UConn fans are “anxious” because of Geno Auriemma’s “mixed messages” to Paige Bueckers, NCAA analyst explains

Paige Bueckers is arguably one of the most talented players coached by Geno Auriemma during his tenure at UConn. With the ongoing season being Bueckers' last in college basketball, she is determined to win the national championship with the Huskies before going pro.

Over the last few months, UConn fans seem to be unsettled by the current state of their women's basketball program, according to NCAA analyst Robin Lundberg. In his latest YouTube video, Lundberg noticed fans were tensed about Auriemma's mixed signals regarding Bueckers in recent times, furthering their belief that their current team not being ready for the national championship.

"Auriemma, I've seen criticized for sending mixed messages," Lundberg said (1:10 onwards). "Basically, she's not aggressive enough, but then she doesn't have to do everything because she's got all of her teammates.

"Nonetheless, you can feel the anxiety around supporters of UConn and that's because, at this point, they have to struggle to believe this is a national championship team."

Lundberg brought up a weakness he observed in Paige Bueckers' gameplay, which he believed could increase fans' anxiety.

"When she's attempting to iso score against physical defense, (she) struggles to get her own a bit and lacks that explosive burst to free yourself up. And that can be misconstrued as a lack of assertiveness, simply not being able to get there.

"But, there's also the idea that she doesn't have the ball in her hands enough to really get cooking and make those sorts of decisions and people are putting that at the feet of Geno for having her play within the UConn system," Lundberg added (0:30).

Geno Auriemma lauds Paige Bueckers' mentality

While addressing the media on Saturday during a press conference ahead of UConn's game against Providence, Auriemma revealed how Paige Bueckers' drive to become better helps her deal with the pressure on her.

"I’m sure she wants to be better — with a lot of things," said Auriemma.

Bueckers was the star of the show in UConn's game vs Providence, which ended in a convincing 67-41 victory. She finished as the Huskies' top scorer with 23 points, while also recording four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Paige Bueckers will hope her teammates can step up to the plate in the days to come, as top recruit Sarah Strong was the only other player besides her to score in double-digits for UConn today.