Mar 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) helps up guard Devin Booker (1) from the floor during the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'Just An All Around Monster': Paige Bueckers Gets High Praise From Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 1:07 PM ET

UConn Huskies star player Paige Bueckers just won her first college championship with her team, and even great names from the NBA couldn’t help but give her credit for the achievement.

In a post on X, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant expressed his admiration towards the UConn Huskies, particularly Paige Bueckers, as they made history by winning their 12th NCAA championship title.

“Azzi is just surgical..Paige is just an all-around monster….Sarah strong, my goodness, how did u get so good so early??? Great bump on ESPN,” Durant wrote.

Azzi is just surgical..Paige is just an all around monster….Sarah strong, my goodness, how did u get so good so early??? Great bump on espn

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) April 6, 2025

The journey of Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies captivated both fans and analysts alike. Sports analyst Rebecca Lboo, who also won her college championship in her final year, described Buecker’s journey as “storybook.”

“It’s truly storybook,” Lobo said. “For her and the journey that she’s had, what she’s been through, I think, too, it means so much because of all the trials and tribulations she’s had along the way.”

Lobo also played for UConn, and won the championship in the last year of her tenure.

In a post game press interview, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma had a heartfelt description of the bond he and Bueckers share in this journey.

“[Bueckers’] journey,” he said, “has been the most incredible for any kid I’ve had.”

Paige Bueckers Leads Huskies in 12th Championship Title

Paige Bueckers led the UConn Huskies to secure their record 12th NCAA women’s basketball national championship with a dominant 82-59 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks.

From the opening tip, UConn set the tone with their defensive intensity and efficient offense, building a double-digit lead by halftime. Azzi Fudd and freshman Sarah Strong were instrumental, each contributing 24 points, while Strong also grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out five assists. The Gamecocks, despite their strong season, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 34% from the field and failing to have a player score in double figures until late in the game.

Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Commended By Gordon Ramsay In UConn Title Run 3 Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Kaitlyn Chen (20) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates 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

Bueckers delivered a memorable performance, scoring 17 points and surpassing Maya Moore for the most career NCAA tournament points by a UConn player with 477. Her leadership and poise were evident throughout the game, as she orchestrated the Huskies’ offense and made key plays when it mattered most.

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

Throughout her college career, Paige Bueckers played 119 games, averaging 19.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Her shooting efficiency was remarkable, with a 53.3% field goal percentage, 42.1% from three-point range, and 85.1% from the free-throw line.

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

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