Mar 10, 2025; Uncasville, CT, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) holds her “Most Outstanding Player” trophy as the team celebrates their Big East Championship win over the Creighton Bluejays at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

'I Almost Cried On TV': Sue Bird Reacts To Paige Bueckers, Geno Auriemma’s Emotional Embrace After Winning NCAA Championship

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 10:45 AM ET

When the final buzzer sounded, Paige Bueckers and Geno Auriemma shared an emotional moment at center court after the UConn Huskies clinched their 12th national championship with an 82-59 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday.

The heartfelt embrace between coach and star player touched many, including WNBA legend Sue Bird.

In Thursday’s episode of A Touch More: The Podcast, Bird—joined by fellow WNBA icon Diana Taurasi—shared her thoughts on the moment, reflecting on her own time playing under Auriemma at UConn.

“I even got emotional watching that embrace between Paige and Coach Auriemma,” Bird said. “I know what it’s like to deal with injuries in college, have time taken away, but then finish on top.”

“That hug was almost the exact same one I gave Coach Auriemma—albeit a thousand years ago. I almost cried on TV. I don’t think I’ve ever cried, even for my own accomplishments.”

What’s next for Geno and Paige?

The long embrace, capped with the words “I love you,” was the perfect send-off for Bueckers, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Auriemma captured his 12th title while helping Bueckers finish her collegiate career on the highest note. More than a coach, he has served as a father figure to many of his players, giving them the platform to thrive.

Jan 22, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) is recognized with head coach Geno Auriemma for her 2000 career points before the start of the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Now, with a championship ring and a standout season behind her, Bueckers heads to the pros, ready to make her mark in the WNBA.

Meanwhile, UConn remains in capable hands. Auriemma is set to mentor sophomore forward Sarah Strong, who appears ready to take the torch.

Barack Obama Commends Paige Bueckers, UConn Huskies On NCAA Championship 7 Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) is interviewed by ESPN reporter Holly Rowe after the national championship of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Strong delivered a breakout performance in the championship game, scoring 24 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out five assists. Her dominance on both ends showed that the Huskies’ future is in good shape.

Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates with her teammates after winning the national championship of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

As UConn looks to defend its title next season, all eyes will be on Strong and her development under Auriemma’s guidance. With her potential and his leadership, the Huskies may not be done collecting trophies just yet.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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