It was the sixth consecutive Big East tournament championship for Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies after a 90-51 victory over Villanova. Several players won all four titles during their college careers, including star guard Azzi Fudd and superstar Paige Bueckers, who are also part of this dominant history.
Although the star graduated and was drafted into the WNBA a season ago, she visited the premises and even humorously boasted about her professional career. Geno Auriemma also made a witty remark at Bueckers with the “Dennis the Menace” label.
Geno Auriemma Fears Paige Bueckers’ Possible Taunt
South Carolina lost the tournament final to Texas, ending its run of three consecutive championships. But Coach Dawn Staley reminded her South Carolina Team their loss to Texas could spark another national championship run. Although she spoke about it to encourage her team, if the Gamecocks win the title, it could be a different issue for Auriemma.
“I think Paige is still in the picture today because I think they would be really pissed if we didn’t win this thing at the threat of her saying, ‘I knew you couldn’t do it without me,’” Auriemma said after UConn clinched the Big East title.
Geno Auriemma on the motivation of this year's NCAA Tournament
— UConn Women’s Basketball Videos (@SNYUConn) March 10, 2026
"I think Paige [Bueckers] is still in the picture today. They would be really really pissed if we didn't win this thing at the threat of her saying 'I know you couldn't do it without me'" 😂 pic.twitter.com/Q0Squ29RV2
“And that probably motivates them more than anything. Their respect for her is so great that I think they probably went into this season with that spectre of, well, they just lost arguably the best player in the country last year,” Auriemma added.
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While the 2026 team is one of the favorites for the title, it is currently on an unbeaten run. Yet the coach sees his 2025 champion side as a better team, just one player.
Geno Auriemma Sees Paige Bueckers As Difference Maker
The 2026 UConn team’s dominance was one of a kind. They were an undefeated side and also won games by huge margins. The roster ranks third among NCAAW programs in season point differential. The first two teams were also Huskies teams under Auriemma. Yet the 71-year-old coach sees the 2024-25 team as better equipped.
In the interview, he said, “I don’t know that you take one of the top five players in the WNBA off your team and say you’re better. I don’t know how I can justify saying that. There are a lot of times when I watch us play and I say, that wouldn’t have happened if we had Paige … We’re a much different team than we were last year, correct. But to say that we’re a better team than we were last year? I don’t buy that.”
Geno Auriemma isn’t buying that this year’s UConn squad is better than last season’s national title team 👀 pic.twitter.com/Dthbi4sGmq
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) March 2, 2026
It seems that PB still has an impact on the UConn program and wins. Coach Auriemma is also looking to help the Dallas Wings progress in the league, helping them to understand the 2025 rookies’ impact.