When UConn finally reclaimed the national title Sunday night, April 6, after an eight-year drought, the moment meant more than just cutting nets. As the Huskies stormed to an 82–59 win over South Carolina Gamecocks, another name echoed across the basketball world—Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.
The young girl who once dreamed of playing in that jersey may be gone, but her spirit was everywhere. From the court to Instagram Stories, Gigi’s memory came flooding back. And no one captured that emotion better than her mother, Vanessa Bryant.
Vanessa Bryant’s Tribute to Gigi Strikes Emotional Chord
As the final buzzer rang in Amalie Arena, basketball fans everywhere celebrated UConn’s record-breaking 12th national championship. But for many, one message hit differently.
Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram and shared a story that tugged at every heartstring. She wrote: “When you think you can’t, UCONN’ ~ Gianna Bryant” and followed it up with, “Gigi would’ve loved being there with you. Congratulations @genoauriemma @uconnwbb.”
That simple post said it all. The message wasn’t just a quote. It was a memory, and a reminder of a little girl’s dream. Gianna had always wanted to play for Geno Auriemma. She admired UConn like no other program.
“She is hellbent on UConn,” Kobe Bryant had said in a 2018 interview. “She loves Gabby Williams, absolutely loves Gabby.”
She didn’t just love the game. She studied it. She learned from UConn’s wins. But more importantly, from their losses too. Just like her father.
Overtime WBB later shared a compilation post that brought everything full circle. It included Vanessa’s post and Kobe’s old video, where he gushed about Gigi’s passion. The caption read: “Gigi would be so proud of her team🥹💙”
And on this night, that message felt even bigger. It had been nearly a decade since UConn’s last championship. But this wasn’t just a return, it was a takeover. A reminder of why the Huskies are a dynasty.
And with this title, Auriemma officially passed the legendary Pat Summitt to become the best coach in women’s college basketball history. Auriemma has led the UConn Huskies to 12 national championships, the most by any coach in both men’s and women’s college basketball.
Gianna Bryant’s UConn Dream Lives On
UConn’s performance on the championship night was pure dominance. Huskies’ star Paige Bueckers led the charge with 17 points, making her the third-highest NCAA Tournament scorer ever. Azzi Fudd, back from an ACL tear, was electric with 24 points and five rebounds. She also crossed the 1,000 career-point mark.
And then there was freshman Sarah Strong. She made 24-point, 15-rebound double-double, her fourth of the tournament and the most by any freshman since 2010. She was also named the 2025 WBCA NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year and she deserves that. Auriemma couldn’t stop smiling.
“These guys gotta rebound better,” he joked early in the game. “Right now, Sarah’s the only one.”
Turns out, she was more than enough. And on the historic night, so was Gigi’s legacy.