"It drives her crazy": Geno Auriemma explains Paige Bueckers' incredible obsession and why she doesn't take 25 shots per game 

Fourth-year sensation Paige Bueckers is going through what could probably be her last season as a UConn Huskie under Geno Auriemma. For the 2024-2025 campaign, she has spearheaded the Huskies to a 7-0 record thus far in the Big East by averaging 20.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.6 steals a game while shooting 60.9% from the field and 46.9% from the three-point arc.

Her veteran presence to the Auriemma-coached program has become of immense value to the winningiest college coach of all time. In the Dec. 5 edition of the UConn WBB Coach's Show, however, Auriemma disclosed one particular obession Bueckers has that limits her to under 25 shot attempts per contest.

"The efficiency part is something she takes tremendous pride in. It drives her crazy when she hears all these players getting recognition that shoot 30% from the floor and take 25 shots every night," Auriemma shared.(Segment 4, 1:08)

"It's a point of pride for her and I think it can get even better because there are days in practice where it's 75% from the floor and it's 55-60% from the three-point line. So, there's a lot more there that she could give us," he further revealed. (1:28)

Efficiency has never been a struggle for Bueckers as it aligns well with Auriemma's explanation on the audio podcast. The senior star has never shot below 52% from the field in a season and her mere 35.3% from the three-point range came in the year where she suffered a tibial plateau fracture and lateral meniscus tear.

Bueckers' other averages from three include 41.6% in her junior year and 46.4% in her freshman campaign, much to the delight of Auriemma and the rest of UConn. To add to this, the 6'0 guard's highest average shot attempts in a season is 15.3, supporting her head coach's claims that she doesn't like to take 25 shots in a single contest.

With her timely scoring and high basketball IQ, Bueckers has become the standout she is today. As rumblings of the 23-year old entering the 2025 WNBA Draft continue to rise, her focus remains steadfast: bringingthe NCAA National Championship back to UConn after eight long years.

Auriemma, Bueckers, and the rest of the squad will go for their eighth win of the season on Saturday, Dec. 7, against the Louisville Cardinals at the Barclays Center.

Geno Auriemma also said that Paige Bueckers stays disciplined on defense

Besides staying patient on her shot attempts, Geno Auriemma also shared that Bueckers likes to be extra cautious on the defensive end, particularly by avoding being in foul trouble.

"You notice she's never in foul trouble, right? That's a perfect example of what I'm talking about. She's a very good off-the-ball defender," Auriemma expressed. (2:13)

"Some people just have a knack for where the ball is going. And, it's usually really good offensive players. They kind of understand what the offense is trying to do and they can anticipate where it's gonna go next. (It) doesn't catch her by surprise, she's a teriffic off-ball defender," he explained. (2:47)

As the Dallas Wings secured the #1 pick for next year's draft and may possibly select Paige Bueckers, Auriemma admitted that his graduating guard might need to improve her on-ball defense for whichever team picks her up next year. Either way, Bueckers can hone that skill all throughout this season.