Paige Bueckers is officiated different than other people, claims Geno Auriemma

Geno Auriemma provided an update on Paige Bueckers after the guard sustained an injury during UConn's 83-52 win over Villanova on Sunday. Talking to the media on Tuesday, Auriemma shared that Bueckers will be out for Wednesday's tip-off against Xavier due to a lower body sprain.

Bueckers' injury came when she collided with the Wildcats' Jasmine Bascoe for a loose ball. While Bascoe's intention behind going for the ball was questioned on social media, Auriemma maintained that it was just a basketball play that went wrong.

A reporter then brought up Geno Auriemma's statement in April 2022, when he reacted to the physicality around the guard by claiming that he would lead the technical fouls in the nation next year to protect Bueckers.

While comparing the situations, Auriemma acknowledged the difficulties referees may encounter in live-game situations.

"I think she's officiated different than other people," Auriemma said (5:30). "But I could say that and probably if I studied frame-by-frame every film, I would probably say the officials are not as wrong as we think they are."

However, he noted that Paige Bueckers is learning from the process and evolving into a stronger player.

"I don't know that she gets the benefit of the doubt like stars are supposed to get. ... So, yeah, stuff happens to her and it's making her stronger."

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Geno Auriemma explains Paige Bueckers' leadership style

Geno Auriemma plans to give other players increased opportunities to fill Paige Bueckers' void on the floor. He shared that he wants the roster to elevate within their specific roles and resort away from replicating Bueckers' impact.

With that, the coach detailed Bueckers' unique leadership style, reflecting on her drive and noting that she shares common traits with highly skilled players.

"Paige has an interesting leadership style. She knows what she is and she knows what she does and she knows her strengths," he said (8:15). "She doesn't acknowledge her weaknesses, which is typical of really, really good players.

"She just expects everybody else to be the same way, put the same amount of work, have the same passion for the game and do all."

Moreover, Geno Auriemma claimed that Bueckers is evolving into a well-rounded overall leader by learning to recognize her strong points and using them to help her teammates.

Paige Bueckers is currently slated to miss at least a week of basketball, putting her out of the contests against Xavier and the Georgetown Hoyas (Jan. 12).