NCAA Womens Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Connecticut vs Iowa – Source: Imagn

Paige Bueckers made her return to the court for UConn in the 2023-24 season. After two seasons disrupted by injuries, the star guard came back as a standout player. Averaging 22.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, Bueckers led the Huskies to the Final Four.

Although eligible for the WNBA Draft, she chose to stay with Connecticut, showing her commitment to the team. During the senior night event, she surprised the crowd with her decision to play another season. The athlete received support at the Gampel Pavilion, though some questioned why she didn’t opt for the draft. Addressing her choice to stay, Bueckers said:

“I just feel like I’m not done yet here. I feel like God is still writing my story here. I’m just blessed to be a part of this program, and I never want it to end.”

NCAA Womens Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Connecticut vs Iowa – Source: Imagn

The 23-year-old Bueckers will return as a redshirt senior, with her collegiate career shaped by both triumphs and challenges. Named National Player of the Year as a freshman, Bueckers saw her sophomore season interrupted by a fractured tibia, sidelining her for nearly three months. Her junior year ended before it began due to an ACL tear.

UConn sensation Paige Bueckers on the brink of WNBA stardom

As a WNBA prospect, she would likely have been one of the top picks in the 2024 Draft. However, with another season under her belt, she could emerge as the consensus No. 1 prospect in 2025. According to Bueckers, she is focused more on leading UConn to another championship and less on draft rankings.

The Huskies will look different in the upcoming season, with forward Aliyah Edwards entering the 2024 WNBA Draft. Yet, UConn is reloading with fresh talent as guard Azzi Fudd is set to return after recovering from an ACL injury, while top high school All-Americans Allie Ziebell and Morgan Cheli have joined the team.

Under NCAA rules, players turning 22 in 2024 can choose to renounce their eligibility and enter the WNBA Draft. While Bueckers met these criteria, her decision to return has stirred excitement among the UConn fanbase. Earlier in October, UConn announced that it had sold out season ticket packages for the first time since 2004-05.

Buecker’s accomplishments as a freshman in 2021: she became the only first-year player to win the AP Player of the Year award. She even bests players like current Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. This year, her comeback earned her a nomination for an ESPY Award in the “Best Comeback Athlete” category.

She shared the honor with notable athletes like NFL quarterback Joe Flacco, NBA player Zion Williamson and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who ultimately took home the award after becoming the most decorated American gymnast with 11 Olympic medals.