Paige Bueckers looks to be "aggressive first" while balancing scoring and playmaking in her final college basketball season

Paige Bueckers is viewed by many as one of the best players in women's college basketball. In her last season at UConn, she reflected on everything she has done throughout her time with the Huskies.

In an exclusive Q&A interview with USA Today's "For The Win," published on Wednesday, Bueckers was asked about being more aggressive in her last season with the Huskies.

She responded:

"It is going well. It is all a toss up because you don’t want to get outside of yourself and outside of the team and start shot-hunting. But I’m looking to be aggressive first and look for my shot and that leads to distribution to others and getting my teammates open. I think I’ve done a pretty good job. I’m growing every single day," Paige Bueckers said.

"I can only get better from here as well. It is all part of the new challenges that this year has presented. We are very young and we don’t have a ton of experience. So being a leader and having to use my voice and find that new challenge every single day, I’ve enjoyed growing and learning and embracing the ups and downs of it."

Geno Auriemma wants team to step up without Paige Bueckers

The No. 7 Huskies will be without Paige Bueckers for a few games as Bueckers sprained her left knee on Sunday against Villanova, and the team confirmed she will be out for a week, making her unavailable for Tuesday's 81-27 blowout win over Xavier and their upcoming matchup against Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Head coach Geno Auriemma emphasized the importance of the team stepping up in their star's absence.

“I always say to people, ‘You can't come out here and think you're going to shoot your way into a rotation in September, October, November. You're going to have to do some other things, because we have a lot of guys that can score, you know, generally speaking.’ So, we're missing a player (Bueckers) today, and that gives an opportunity to someone else," Auriemma said, per the Stamford Advocate.

“Now, you take advantage of that opportunity, and you do what you're good at. And does that get you more playing time? Maybe. It doesn't hurt you. It doesn't push you further back.”

Being without Paige Bueckers means that UConn is without significant production. Before the injury, she was averaging 19.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, four assists, and 2.1 steals on 55.9% shooting from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc.

The Huskies have performed at a high level this season, boasting a 14-2 record while being on a four-game winning streak. Their recent win saw them have their best defensive display, limiting Xavier to 27 points on 23.7% shooting overall and 23.8% from downtown, showing they are capable of winning without Bueckers.

After Saturday's matchup with Georgetown, Paige Bueckers will have a chance to return to the court when No. 7 UConn plays against St. John's at the Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York, on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. ET.