Paige Bueckers returning to UConn next season
Paige Bueckers is coming back.
As chants of "one more year" rang down on the court at Gampel Pavilion following UConn's 85-44 win over Georgetown on Senior Night, Bueckers addressed the crowd on her future.
“I can’t put into words what this program has meant to me,” she said. “…Obviously, these four years didn’t go how I planned or how I wanted it to go but wouldn’t trade it for the world. I wouldn’t be able to get through what I went through without everybody here. Thank you to best fans in the country. I know everyone wants me to address the elephant in the room. Unfortunately, this will not be my last Senior Night here at UConn.”
Bueckers was among four seniors honored, including Aaliyah Edwards, Nika Muhl and Aubrey Griffin, all of whom are eligible to return next year.
Only Griffin, who is out with a torn ACL, declared she would also return next year.
Bueckers, who missed last year with an ACL injury of her own, has had her future in question for most of the season as many wondered if she would enter the 2024 WNBA Draft where she could potentially be the top pick.
SNY’s Chelsea Sherrod asked what went into the decision to stay.
“The family camaraderie here. Loving it here. Loving my teammates, loving my coaches," she said. "Me not having the four years I planned out, not being able to play as much. I just feel like I’m not done yet here. I feel like God is still writing my story here. Just blessed to be a part of this program and never want it to end.”
