After securing a spot in the Final Four, UConn’s Paige Bueckers and head coach Geno Auriemma took a moment to reflect. Sitting at the post-game press conference, Auriemma highlighted a particular detail in the box score: four turnovers. Rather than focus on her game-high 31 points, perfect 50% shooting from beyond the arc, or her solid defense with four steals, Auriemma pointed out the mistakes.

“What was that?” he asked, referring to the turnovers.

Bueckers, ever the optimist, quickly countered, “Look, I got it back. Four steals.” Auriemma laughed, knowing she had indeed balanced out the mishaps. She’s the type of player who finds a way to rebound from adversity, often bringing her coach back from his deep critiques and back into the moment of success.

Auriemma, famous for his attention to detail and relentless focus on improvement, has found a complementary balance in Bueckers. While Auriemma constantly anticipates worst-case scenarios and works to perfect his team’s weaknesses, Bueckers remains steadfast in her belief that UConn is always on the path to victory, even through rough patches.

“Her mentality is always: ‘This is what I did to help us win.’ She’s not worried about the mistakes,” Auriemma said. “I’ve always admired that in her.”

Together, they make the perfect pair: Auriemma’s determination to constantly evolve meets Bueckers’ unwavering optimism, making them an unstoppable duo as UConn moves toward another national title.

UConn’s Relentless Drive for the Final Four

On Monday night, despite the turnovers, Bueckers’ performance led the Huskies to a dominant 78-64 victory over USC, advancing them to the Final Four. This marks the 24th Final Four appearance under Auriemma’s leadership, and Bueckers’ fourth. The victory was low-key, with no grand celebration — no cutting down the nets or dramatic fanfare. Instead, a team staff member quietly placed the UConn sticker on the tournament bracket, marking another step toward the ultimate goal.

UConn’s culture is built around excellence and consistency, not over-the-top celebrations. For Auriemma, the tradition has always been to focus on what’s next. There’s always another challenge to face, another championship to chase.

While other teams revel in the moment, UConn focuses on the journey. This level of sustained success — 16 Final Fours in 17 years — is unmatched, thanks in no small part to Auriemma’s leadership and players like Bueckers, who embrace the program’s legacy and push it forward.

The Drive for a National Championship

For Bueckers, coming to UConn was about more than just reaching the Final Four. It was about winning national championships. While she’s already accomplished the former, the latter still eludes her. Auriemma has remained silent on how much he wants this title for Bueckers, but it’s clear that, after all they’ve been through together — from injuries to pandemic disruptions — he’s deeply invested in her success.

When Auriemma handed Bueckers and her senior teammates the regional championship trophy after the win against USC, there was a palpable sense that there was still more to come. Bueckers had never held a national championship trophy, and both she and Auriemma knew this was the next step.

“I think she’s one of the most unique players I’ve ever coached,” Auriemma said after the win, reflecting on Bueckers’ ability to handle the immense pressures of fame and expectations, all while continuing to deliver at the highest level. “She’s proven that she can handle everything that comes with being a star.”

Auriemma’s Legacy and Bueckers’ Impact

Nearly 40 years into his career, Auriemma has coached countless standout players, including legends like Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Rebecca Lobo, and Diana Taurasi. The game has evolved, but Auriemma’s philosophy remains the same: find the best players, cultivate their potential, and win championships. With Bueckers, he has a player who not only embodies that philosophy but also brings something extra to the table.

Bueckers has adapted to the changing landscape of women’s college basketball, from the emergence of NIL to the growing global attention on the sport. Through it all, she has remained poised and determined to elevate her program. For Auriemma, watching Bueckers navigate these challenges has only deepened his respect for her.

“She’s always seeing the best in everyone,” Auriemma said. “It’s refreshing.”

Looking Ahead: A Final Championship Run

As UConn continues its march toward the NCAA championship, there are still two games to be played and one final trophy to win. Auriemma and Bueckers are on the verge of achieving what they’ve worked so hard for: a national championship. Auriemma may have spent years pushing her to her limits, but he knows Bueckers is more than capable of leading UConn to the ultimate prize.

Bueckers believes in her team’s potential, and Auriemma, having coached her through the highs and lows, has come to trust her optimism.

“I’m really going to miss her,” Auriemma said, almost catching himself. “But we’re not done yet. There’s still more to do.”

With Bueckers at the helm and Auriemma guiding her, UConn is poised to chase down its next championship — and perhaps finally reach the pinnacle that has eluded them both. The journey is far from over, and with Bueckers leading the charge, there’s every reason to believe they’ll reach their goal