The last time Connecticut saw Paige Bueckers, she was donning the #5 jersey for UConn, walking off the court into a tearful embrace from her longtime mentor and coach, Geno Auriemma. With 1:32 minutes left in the Huskies’ dominant victory over South Carolina, Bueckers knew that those would be her final moments playing college basketball.
It was an emotional night for the star guard, who had made a name for herself in her one and only season with the Huskies. Bueckers had captured the hearts of fans with her incredible talent and leadership on the court, and her departure left a void in the UConn program. But little did anyone know, Bueckers’ journey was far from over.
After being selected first overall in the 2021 WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings, Bueckers wasted no time in making an impact in the professional league. In her first game with the Wings, she led the team to their first win of the season against the Los Angeles Sparks. But it was not just her impressive performance on the court that caught everyone’s attention, it was the emotional significance of the night that made it truly special.
Bueckers’ former coach and mentor, Auriemma, was in attendance at the game, showing his support for his former player. But it was not just a simple show of support, it was a testament to the strong bond between the two. Auriemma had been instrumental in Bueckers’ development as a player, and their emotional embrace on her final night at UConn was a symbol of the special relationship they shared.
But the emotional ties did not end there. Bueckers’ Wings coach, Vickie Johnson, also had a special connection with the star guard. Johnson had been an assistant coach at UConn during Bueckers’ time there, and the two had formed a strong bond. So when Bueckers joined the Wings, she was not just joining a new team, she was reuniting with her former coach and mentor, making the moment even more special.
And it was this bond that led to an extra film session between Bueckers and Johnson before her first game with the Wings. Bueckers had been struggling with her shot in the previous games, and Johnson wanted to help her get back on track. The two spent hours watching film, analyzing Bueckers’ game and making adjustments.
The result? Bueckers’ best performance yet in the WNBA. She finished the game with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, leading the Wings to their first win of the season. But it was not just her stats that stood out, it was her confidence and poise on the court. Bueckers looked like a seasoned veteran, not a rookie playing in her third professional game.
After the game, Bueckers credited the film session with Johnson for her improved performance. She also expressed her gratitude for the support and guidance she had received from Auriemma and Johnson throughout her basketball journey. It was clear that the emotional ties between Bueckers and her coaches had played a crucial role in her success.
But it was not just about the emotional connections. Bueckers’ talent and hard work were also evident on the court. She had proven that she was more than just a college star, she was a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA. Her ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and execute on both ends of the court had earned her the respect and admiration of her teammates and opponents alike.
As Bueckers continues to make her mark in the WNBA, it is clear that her journey is far from over. She has already shown that she has what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and with the support of her coaches and teammates, the sky is the limit for this young star.
In the end, it was an emotional night for Paige Bueckers, but it was also a night of triumph and new beginnings. Her extra film session with her Wings coach paid off, as she led her team to their first win and proved that she is a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA. And as she continues to make her mark in the league, one thing is for sure – the bond between Bueckers and
