we’re a different team, different mindset, and we’re hoping for a different outcome.”

    That may just be the case in this go-around with former Wooden Award winner Paige Bueckers and star Canadian forward Aaliyah Edwards leading the team.

    Auriemma, arguably the most successful coach in college basketball history, will be looking to make the most of the rest of his time with Bueckers. Though he’s already got 11 National Titles to his name, he’ll have a chance at two more while the star guard plays in Storrs, as she opted to return to UConn for a fifth year, pulling her name out of the WNBA Draft.

    Edwards, however, will not return as she will be taking her talents to the league.

    UConn was in line for a rematch with the No. 2-seeded Ohio State in the Sweet 16, however, the Buckeyes ended up dropping their second-round matchup to Duke in an upset 75-63 loss.

    The Huskies’ match against the Blue Devils is slated for Saturday.

    More from Sportsnet
    Clark scores 32, top seed Iowa survives to beat West Virginia


    Women’s March Madness Roundup: UConn, Gonzaga advance

    Geno Auriemma, the legendary head coach of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, has heaped praise on freshman sensation Paige Bueckers, calling her the top player in America. Bueckers, a highly touted recruit out of Minnesota, has taken the college basketball world by storm in her first season with the Huskies.

    Auriemma, who has coached some of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, including Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore, has been effusive in his praise for Bueckers. In a recent press conference, he lauded her skill, basketball IQ, and leadership on and off the court.

    “Paige is a once-in-a-generation talent,” Auriemma said. “She has an incredible feel for the game, an uncanny ability to make her teammates better, and a work ethic that is second to none. She is the complete package and is already one of the best players in the country.”

    Bueckers has lived up to the hype so far this season, leading the Huskies in scoring and assists while also showcasing her defensive prowess. She has been instrumental in UConn’s success, helping them to a perfect record and a top ranking in the national polls.

    Despite being just a freshman, Bueckers has already drawn comparisons to some of the all-time greats in women’s basketball. Her poise, maturity, and skill level have impressed not only Auriemma but also fans and analysts across the country.

    As UConn looks to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this year, Bueckers will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success. With Auriemma’s endorsement as the top player in America, the sky is truly the limit for this young phenom. Fans of women’s basketball should keep a close eye on Paige Bueckers as she continues to make her mark on the sport.