The UConn Huskies women’s basketball team once again proved its dominance, completing a flawless 31-0 regular season – the ninth undefeated regular season in program history.
Yet even amid that sustained excellence, head coach Geno Auriemma recently made it clear just how much former star Paige Bueckers still means to the program following her move to the Dallas Wings.
Throughout her collegiate career in Storrs, Bueckers and Auriemma developed a relationship built on high standards, sharp feedback, and mutual respect.
Their dynamic was rarely sentimental. Praise was sparing, critiques were frequent, and the competitive fire between them often fueled growth. That context made Auriemma‘s recent public comments all the more striking.
“I don’t know that you take away one of the top five players in the WNBA off your team and say you’re better,” Auriemma said. “I don’t know how I can justify saying that. There are a lot of times when I watch us play and I say, that wouldn’t have happened if we had Paige.
“I have a few more players that we can trust to put on the court. And that’s why I said I think we’re different. We have a different way of playing. We have different options. But none of those guys I bring off the bench are Paige.”
The acknowledgment that her absence is still felt resonated deeply – even catching Bueckers off guard.
“It’s super weird to hear him compliment me,” Paige said. “Because I didn’t really get that much when I was there. So, it was very nice to hear him talk about me in that regard, and I love him dearly.”
UConn’s depth fuels dominance despite major departure
While Bueckers‘ departure marked the end of an era, the current iteration of the UConn Huskies has leaned into depth and versatility.
Standouts like Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd have taken significant strides, providing scoring punch and poise in key moments. New addition Serah Williams has bolstered the frontcourt, offering size and rebounding that complement the team’s perimeter strength.
Even former starter Jana El Alfy has transitioned into a bench role, highlighting the roster’s balance and adaptability.
The result is a team that may look stylistically different from past UConn squads but remains firmly in championship contention. Their ability to maintain elite standards without a singular focal point speaks to the program’s culture – one shaped in part by players like Bueckers.
Bueckers addresses WNBA CBA uncertainty
As Bueckers establishes herself with the Dallas Wings, she is also confronting challenges beyond the hardwood.
The WNBA is currently locked in tense negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, with a March 10 deadline casting uncertainty over the 2026 season.
The league recently proposed allowing rookie-scale players to qualify for max salaries in Year 4 if they are named to an All-WNBA First or Second Team – a change that could directly impact rising stars like Bueckers.
“At this point, it’s not really a negotiation anymore,” Bueckers said. “Like, both sides aren’t moving. So I feel like we need to continue to have these conversations, continue to actually have change implemented for us to move on our stance.
“We as players, we don’t want to strike. We want to have a season. I love playing basketball. That’s all I want to do. But again, there are things that need to be handled, and we want to do it as professionals.”
The situation underscores the balancing act elite athletes often face – excelling competitively while advocating for fair treatment and long-term security.
Even as the UConn Huskies continue their dominant run, Bueckers‘ influence remains woven into the program’s identity. At the same time, her voice in ongoing labor discussions reflects her evolving role – not just as a star player, but as a leader navigating the broader realities of professional sports.
Read the full article here
