Did Paige Bueckers just confirm that she is returning to UConn? It seems like. Judge for yourself

UConn fans should celebrate as it seems like Paige Bueckers just dropped a big hint to let everyone know that she is returning to UConn in 2024-25. We look at what Paige and Geno Auriemma said in their press conferences . As well we take a deep dive a what UConn roster looks like and is Geno worst fears coming true?

[@harrykern616]

Whether Uconn wins it all or not this year i still hope they all come back. This is an exciting team to watch!!! Go UConn!!!!! ❤

[@calvinh.4682]

I'm a UCONN fan and yes Paige sounds like she might return for another year but we shall see if she changes her mind. I don't see Edwards returning next year and I hope Muhl moves on to the WNBA too. Hopefully, Bettencourt and DeBerry transfers out. I still think that they need a productive BIG from the portal so that they are not stuck depending on El Alfy who will be recovering Achilles surgery.

[@MrNiceGuy80x5]

Idk, I think nika will stay. Idk if she’ll get picked up in the wnba, if anything she could play in Canada or Europe

[@dominictramonte2687]

On Paige, I always thought she would. I still think so. Maybe she'll get a natty, maybe not; but I think she still has things to do at the college level. She's big on faith and family, or at least I think so from her interviews-- I don't know her personally-- and she wants to mentor the young ones as would anybody. As you say, with the NIL deals, it's not like she would suffer financially from coming back. Her family is her team; she's going to de her best by them. Aaliyah is ready, and I think she'll go. What we'll do for a big I don't know; perhaps Ice will come along or maybe Jana will develop quickly, or maybe some roster spot will come available for Sarah Strong. Nika is hard to figure. She loves the team and is settling nicely into her new role. The question is, does she like it? She's a little different than most players, being an international student. Her goal was always to play in the W, or back home. She viewed her time at UConn as an apprenticeship. Does she still? You tell me. On DeBerry, she really ought to transfer. Her game isn't good enough to play at the D1 level, or she lacks confidence. It's easy to see what the coaches saw in her, but the skills didn't transfer; she's not good enough consistently enough to make it. She'd play, and be good, at the D2 level, but the game is too fast for her at this one. I don't know why. She should transfer to get some playing time, if she wants it. It is said she's hella smart, maybe all she wanted was a free ride to college. If so, she's got one-- Geno isn't going to fire her-- but she ought to move to make room for a D1 player. On Ines... I'm torn. I am one of those who said she'd get some playing time over Ashlyn and KK, just because she knew the system better. But she hasn't been getting it, and it's easy to see why. I know why they got her-- Paige was down and Nika hadn't developed at the time-- but I think, if she wants to play, she should move. She'd be an asset at any school who doesn't have a point guard ATM. Maybe not top tier, but good enough; she's got a good skill set, and would get better with some playing time. But she isn't going to play at UConn, because they have an embarrassment of riches at the point guard slot; Paige and Nika and KK is developing nicely. And how 'bout that Ashlynn! I grin from ear to ear every time I think about her. You can KK me all you want-- not trying to take anything away from her; she is where she is because she's good, not in spite of it-- but that girl is the future. She's so serious when she's working-- watch her face and her footwork; she reminds me of Kelsey Ransom-- and she's got that infectious grin when she does something good. That's what I want to see, right there. That is knuckles down, guts up basketball. She's already good, but with a year or two under Geno, and with all the playing time she's getting, she's going to be good-with-a-capitol-G good before she's finished. She doesn't need much more time or space than Paige when shooting the three; I wouldn't be surprised if she averages in the high 40s or even 50% over her career. And her midrange pull-up is deadly. She's just a sniper. She doesn't get a lot of rebounds, but you wouldn't expect her to, her job is on the perimeter. Her defense is already good and still getting better. She doesn't foul or turn the ball over much. A solid all-round player. KK is going to be good-- she's already good, but she's going to be better. She needs to develop her midrange shot and at least be a 30% shooter from three. The point guard slot is the shooter of last resort, and she'd better hit. She will not find it easy to always get to the basket; she's playing against people now who are as fast as her, and way taller.

[@free2roam674]

It seems now that with NIL the top college players are making more that the pros. I read that Angel Reese is making 1 million this year. College gets far more attention, March tournament is incredibly exciting. What is the hurry to move to pros.

[@giftcardbill]

spot on

[@politicallil7060]

True and it's 1.7 million and she just got the Reebok deal...she has set up her deals to roll over to the pros. Reese is tired of college she won a chip so there really is nothing more to accomplish at the college level. But that's not the case with Clark and Paige who have been there but never done that. If being a college champion is that important then stay. However they might have missed their championship window as you have tones of teams emerging and a good spread of talent.

[@victorlopez2143]

Agree. And most likely she will get more money with her NIL if she stays. Much more than the pros and a chance to get her masters for both Girls...(Azzi)...

[@jeromedanielson4422]

I could be wrong, but I think the NIL sponsorship follows them to the pros depending on the contract. I know that the Nike contract that Bueckers just got follows her to the pros.

[@free2roam674]

@@jeromedanielson4422 Thanks for the replies and information. I really like the WNBA but the excitement factor for women's college basketball is higher. Iowa, NC State, SC, LSU, (probably more) are selling out their regular season games. The W has a hard time selling out their playoff games. I really hope that the college fans follow their players and bring that excitement to the W.

[@jjohnson3203]

After hearing the interview yesterday, it sure sounded like she's coming back.

[@back2sports]

yes it did

[@back2sports]

I forgot to mention rosters are limited to 15. or each team has 15 scholarships. You can have a walk on but they do not get any funding

[@jjohnson3203]

Wow. Good info. I will be interesting to see how Geno manages the roster situation depending on who comes back.

[@lawrencewestby9229]

With her NIL money, Paige could give up her scholarship if she were feeling particularly altruistic.

[@Aaron.Davis56]

NIL, no need to leave. I wish her a healthy life.

[@nita723]

I saw the clip of Paige basically saying she is staying BUT a lot can change after the finals. HVL never gave any indication that she was transferring from Louisville but look where she now……. I doubt Paige wants to ruffle any feathers I just hope she thinks about where she wants to be and what is best for her

[@A_Fan_of_WBB]

Paige will do what makes her happy, and if she decides to stay one more year that would be so fun to watch! The possibilities...

[@lindsaymathews5127]

I told you Paige loves being here, and we here in CT love her!!!! She's an amazing person and player!

[@back2sports]

Yes u did. Be happy as seems like a good day for her & UConn fans.

[@jjohnson3203]

Do you think Paige will stay for 2 more years and Azzi for 3 more years?

[@svpst1]

If Paige decides to stay, Strong will for sure not become a Husky. The deck will already be fully stacked. I think Muhl will also come back. Where is she going to go? I don't see her as WNBA material.

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

UConn should not offer Griffin an extra year. I like Griffin and she made a big difference on this team. But she is picking up a lot of injuries. She has already graduated from the university.

[@carol68490]

They’re not going to take Aubrey’s scholarship away just because you said so lol. If she wants to come back next year, she will

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

@@carol68490 and then if aubrey gets injured again next season, UConn will deserve no sympathy. fans won't have a right to say that uconn is unlucky. The injury cycle at uconn won't end until the injury prone players are gone.

[@carol68490]

@@TheDisruptiveOne you’re disgusting for even saying she’ll get injured again. You’re not a real fan & you clearly don’t care about these players off the court. Have the day you deserve💯

[@speedskater1947]

Paige would do good for herself to expand her educational process in a Masters Program because what I see in the Pros is a lackadaisical attitude and playing like they are the apposing team to the Harlem Globe Trotters. This would be boring to her and even though she would be paid more than she would in a valued position in the regular work force if the attitudes expressed in the Pros keeps affecting their play what little interest the public already exhibits will evaporate and the Pros will cease to exist so she better have something to fall back on or just go for that will be more rewarding in the long run to begin with.

[@jjohnson3203]

Interest in the WNBA is actually growing and the players and talent level is quite phenomenal if you follow closely. I don't think you would find any players who say the W is boring. Actually, they all mention how competitive and difficult it is because a lot of excellent players are fighting for a small number of roster spots. But, there is no doubt that a lot more work remains and there are many things the W needs to correct and improve upon. Good on Paige whatever her decision ends up being. I'll be watching either way.

[@paulsamora1348]

I have always felt that this years SR class and next years SR's are a very tight knit group, especially with all they have been through with not just common injuries' but season ending. If Paige and Aubry do decide to return I expect for Nika to return also, unless Nika can go home and play for a European team close to home. I don't think Nika will land a W roster spot. I would not be surprised if Edwards stays although IMO she can make a W roster. Let's not forget Paige has another year also and again would not surprise me if she stays 25-26 and graduates with Azzi. Hopefully if she is 100% fully healthy (nothing less) Caroline will be back. As mentioned roster chaos is a very likely scenario, will this year's freshman stay or leave. I think Ash and Ice would stay, not so sure if KK and Q would. DeBerry and Bettencourt although I still say they need to be getting more minutes right now, will probably leave if they want to play. If they are happy with being a part of a team they will stay. All kinds of possibilities for next year and even 25-26. As for recruiting, Strong is going to SC, just check out her mom's background. Hopefully the two recruits committed do not reopen their recruitment.

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

No one is owed a spot back because they have eligibility. Why on earth would UConn bring Nika back? They have a ton of guards. And her being around may stunt Arnold’s development. If she wants another year of NCAA basketball, she will need to go in the portal.

[@MMAALL]

Bueckers will be the head coach at UConn someday. And I mean before she’s 30.

[@SanctuaryGardenLiving]

If Paige comes back they will go undefeated and might be the best UConn team EVER!!!

[@charlescaldwell4595]

if I am Bueckers I find out for sure if LA is going to take me at#2, if they say yes, I enter the draft. If they are uncommitted to doing that , I come back to UConn. No way I get stuck in that Phoenix cesspool.

[@bpraise517]

NIL deal is $641,000 enough said...

[@billnichols5381]

We potentially have a big….good problem. If it could be done, drop DeBerry and sign Strong would be tremendous!

[@jeromedanielson4422]

Agreed, Deberry should transfer out, she's really a D2 player in a D1 body. Edwards will leave, in my opinion I don't think her draft stock is going to improve much more (1st rd pick).

[@jemsmay2167]

The calculus has changed with kids making big money while in school. Whats the point in going to the WNBA for the same $$ or even a pay cut. She seems like a girl with a goal, and she wants a good run with a whole team at a national championship.Nika is in a different situation, I think she jumps after this year and it would make economic sense for her.

[@thomas-gw3xf]

she would be a fool not to do so --- she is already a millionaire or damn close -- if she stays and all the cylinders are firing they have a damn good chance to be at level of yesterday !!!!!!! AND she will get millions by doing so ------------- hell I would prefer she considers coaching even at high school level then college -------- her skill set would be damn good to pass on to those young ladies who are goo goo over her and her skills !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I as an 80 year old am goo goo about her play ---- injuries are something she needs to gym up to avoid --- but long term would love to see her at U CONN as a coach rah rah !!

[@Ashley-cr4tf]

I’m signing TF UP FOR HER PROGRAM IF SHE DECIDES TO COACH CUZ?!?!?? 😂😂😂😂

[@MrNiceGuy80x5]

I think Paige just wants to get a championship with fudd

[@giftcardbill]

Nice take per usual. Shade is such a cute kid. OMG. Yes, I caught those interviews and it would appear Paige will be back. I wish you guys would quite piling on Nika with that TO talking point. Looking at the box score, everyone has TO days. Her TO's are insignificant in light of the priceless contributions she brings to the team. Nika is an amazing player. So cool it with the dissing on Nika or I'm flying to Ausie land and kick your wallaby butt mate. LOL 🤣

[@leanwitrockwit2087]

She missed two years, of course she’s staying.

[@Iggy1378]

Pretty safe bet Paige will stay another year with UCONN.

[@terrancehall9762]

I always saw Brink in LA.

[@usveteran9893]

In a recent Mock WNBA Draft it showed Brink going #2 [LA] and PB going #3 [Phoenix].

[@B_kinda]

@@usveteran9893taurasi and pb playing together would be fucking legendary

[@usveteran9893]

@@B_kinda PB has pretty much said she is staying at UCONN for one more year.

[@B_kinda]

@@usveteran9893 I had seen that and I thought that was a smart move. Still would have been amazing to see them play together.

[@dougf9900]

Really Ines and Amari should transfer. They can find teams where they can get meaningful playing time. It's never going to happen at Uconn, especially if all these upperclassmen come back.

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

Amari definitely doesn’t care about playing. I think Ines is different. I hope she transfers. She can play somewhere. UConn is the only thing she knows though; so she may be hesitant to leave. Geno should make some calls and make sure there is a landing spot for her.

[@dougf9900]

@@TheDisruptiveOne Uconn basically stole Ines from another school at the last minute last summer, so she never had expectations of going to Uconn in the first place

[@chasnami]

@@TheDisruptiveOne Amari is defeated due to Geno trying to change her. She is not a 5 and that is what Geno wants from her!!

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

@@chasnami it really doesn't matter what her position is. The bigger issue is she can't guard 1 through 5. She plays matador defense and she fouls frequently somehow. It is incredible that she pulls that off.

[@chasnami]

@@TheDisruptiveOne hence i said she is now defeated and doesn't care. She is not the 1st player Geno tried to change and it didn't work, If Geno started with her strengths instead of trying to make her a 5 it could have been different. Other players that come to mind are Azura Stevens and Ono. Both of them Geno never really used correctly!! Ono is finally doing well on the Sun!!

[@turtleislandlac1490]

I guess it would be great for her to return it's just this doesn't feel like college sports anymore. She'll be 23 when next season starts playing against 18 year olds. In her case it feels like a WNBA player playing against college players.

[@johnpfeiljr.6565]

We love Nika ❤️ please come back!

[@TheDisruptiveOne]

It sounds like she could return. I still don’t think that would make a lot of sense. I think Ines and Ducharme are two on the current roster that could be gone next season.

[@jjohnson3203]

After hearing her yesterday, I think the decision she's leaning towards makes sense based on what she values and the factors that she is prioritizing. Of course, the injury piece will always be a risk, but it sounds like one she's willing and ready to take.

[@jonlyman400]

can you red shirt incoming freshmen to solve the issue of returning covid eligibility?

[@back2sports]

Not sure but man - tough ask - getting the number 4 and 18 recruits in the nation to red shirt. That would be brutal.

[@jjohnson3203]

@@back2sports - Agreed, especially in this era where most high-ranking freshman expect to come in right away with a bang.

[@giftcardbill]

I believe so.

[@johndurgin8737]

I been before the season started she’s coming back she want to play with Fudd

[@JerryAttric42]

i expect that DeBarry will transfer.

[@SanctuaryGardenLiving]

Muhl will be gone... Paige wants to play with Azzi and Aubrey both of whom aren't the besties of Muhl. Geno is giving Muhl her deserved run this year, but next year it's Aubrey, Paige, Azzi, and the young guns going undefeated and probably scoring more points then any college BB team ever. Azzi 3 point shot is lethal... Best we've ever seen, Paige ain't to shabby either!

[@douglasmcsorley707]

I really hope so. I’ve never seen a team so close and all of sports actually on the court and off awesome bunch of young ladies.

[@BBCLOCKEDIT]

You went from Paige is going to LA to now she’s coming back 😂😂 and then if she leaves still lordddd stay off boneyard 😂😂

[@back2sports]

I thought she was leaving. It seems pretty obvious she is not. What is wrong with that?

[@vikb3131]

With her prior health issues, she needs to go to the WNBA, if she wants a pro career.

[@jouzou4311]

She is not the first pick so, she feel ashamed and that's way

[@garyjames-ij4fr]

She probably makes too much NIL money to go to the WNBA.

[@jameslarosa2396]

She'll only leave if they win the NCAA tournament.