April 2025 — The WNBA Draft conversation has taken a surprising turn, and Geno Auriemma is not having it.

The legendary UConn women’s basketball coach, known for his fierce loyalty and honest opinions, has gone on the record slamming recent draft projections that show his star player, Paige Bueckers, slipping in the 2025 mock draft rankings. The cause? According to several analysts, with Caitlin Clark now in the WNBA, the “national buzz” around college basketball has shifted — and Bueckers’ stock has “cooled off.”

Geno wasn’t buying it.

“So let me get this straight — Caitlin Clark leaves, and suddenly Paige Bueckers isn’t elite anymore?”
“You guys need to actually watch the games. This isn’t fantasy basketball. This is reality. Paige is one of the best players I’ve ever coached.”

And that’s saying a lot, coming from the man who coached Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart.

A Comeback Worth Noticing

Let’s rewind for a second. After suffering a torn ACL that sidelined her for an entire season, Paige Bueckers returned in 2024 with a vengeance. She not only led UConn back to Final Four contention but did so averaging over 20 points, 5 assists, and shooting nearly 50% from the field.

She looked sharper, more mature, and arguably better than ever. On top of that, her leadership was off the charts — guiding a young UConn team through injuries, pressure, and the nation’s toughest schedule.

So, when draft projections recently ranked her outside the top five, Geno saw red.

“That’s beyond disrespectful. She’s been nothing but consistent, dominant, and reliable. What else do people want?”

According to some scouts, Bueckers’ “marketability” has been overshadowed by incoming stars like JuJu Watkins, Angel Reese, and even LSU’s Mikaylah Williams. But Geno argues that draft value isn’t just about hype — it’s about who can win you games right now.

“You’re telling me there are five players in this draft who make their team better than Paige does? You’re kidding yourselves.”

Fans & Former Players Back Paige

The backlash from fans was just as loud. After mock drafts went viral, social media exploded with reactions defending Bueckers:

“You must’ve forgotten what Paige did to South Carolina last year.”

“She’s the most clutch player in college hoops. Y’all are sleeping.”

“Put her on any WNBA team and she’s a difference-maker DAY ONE.”

Even former UConn stars weighed in. Sue Bird tweeted,

“Paige is built different. Don’t let the quiet fool you. She’s a killer.”

Breanna Stewart added,

“WNBA GMs better do their homework. Whoever drafts Paige is getting a franchise player.”

The Paige Effect

What makes Bueckers special isn’t just her stats. It’s her poise. Her control of the game. Her ability to rise in big moments. She’s not the loudest, she’s not the flashiest — but she’s one of the most complete guards the game has seen in years.

And with Clark gone, there’s a vacuum in college basketball’s spotlight. While many expected Bueckers to slide seamlessly into that role, it seems the media is shifting its attention elsewhere.

Geno sees that as a mistake.

“Everyone wants the next viral moment. Paige doesn’t play for the camera. She plays to win.”

He also noted that Bueckers didn’t complain once when Clark received all the attention last season.

“She could’ve said, ‘What about me?’ But she didn’t. She just worked. That’s who she is.”

What’s Next For Paige?

With the 2025 WNBA Draft less than a year away, there’s still time for narratives to shift. If Bueckers stays healthy and continues to dominate in her senior season, the so-called “draft slip” might turn into motivation.

And Geno has no doubt about that.

“She’ll prove them wrong. She doesn’t need to talk. Her game will do that just fine.”

As the college season approaches, expect Bueckers to be on a mission — not just to lead UConn back to championship glory, but to remind the world exactly who she is.

A baller. A leader. A winner.

And if the draft boards don’t reflect that soon?

They’ll regret it.