Paige Bueckers, the standout guard for the UConn Huskies, has made the decision to skip the WNBA Draft and return to college for a fifth season. This announcement came as a pleasant surprise to the home crowd during Senior Night against Georgetown. Bueckers, who is considered one of the best players in college basketball, expressed her gratitude to the fans and revealed that she will be back for another year at UConn.
The 2023-24 season has been a challenging one for the Huskies, as they have been plagued by injuries and have not been able to see Bueckers and her teammate Azzi Fudd, who was also a highly touted recruit, play together for a full season. However, with Bueckers’ decision to return, there will be another opportunity for these two talented players to showcase their skills on the court.
Bueckers’ choice to forego the WNBA Draft was not unexpected. In an interview with The Athletic during her rehab, she mentioned that she had no plans of leaving school early. Due to her medical redshirt season and the additional year of eligibility granted because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Bueckers can play two more seasons at UConn after this one.
While this decision may relieve some pressure on the Huskies heading into the 2024 NCAA Tournament, where they are projected to be a No. 3 seed, it is evident that Bueckers has always excelled in March. Despite her disappointment that her college career did not go exactly as planned, she has had an impressive run at UConn. When healthy, she has led the team to two Big East regular-season titles, two Big East Tournament crowns, and two Final Four appearances. In 2022, she even guided the Huskies to the national title game, which was their first since 2016.
Bueckers has consistently performed at her best in Elite Eight contests, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion. In 2021, she scored 28 points in a thrilling two-point victory against Baylor, and the following year, she contributed 27 points in a double-overtime classic against NC State.
By choosing to return to college, Bueckers has opened up a spot in the WNBA Draft lottery for another player. Her decision has also allowed for speculation about which players might benefit from this opportunity. Names such as Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and even Bueckers’ own UConn teammate Aaliyah Edwards have been mentioned as potential lottery picks.
Ultimately, whenever Bueckers decides to enter the professional ranks, she is sure to be a highly sought-after player. However, for now, her focus remains on adding to her legacy at UConn and helping the team reach the Final Four. With at least two more seasons ahead of her, Bueckers has the chance to contribute to UConn’s record total of 11 national titles.
In conclusion, Paige Bueckers’ decision to return for a fifth season at UConn has delighted fans and provided an exciting prospect for the team’s future. Despite some setbacks, Bueckers has already achieved remarkable success during her time at UConn and is determined to continue making a significant impact on the court. As she looks ahead to the upcoming seasons, there is no doubt that Bueckers will continue to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent and contributions to the game of basketball.