When the final buzzer sounded, Paige Bueckers and Geno Auriemma shared an emotional moment at center court after the UConn Huskies clinched their 12th national championship with an 82-59 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday.
The heartfelt embrace between coach and star player touched many, including WNBA legend Sue Bird.
In Thursday’s episode of A Touch More: The Podcast, Bird—joined by fellow WNBA icon Diana Taurasi—shared her thoughts on the moment, reflecting on her own time playing under Auriemma at UConn.
“I even got emotional watching that embrace between Paige and Coach Auriemma,” Bird said. “I know what it’s like to deal with injuries in college, have time taken away, but then finish on top.”
“That hug was almost the exact same one I gave Coach Auriemma—albeit a thousand years ago. I almost cried on TV. I don’t think I’ve ever cried, even for my own accomplishments.”
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The long embrace, capped with the words “I love you,” was the perfect send-off for Bueckers, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Auriemma captured his 12th title while helping Bueckers finish her collegiate career on the highest note. More than a coach, he has served as a father figure to many of his players, giving them the platform to thrive.
Now, with a championship ring and a standout season behind her, Bueckers heads to the pros, ready to make her mark in the WNBA.
Meanwhile, UConn remains in capable hands. Auriemma is set to mentor sophomore forward Sarah Strong, who appears ready to take the torch.
Strong delivered a breakout performance in the championship game, scoring 24 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out five assists. Her dominance on both ends showed that the Huskies’ future is in good shape.
As UConn looks to defend its title next season, all eyes will be on Strong and her development under Auriemma’s guidance. With her potential and his leadership, the Huskies may not be done collecting trophies just yet.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
