Big-time players show up in big-time moments, and on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Paige Bueckers proved precisely that. In a championship game with college basketball fans glued to their screens, Bueckers led the UConn Huskies with 17 crucial points, helping the program clinch its 12th national title. Coach Geno Auriemma stood proud, watching one of his brightest stars shine in the college spotlight one last time.
But before we talk about her WNBA future, let’s rewind and revisit how Bueckers carved out her legacy in a Huskies uniform, year by year.
Paige Bueckers’ High School Career
Bueckers wasn’t just good in high school; she was unstoppable. The Minnesota native wrapped up her high school career at Hopkins High School with 2,877 points, earning multiple national honors, including Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2020.
Known for her silky-smooth handles, clutch shooting, and elite court vision, she committed to UConn in April 2019 and officially joined the team for the 2020–21 season.
2020-21: Historic Freshman Campaign
In her first season, Bueckers averaged 20.0 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting an efficient 52.4% from the field and 46.4% from three-point range.
As a freshman, she was the first to receive the AP Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year trophies. The highlight of her freshman season arrived when she scored 31 points against South Carolina, establishing her as college basketball’s emerging superstar.
2021-22: Injury-Shortened Sophomore Season
Bueckers suffered a tibial plateau fracture in December 2021, which limited her sophomore college basketball season. However, the limited number of games she played (17) did not affect her ability to rack up 14.6 points, 3.9 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game.
“It would be really hard to describe how much basketball means to Paige and how much her teammates mean to her. Not being able to do the thing that she loves to do, to be there for her teammates, is really difficult for her,” said Coach Auriemma when asked about Bueckers’ situation at that time.
2022-23: Medical Redshirt Season
A torn ACL in August 2022 during a pickup game forced Bueckers to miss the 2022-23 season. She used this difficult period to develop her leadership capabilities from the sidelines while undertaking rigorous rehabilitation.
2023-24: Triumphant Return
During her return to basketball, Bueckers demonstrated her commitment and enhanced her basketball performance. During her comeback year, Bueckers averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 steals each game. Her field goal percentage climbed to 53%, alongside a three-point mark of 41.6%.
Bueckers earned second-unanimous First Team All-American honors and was named Big East Most Outstanding Player for the second time. Her performance in the Elite Eight, including 28 points against the USC Trojans, demonstrated her ability to elevate in critical moments.
2024-25: Championship Legacy Secured
In her final collegiate season, Bueckers saved her best for last. Averaging 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, she led UConn with remarkable consistency.
Her career-high 40-point masterpiece in UConn’s Sweet 16 win over Oklahoma on March 29, 2025, showed her ultimate dedication to the game. As mentioned before, by scoring 17 points in the Finals match against South Carolina (82-59), the 23-year-old helped UConn win the championship title.
“I love you. That’s all I can say. I love you,” Auriemma said to Bueckers after the game.
Bueckers didn’t just play for UConn; we can say she defined an era. With 2439 career points, she leaves Storrs as one of the most decorated and admired players in college basketball history.