"What comes out of my mouth is facts": Paige Bueckers gets mic'd up during practice with teammates
After showcasing Paige Bueckers, KK Arnold and other program stars in their first practice mixtape, the UConn Huskies dropped another mix on Saturday. This one focuses specifically on Bueckers, highlighting her mic'd up moments. In the video, Bueckers knocked down some shots and trash-talked with the opposing team.
Bueckers also questions their competitiveness before sharing a special moment with Allie Ziebell, confidently encouraging her to keep shooting, assuring her that she'll make her next shot. When Ziebell expressed doubt, Bueckers churned out a special statement for the fans.
"Hey, the next shot you shoot is going to go in," Bueckers said. "No, I told you. What comes out of my mouth is facts."
Paige Bueckers has been the leader of the Huskies since 2020. However, this season marks the toughest stretch for both, Bueckers and the program. Even though Bueckers has maintained a certain caliber of basketball, the Huskies are yet to lift an NCAA title under her leadership.
So, even when Bueckers had a clear route to become a lottery pick and be a WNBA player this summer, she chose to postpone her big league dreams in order to run it back with UConn and contend for a title.
Geno Auriemma praised Paige Bueckers after her commitment
When the Huskies landed the commitment of the best player in the 2020 class, Bueckers was the most sought-after player in the nation. Her creativity on the floor, ability to score in bunches, floor vision and defensive tenacity were one of a kind, something that even Team USA attempted to foster.
However, Paige Bueckers chose UConn as quick as possible in 2019, citing the program's heritage, Geno Auriemma's coaching acumen, and the opportunity to create an immediate impact.
"I am going to be saying, ‘You know what, we wouldn’t have won the national championship without her [Paige],’" Auriemma said after garnering Bueckers' commitment.
"That is what I am going to say. By herself, she can’t win anything. But with the people I think we are going to surround her with, I think we can do great things."
Auriemma felt Bueckers would make UConn a contender right away. The challenge was adding a good mix of pieces and culture around her.
Apart from extending her WNBA entry, Paige Bueckers went through her initial college stretch with constant injuries and missed the 2022-23 season.