Geno Auriemma, the legendary head coach of the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, recently shared a humorous and unexpected comparison of Paige Bueckers as she embarks on her WNBA journey with the Dallas Wings.

After leading UConn to a national championship victory, Auriemma reflected on Bueckers’ impact on the program. Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, made a significant mark during her four years at UConn, and Auriemma couldn’t help but express his admiration for her talent.

However, he also made a playful comparison to the classic comic-strip character “Dennis the Menace,” known for his mischievous antics. “You know, charming, cute kid, means well, but just cannot help themselves,” Auriemma said, according to Sean Gregory at TIME Magazine. “They have to do something on the court, off the court, say something to let you know that there’s some mischief lurking in there.”

Though Bueckers may not have been recognized for her defensive skills or efficiency at times, Auriemma was quick to highlight her offensive brilliance. As one of the most talented scorers and playmakers in women’s basketball, Bueckers averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in her final season with the Huskies.

In her last game with UConn, Bueckers led the Huskies to a commanding 82-59 win over South Carolina in the national title game, solidifying her place as one of the brightest stars in college basketball.