"He can challenge me in a way that he probably can't challenge other people": Paige Bueckers gets candid on her relationship with Geno Auriemma

UConn star Paige Bueckers has a special relationship with her coach, Geno Auriemma. The two have an undeniable bond that goes beyond the typical coach-player dynamic.

In a two-minute clip from part two of "Geno & CD: 40 Years of Excellence" which will air on SNY on Wednesday, Bueckers opened up about her connection with Auriemma and how it differs from his relationships with other players.

"I always think I know a lot of things about basketball, and that hasn't changed. But I met somebody who knew a little bit more than me, coach," Paige Bueckers said (0:20).

"Part of him knowing how to coach me, and us having a relationship off the court, he knows that he can challenge me in a way probably he can't challenge other people. It's more about taking what he says and the message of what he's saying versus how he's saying it. I definitely feel like he knows how to get the best out of his players."

UConn coach Geno Auriemma and associate coach Chris Dailey have been leading the Huskies program since 1985.

They have led UConn to 11 national championships and celebrated 40 years of excellence at the helm this season.

Paige Bueckers shines as UConn dominates Providence

Despite receiving mixed messages from coach Geno Auriemma at times, Paige Bueckers went all out in UConn's 67-42 rout of Providence on Sunday. She scored 23 points with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, igniting an explosive Huskies offense to overwhelm their Big East opponent.

While Auriemma has encouraged the 6-foot-guard to become more aggressive, he has also warned her about trying to do too much. However, Bueckers appears to have found the right balance, thriving in her more assertive role without sacrificing her floor leadership.

"Yeah, when you're sitting at home you have a lot of time to think and watch film, process what you need to get better at," Bueckers said after the game.

"I'm trying to take my open shots, not over-penetrate when I see space, be aggressive, and look for my shot. That leads to creating for others and leading with an aggressive mentality that the whole team can embody."

Paige Bueckers has now scored 20 or more points in five consecutive games, rebounding from a disappointing 8-point performance against Louisville in the Women's Champions Classic last month. She is averaging 20.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game so far this season.