"I don’t play for their approval" - UConn guard Paige Bueckers responds to doubters ahead of 2024-25 season

Paige Bueckers means business heading into what could be her last season in college basketball. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, the UConn guard took some time out to answer her critics with a bold message.

In a short video posted by Overtime WBB on Instagram, Bueckers spoke about her efforts to improve during the offseason. While she enjoyed some memorable experiences and travels during her free time, she took a subtle dig at those who criticized her for not working hard enough on the court ahead of the 2024-25 season.

"Everybody saw the world tour, they didn’t see the work tour, which is fine," said Bueckers. "They think they, like, see me three, four hours a day and think they know my entire 24 hours. Which is cool, it’s fine.

"The work will always show I’m a believer in that, I have confidence in that. And I can already see, if I don’t have a game up to other people’s standards, just like, should have been in the gym all summer, shouldn’t have been doing this, shouldn’t have been doing that."

Bueckers delivered a crisp message to those who doubted her. Also, she talked about the people who mean the most to her when she hits the court to perform.

"I don’t play for their approval. I play for God, I play for my coaching staff, play for the people who support me. Good gamer, bad in their opinion. So, all that’s to say I had a great summer."

Paige Bueckers projected as the top pick for the 2025 WNBA draft

After injury sidelined her for the 2022-23 season, Paige Bueckers enjoyed an incredible comeback season with the Huskies in 2023-24. In 39 starts, Bueckers averaged an impressive 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks last season.

Paige Bueckers enjoyed a strong redshirt junior season for the Huskies in 2023-24 - Image via Imagn

Her exploits on the court won her the Big East Player of the Year, Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year and First-Team All-American honors.

Bueckers is projected to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, and the talented guard has hinted that the 2024-25 season is most likely to be her final season in college basketball. She will be keen to end her NCAA women's basketball career on a high and win the one title that has eluded her: the national championship.