"He is our toughest opponent": Paige Bueckers reveals what she would imbibe from Geno Auriemma if she were to ever coach

Paige Bueckers has evolved into arguably one of the best players in UConn's women's basketball program under Geno Auriemma. Over the years, the veteran head coach has been extremely public in his praise and, on rare occasions, criticism of Bueckers, which has arguably played a role in her development at Storrs.

This season will be Paige Bueckers' last in women's college basketball, before she takes the next big step and head to the WNBA. Ahead of UConn's game against Xavier on Jan. 8, Bueckers sat down for an exclusive interview with USA Today, answering a range of questions about herself.

During the interview, Bueckers was quizzed about the lessons she would take from Auriemma should she ever take up coaching in the future. The redshirt senior responded by revealing her desire to take up his ability to challenge his players each day, and how he can be the toughest opponent when their opposition is giving them a hard time in a game.

"I would take his ability to challenge his players," said Bueckers. "I feel like he has a good spot on his players and how to challenge them and how to support them and when to use which. But that comes with connecting with his players, building relationships with his players, and that is the most important part of what makes him a great coach.

"But he is our toughest opponent every single day at practice so we are prepared for the biggest games. When the opponent is shooting 100 percent on 3-pointers or when the crowd is crazy, he is the toughest opponent and he prepares us that way every single day."

Paige Bueckers misses UConn's game against Xavier following injury scare

On January 5, Paige Bueckers had an injury scare after suffering a collision with Jasmine Boscoe during UConn's game with Villanova. Ahead of the Huskies' game with the Xavier Musketeers, Auriemma revealed that Bueckers sprained her left knee and is likely to be out of action for a week.

Despite the absence of Bueckers, the Huskies had no problems in thoroughly dispatching the Musketeers, with the final scoreline reading 81-27. Azzi Fudd ran the show at the XL Center, finishing as the Huskies' top scorer with 23 points.

Huskies' 2024 class recruits, Sarah Strong and Allie Ziebell, backed Fudd up with solid performances of their own. Strong finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Ziebell came off the bench to score 17 points to maintain the Huskies' perfect start in conference play.