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WNBA Reacts to Geno Auriemma’s Move for Paige Bueckers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 1:10 AM ET

Before Paige Bueckers broke into the WNBA as a rookie this season, she was a big-time star at UConn. She led the school to the women's NCAA championship just a couple of months ago and won a slew of individual awards during her time there.

While there, Bueckers was coached by Geno Auriemma, who has been at the helm of UConn women's basketball since 1985. During his time there, he has become one of the more decorated coaches in the history of the sport.

On Tuesday, when Bueckers' Dallas Wings took on the Golden State Valkyries, Auriemma took some time during the NCAA offseason to show up and show his support for not only Bueckers but also Kaitlyn Chen, who is a member of Golden State's roster.

A familiar face in the crowd in Dallas

Coach Geno Auriemma is sitting courtside to support his former @uconnwbb players Paige Bueckers and Kaitlyn Chen!

GSV-DAL on League Pass | WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase pic.twitter.com/aBkUL6IP8u
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 18, 2025

In his time as the Huskies' coach, Auriemma has won a record 12 national championships. Nineteen times, they have gone undefeated in conference play with him in charge, and he has also guided them to a perfect season six times.

He also coached Team USA women's basketball to two Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016.

Bueckers averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.1 steals a game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 42.3% from 3-point range during her time at UConn. She missed all of the 2022-23 season because of a torn ACL, but she came back and continued to play at a high level.

On Tuesday, she dropped 20 points and made half of her 18 field-goal attempts while adding four steals and two blocks. On the season, she's averaging 17.7 points and 5.7 assists per contest while shooting 47.2% overall.

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

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