Paige Bueckers solidified her place among UConn’s greatest players on Sunday night as she was officially inducted into the Huskies of Honor, the program’s prestigious Ring of Honor. The ceremony took place after UConn’s dominant 92-57 victory over Marquette, on a night that also served as Senior Night for Bueckers and her fellow senior teammates, Kaitlyn Chen, Azzi Fudd, and Aubrey Griffin.
The moment marked a significant milestone in Bueckers’ illustrious college career, as she reflected on her journey and the impact of the UConn fanbase.
Addressing the crowd following her induction, Bueckers expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support she has received throughout her time in Storrs.
“Thank you guys for coming out,” Bueckers said to the roaring crowd. “Thank you for an amazing four, five, six years. The basketball capital of the world wouldn’t be what it is without you guys, the support through the ups and downs of the journey of all our careers, you’ve been there every step of the way. Best fans in the country, best support system in the country. I couldn’t imagine having gone to a different place. This was a dream come true, and I’m forever grateful for it. We wear this jersey with pride to make you guys proud.”
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Bueckers’ induction into the Huskies of Honor is a testament to her extraordinary contributions to the program. From the moment she arrived at UConn, she was a game-changer.
As a freshman, she made history by becoming the first freshman in women’s college basketball to win both the AP Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year awards. She led the Huskies to the Final Four that season, instantly cementing her status as one of the brightest stars in the sport.
However, her path was not without obstacles. Over the next two seasons, injuries derailed her journey, including a devastating torn ACL that forced her to miss the entire 2022-23 season.
Many wondered if she would be able to return to the elite level of play that made her one of the most electrifying players in women’s basketball. But Bueckers answered those questions with a resounding yes. Since her return, she has once again showcased her All-American form, reestablishing herself as one of the best—if not the best—players in the country.
With the postseason now looming, Bueckers enters the final stretch of her storied college career. UConn has reached the Final Four three times during her tenure, including a runner-up finish in 2022. Yet, despite all of her individual accolades, one achievement still eludes her—a national championship.
As she prepares for one last run at the NCAA title, Bueckers remains focused on leading her team to the ultimate prize. She is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, but before she embarks on her professional career, she has one more goal to accomplish—bringing another championship banner to Storrs.
For Bueckers, Sunday night’s induction was not just a recognition of her past accomplishments, but a reminder of the journey that still lies ahead.
With her name now etched in UConn’s rich history, she has one final chance to leave an even greater legacy before closing this chapter and beginning the next in the WNBA.
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