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Paige Bueckers Reveals Catchy Nickname For UConn Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Nov 21, 2024 9:19 AM ET

University of Connecticut women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma was already one of the most universally respected names in basketball, but his 1,217th career win on Wednesday cemented his legacy even further.

After Auriemma broke the record for most wins by a coach in college basketball history, UConn guard Paige Bueckers reacted to her coach's historic win in a way that only she could.

College basketball fans, WNBA teams and the staff at UConn's Gampel Pavilion all leaned into the "Greatest of all Time" (GOAT) moniker for Auriemma.

Bueckers bucked the trend and hailed her distinguished coach on Instagram with a catchy nickname that only she could get away with calling him.

Bueckers, a redshirt senior, has built a unique bond with Auriemma during her five years in Storrs.

The UConn guard shared that he gave her the confidence to "go to his office at any point" during her up and down career, which has included a National Player of the Year award, multiple knee injuries and three trips to the Final Four.

Paige Bueckers on what Geno Auriemma has meant to her outside of basketball:

"Just knowing I could go to his office at any point, ask him anything, ask him for a favor - he'll always have an answer and do anything for his players" pic.twitter.com/Tsu9wAA2Qm
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) November 21, 2024

The respect goes both ways. Auriemma has complimented Bueckers on being a "different star " from the many women's basketball legends he has coached over the years, including Breanna Stewart, Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.

Before last season's Elite Eight matchup with JuJu Watkins and USC, he referred to Bueckers as "the best player in America." WNBA scouts reportedly agree , as she is projected to be drafted with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft belonging to the Dallas Wings.

"We have the best player in America. And everyone that watched, knows it."

️ Geno on @paigebueckers1 ⬇️#MarchMadness x @UConnWBB pic.twitter.com/aRo2O8ImC5
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 26, 2024

Bueckers' inside joke of a nickname for Auriemma, which she revealed on her Instagram story after his 1,217th win is a little more goofy, but every bit as reverential.

"Himothy," Bueckers proudly declared on Auriemma's historic night.

She will try to help him bring home win No. 1,218 at the Baha Mar Women's Championship, a Thanksgiving-week showcase in the Bahamas beginning on Monday with a matchup against Oregon State.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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