Paige Bueckers is one of the most recognized players in women's college basketball. On Friday, the Connecticut Huskies superstar told a crowd inside Gampel Pavilion that she will return next season.
Bueckers' announcement has major implications across the entire landscape of women's college basketball. Through 27 games, Bueckers is averaging 20 points per game, tying her career-high. She was projected to be a lottery pick in this year's WNBA draft.
The 22-year-old Huskies guard ended speculation about her future during a postgame ceremony on UConn's senior night.
“I know everyone wants me to address the elephant in the room. Unfortunately, this will not be my last senior night at UConn. I will be back,” he said.
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Connecticut's Paige Bueckers (5) drives to the basket during the first half of a first-round game against Mercer in the NCAA Tournament on March 19, 2022, in Storrs, Connecticut. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Bueckers also thanked fans and students for their support during his time in Storrs, Connecticut.
“I can't put into words what this program has meant to me, what you have meant to me, the best student section in the country,” Bueckers said.
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“Thanks guys. Obviously, these four years didn't go how I planned or how I wanted them to go, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I couldn't get through what I went through without everyone here. So thanks to the best fans in the country.”
Bueckers has received numerous awards during his impressive career with the Huskies. In 2021, he was a unanimous first-team All-American.
Paige Bueckers of the UConn Huskies controls the ball against the High Point Panthers during the first half of a first-round game of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
She also took home virtually every major college basketball award that year, including the John R. Wooden Award, the Naismith College Player of the Year award and The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year honors.
The Huskies advanced to the Final Four that season. But since then, Bueckers has faced multiple setbacks. He underwent ankle surgery following his breakout freshman campaign. He then missed 19 games in his second season after undergoing a procedure to repair an anterior tibial plateau fracture and a meniscus tear in his leg.
Paige Bueckers of the Connecticut Huskies watches warmups before a game against the Louisville Cardinals at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena on December 19, 2021, in Uncasville, Connecticut. (G Fiume/Getty Images)
He returned to the lineup in 2022 and helped lead UConn to a national championship appearance, before tearing his ACL the following summer and missing his junior year.
Bueckers' return is one of the few pieces of good news the Huskies have had on the injury front, as Azzi Fudd and Aubrey Griffin were lost to injuries this season. UConn is 22-5.
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Bueckers had the option to return to Connecticut due to the 2022-23 medical redshirt season. He could also suit up for the Huskies for a sixth season if he decided to take advantage of the COVID-19 eligibility extension.
Longtime Huskies coach Geno Auriemma also attempted to end speculation that he would retire, saying he would return next season.
“Yes, I will be back,” Auriemma told reporters.
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