When Geno Auriemma recalled Paige Bueckers’ trash-talking vs male practice players: “What she would say under her breath, you don’t wanna know”

UConn coach Geno Auriemma drew plenty of laughs when he shared a story about Paige Bueckers' trash-talking antics during the Connecticut Forum's "Husky Nation!" talk, moderated by Kimberley Martin on May 4, 2023, at The Bushnell.

Paige Bueckers (#5) talks to head coach Geno Auriemma of the Connecticut Huskies during the first half of their Sweet 16 game against the Duke Blue Devils on March 30, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Getty

The conversation began when Martin asked Auriemma what he told his players about trash-talking. This drew the attention of former UConn players Morgan Tuck and Sue Bird, eager to hear Auriemma's take on the subject. He declared that Diana Taurasi was the greatest trash-talker he ever coached, before recalling a funny incident with Bueckers during practice in her freshman year:

"One of our practice players got a bucket, Paige’s freshman year. And he turned around and looked at CD (associate head coach Chris Dailey).'"

Auriemma then mimicked the practice player's celebration, flexing his muscles and roaring, much to the audience's delight. He continued:

"And CD is like ‘What’s wrong with this guy? What’s going on here?’ He said, ‘CD, I’m sorry, but you have no idea what she’s saying every time she comes in the lane,’ and pointed to Paige. What she would say under her breath to those guys, you don’t wanna know. So I get it, it’s part of the game. But when it comes back to you, you got to be able to take it." (1:26)

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Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins will square off in UConn vs. USC clash

Paige Bueckers and the No. 4-ranked UConn Huskies are one of the hottest teams in the 2024 NCAA season, winning 10 of their 11 games. Bueckers has been instrumental in the Huskies' strong start, averaging 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

JuJu Watkins (#12) of the USC Trojans drives past Paige Bueckers (#5) of the Connecticut Huskies during the first half of their Elite Eight clash at Moda Center on April 01, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Getty

She will be tested though, by the No. 7-ranked USC Trojans, who share the same 10-1 record. They have won six consecutive games since losing to then-No. 6-ranked Notre Dame on Nov. 23. JuJu Watkins has carried the Trojans as of late, averaging 24.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in the 2024 campaign.

Saturday's game between UConn and USC will be Bueckers and Watkins' second meeting in the collegiate ranks, with their last matchup coming in the Elite Eight earlier this year. Their previous showdown lived up to the hype, with the pair combining for 57 points in UConn's 80-73 win.