Paige Bueckers

{{redirect|Bueckers||Buecker (disambiguation){{!}}Buecker}}

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Paige Bueckers

| image = Paige Bueckers 2025 2.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Bueckers with UConn in 2025

| alt = Bueckers playing for UConn

| number = 5

| position = Point guard

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 0

| weight_lb = 141

| league = WNBA

| team = Dallas Wings

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|10|20}}

| birth_place = Edina, Minnesota, U.S.

| high_school = Hopkins {{nowrap|(Minnetonka, Minnesota)}}

| college = UConn (2020–2025)

| draft_league = WNBA

| draft_year = 2025

| draft_round = 1

| draft_pick = 1

| draft_team = Dallas Wings

| career_start = 2025

| years1 = {{WNBA Year|2025}}–present

| team1 = Dallas Wings

| highlights =

NCAA champion (2025)
Wade Trophy (2025)
AP Player of the Year (2021)
Naismith College Player of the Year (2021)
USBWA National Player of the Year (2021)
John R. Wooden Award (2021)
3× Unanimous first-team All-American (2021, 2024, 2025)
3× First-team All-American – AP, USBWA (2021, 2024, 2025)
3× All-American – WBCA (2021, 2024, 2025)
2× Nancy Lieberman Award (2021, 2025)
USBWA National Co-Freshman of the Year (2021)
WBCA Co-Freshman of the Year (2021)
3× Big East Player of the Year (2021, 2024, 2025)
3× First-team All-Big East (2021, 2024, 2025)
Big East Freshman of the Year (2021)
Big East All-Freshman Team (2021)
3× Big East tournament MOP (2021, 2024, 2025)
Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year (2020)
Gatorade National Player of the Year (2020)
Morgan Wootten Player of the Year (2020)
Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2020)
McDonald's All-American (2020)
MaxPreps National Player of the Year (2020)
Minnesota Miss Basketball (2020)
USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2019)
FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2019)

| wnba_profile =

| medal_templates = {{MedalCountry|the {{bkw|USA}}}}

}}

Paige Madison Bueckers{{cite web |title=Dean's List, Fall 2021 |url=https://files.registrar.uconn.edu/registrar_public/registrar/deans_list/DeansList_ACES.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105165154/https://files.registrar.uconn.edu/registrar_public/registrar/deans_list/DeansList_ACES.pdf |archive-date=January 5, 2022 |publisher=University of Connecticut |access-date=January 5, 2022}} ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɛ|k|ə|r|z}} {{respell|BEH|kərz}}; born October 20, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Wings of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She previously played college basketball for the University of Connecticut (UConn) in the Big East Conference.

Nicknamed "Paige Buckets", Bueckers attended Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota and was ranked as the number one recruit in her class by ESPN, receiving national high school player of the year honors. In her first season at UConn, Bueckers became the first freshman to be named national women's player of the year and helped her team reach the Final Four. She missed most of her sophomore season and her entire junior season with knee injuries but led UConn to the 2022 national title game. Bueckers helped the Huskies return to the Final Four as a redshirt junior, before winning her first national championship and receiving the Wade Trophy as a senior. She was a three-time unanimous first-team All-American in college and has the highest scoring average in UConn history (19.9).

Bueckers has won three gold medals with the United States at the youth international level, including at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where she was named Most Valuable Player. She was a Youth Olympic gold medalist in 3x3 basketball and has played for the senior national 3x3 team. Bueckers was recognized as USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year in 2019.

Early life and career

Bueckers was born on October 20, 2001, in Edina, Minnesota,{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers's profile {{!}} 2017 FIBA U16 Women's Americas Championship |url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/137191/sid/8117/tid/379/_/2017_FIBA_U16_Women_s_Americas_Championship/index.html |website=ARCHIVE.FIBA.COM |access-date=October 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306205433/https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/137191/sid/8117/tid/379/_/2017_FIBA_U16_Women_s_Americas_Championship/index.html |archive-date=March 6, 2019 }} and grew up in neighboring St. Louis Park.{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |title=Something special from the get-go: Paige Bueckers, Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year |url=https://www.startribune.com/something-special-from-the-get-go-paige-bueckers-star-tribune-metro-player-of-the-year/568638892/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=March 9, 2020}} She started playing basketball at age five.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers |url=https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/womens/b/bueckers-paige.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224032946/https://www.usab.com/basketball/players/womens/b/bueckers-paige.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |publisher=USA Basketball |access-date=March 5, 2020 |date=December 9, 2019}} As a child, she also played Little League Baseball as a catcher, as well as football and soccer, but focused on basketball by first grade.{{cite web |last1=Aulie |first1=Mike |title='Buckets with Bueckers' – Hopkins standout, with ties to lakes area, giving back to her sport |url=https://www.brainerddispatch.com/sports/4490429-basketball-buckets-bueckers-hopkins-standout-ties-lakes-area-giving-back |website=Brainerd Dispatch |access-date=March 5, 2020 |date=August 26, 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Frederick |first1=Jace |title=For Hopkins' basketball phenom Paige Bueckers, 'The sky is the limit' |url=https://www.twincities.com/2019/11/22/for-hopkins-basketball-phenom-paige-bueckers-the-sky-is-the-limit/ |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=March 5, 2020 |date=November 22, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Gardner |first1=David |title=Paige Bueckers Is the Future of Basketball |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2878183-paige-bueckers-is-the-future-of-basketball |publisher=Bleacher Report |access-date=March 5, 2020 |date=March 2, 2020}} Bueckers became friends with National Basketball Association (NBA) player Jalen Suggs while in elementary school.{{cite web |last1=Barnes |first1=Katie |title=Gonzaga's Jalen Suggs, UConn's Paige Bueckers and the friendship that fuels March Madness |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31075598/gonzaga-jalen-suggs-uconn-paige-bueckers-friendship-fuels-march-madness |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 9, 2021 |date=April 1, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Cody |title=Paige Bueckers, Chet Holmgren pulled up to watch Jalen Suggs in Las Vegas |url=https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/2021/08/13/paige-bueckers-chet-holmgren-jalen-suggs-summer-league/ |publisher=Rookie Wire |access-date=February 12, 2022 |date=August 13, 2021}} She was coached by her father in basketball until seventh grade.{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Sloane |title=Hopkins star Paige Bueckers can go anywhere – maybe even to the Gophers |url=https://theathletic.com/792554/2019/01/31/paige-bueckers-hopkins-no-1-recruit-gophers-lindsay-whalen-uconn/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=March 5, 2020 |date=January 31, 2019}} Bueckers drew inspiration from NBA players LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.{{cite web |title=Bueckers: Balling before social media, the UConn legacy, learning from Taurasi and Irving |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19women/2019/news/bueckers-balling-before-social-media-the-uconn-legacy-learning-from-taurasi-and-irving |publisher=FIBA |access-date=March 5, 2020 |date=July 26, 2019}} She grew up supporting the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA.{{cite news |last1=Vanoni |first1=Maggie |title=UConn's Paige Bueckers facing an idol in Battle 4 Atlantis opener, Minnesota coach Lindsay Whalen |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/uconn/article/UConn-s-Paige-Bueckers-facing-fellow-Minnesota-16636123.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=December 9, 2021 |date=November 19, 2021 |archive-date=December 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214041652/https://www.ctinsider.com/uconn/article/UConn-s-Paige-Bueckers-facing-fellow-Minnesota-16636123.php |url-status=dead }}

In seventh grade, Bueckers played for the tenth-grade and junior varsity basketball teams at Hopkins High School in Minnetonka.{{cite web |last1=Barnes |first1=Katie |title=Can this one super-prospect revive the greatest dynasty in sports? |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28634186/can-one-super-prospect-revive-greatest-dynasty-sports |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 5, 2020 |date=February 10, 2020}} By that time, she was also playing year-round with North Tartan, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) program competing in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, a national circuit.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers Making Noise |url=https://www.northtartan.com/news_article/show/540212 |publisher=North Tartan |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=August 3, 2015}}{{cite web |title=Youth basketball growth chart |url=https://www.mnbasketballhub.com/news_article/show/795045-youth-basketball-growth-chart |publisher=MN Basketball Hub |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=May 20, 2017}} Bueckers grew four inches in the year before her eighth-grade season.{{cite web |last1=Scoggins |first1=Chip |title=Hopkins 8th grader Paige Bueckers attracts attention from colleges – and Lynx coach |url=http://www.startribune.com/hopkins-eighth-grader-s-play-belies-her-age/372301371/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=March 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223214810/http://www.startribune.com/hopkins-eighth-grader-s-play-belies-her-age/372301371/ |archive-date=February 23, 2020}} She joined Hopkins' varsity team in eighth grade under head coach Brian Cosgriff, averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game.{{cite web |last1=Villa |first1=Walter |title=Timeout! Hopkins star Paige Bueckers is only a freshman |url=https://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/story/_/id/18554337/freshman-basketball-recruit-paige-bueckers-way-ahead-schedule-minnesota-hopkins |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=January 25, 2017}}{{cite magazine |last1=Baccellieri |first1=Emma |title=Paige Bueckers is the Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year |url=https://www.si.com/high-school/2020/08/27/paige-bueckers-2020-gatorade-athlete-year |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=February 13, 2021 |date=August 27, 2020}} She led her team in three-point shooting and ranked second in assists. Hopkins finished with a 28–3 record and a runner-up finish at the Class 4A state tournament,{{efn|In girls' basketball, 4A is one of four classifications governed by the Minnesota State High School League. It includes the largest 64 schools by enrollment, as determined every two years, with schools being allowed to appeal their classification.{{cite web |title=Competitive Sections |url=https://www.mshsl.org/tournaments/competitive-sections |publisher=Minnesota State High School League |access-date=December 21, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Method to Determine Classification – 2019–2020, 2020–2021 |url=https://www.mshsl.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/mshsl_competivesectionsmethodforclassification_20192020-20202021.pdf |publisher=Minnesota State High School League |access-date=December 21, 2021}}}} where Bueckers was named to the All-Tournament Team.{{cite web |last1=Rippel |first1=Joel |title=Prep athletes of the week: Hopkins freshman Paige Bueckers picks up where she left off |url=http://www.startribune.com/prep-athletes-of-the-week-hopkins-freshman-bueckers-picks-up-where-she-left-off/403477916/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=November 28, 2016}}

High school career

Bueckers made her freshman season debut for Hopkins High School on November 25, 2016, recording 28 points, five steals and four assists in a 74–34 win over Osseo Senior High School. That year, she assumed a more important role than in her eighth-grade season and became one of the team's leading scorers and passers.{{cite web |last1=McCoy |first1=David |title=Hopkins' Paige Bueckers Looking Like The Next Tayler Hill |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/02/04/paige-bueckers/ |publisher=WCCO-TV |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=February 4, 2017}} As a freshman, Bueckers averaged 20.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 4.1 assists per game, earning All-Metro first team honors from the Star Tribune.{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |title=Meet the 2017 Star Tribune girls' basketball All-Metro first team |url=https://www.mngirlsbasketballhub.com/news_article/show/768178-meet-the-2017-star-tribune-girls-basketball-all-metro-first-team |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=March 14, 2017}} She led Hopkins to a 31–1 record, its only loss coming against Elk River High School at the Class 4A state championship. Bueckers made the Class 4A All-Tournament Team.{{cite web |last1=Frederick |first1=Jace |title=Elk River completes undefeated season with title game win over Hopkins |url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/03/18/state-girls-basketball-elk-river-completes-undefeated-season-with-title-game-win-over-hopkins/ |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=March 18, 2017}}{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |title=Elk River wins 4A title in rare battle of the unbeatens |url=https://www.mngirlsbasketballhub.com/news_article/show/771213-elk-river-wins-4a-title-in-rare-battle-of-the-unbeatens |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=March 18, 2017}}

In January 2018, as a sophomore, Bueckers was sidelined with an ankle injury that had been hurting her for the first two months of the season.{{cite web |last1=McGinnis |first1=Grant |title=Hopkins guard Paige Bueckers sidelined with ankle injury |url=https://www.prepgirlshoops.com/2018/01/hopkins-guard-paige-bueckers-sidelined-with-ankle-injury/ |publisher=Prep Girls Hoops |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=January 21, 2018}} She finished the season averaging 22.3 points, 6.8 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game.{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |title=Paige Bueckers, the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, still has one goal in mind: winning state |url=http://www.startribune.com/paige-bueckers-the-star-tribune-metro-player-of-the-year-still-has-one-goal-in-mind-winning-state/476612493/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=March 12, 2018}} Bueckers helped Hopkins to a 28–4 record but suffered her third straight loss at the Class 4A state title game, despite leading all scorers with 37 points.{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |title=Eastview wins the biggest prize, tops Hopkins for Class 4A girls' basketball title |url=http://www.startribune.com/eastview-wins-the-biggest-prize-tops-hopkins-for-class-4a-girls-basketball-title/477197833/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=March 18, 2018}} She was named Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, becoming the first sophomore to win the award since its creation 34 years earlier. Bueckers was also recognized as Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year for athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.{{cite web |title=Hopkins High School student-athlete named Gatorade Minnesota Girls Basketball Player of the Year |url=https://playeroftheyear.gatorade.com/poy/assets/writable/53848/2019_GBB_https://playeroftheyear.gatorade.com/poy/assets/writable/48817/2018_GBB_PBueckers.pdfPBueckers.pdf |publisher=Gatorade |access-date=January 21, 2022 |date=March 19, 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

As a junior on February 1, 2019, Bueckers scored a career-high 43 points in a 69–66 win over Wayzata High School and surpassed 2,000 career points.{{cite web |last1=Sherman |first1=John |title=Hopkins girls basketball: Bueckers reaches 2,000 points in 69–66 win over Wayzata |url=https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_post/sports/hopkins-girls-basketball-bueckers-reaches-points-in---win/article_c22a2894-296f-11e9-a6f0-33256353de9d.html |website=Sun Sailor |access-date=March 7, 2020 |date=February 8, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Sherman |first1=John |title=Bueckers commits to UConn |url=https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_sailor/community/excelsior_southlake/bueckers-commits-to-uconn/article_c4c709bc-57c5-11e9-9099-6f0bd76e9557.html |website=Sun Sailor |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=April 5, 2019}} On March 16, despite having an illness that had caused her to vomit earlier in the day, she recorded 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and five steals as her team won the Class 4A state championship, 74–45, over Stillwater Area High School.{{cite web |last1=Sherman |first1=John |title=Bueckers 'toughs it out' for first state title |url=https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_sailor/community/hopkins/bueckers-toughs-it-out-for-first-state-title/article_e7768324-49b6-11e9-b696-073f95251863.html |website=Sun Sailor |access-date=March 7, 2020 |date=March 18, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |title=Paige Bueckers: Minnesota's best ever? |url=https://www.startribune.com/paige-bueckers-minnesota-s-best-ever/508006702/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=February 12, 2022 |date=April 8, 2019}} Hopkins finished the season with a 32–0 record.{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |title=Hopkins wins Class 4A title over Stillwater |url=https://www.startribune.com/hopkins-wins-class-4a-title-over-stillwater/507263562/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=February 12, 2022 |date=March 17, 2019}} Bueckers averaged 24.4 points, 5.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 4.6 steals per game, repeating as Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year and Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year.{{cite web |title=Hopkins High School's Paige Bueckers wins 2nd Gatorade Minn. Player of the Year; Finalist for national award |url=https://kstp.com/sports/hopkins-high-school-paige-bueckers-wins-2nd-gatorade-minnesota-player-of-the-year-finalist-for-national-player-of-the-year/5272206/ |publisher=KSTP-TV |access-date=March 7, 2020 |date=March 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806193811/https://kstp.com/sports/hopkins-high-school-paige-bueckers-wins-2nd-gatorade-minnesota-player-of-the-year-finalist-for-national-player-of-the-year/5272206/ |archive-date=August 6, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Haggstrom |first1=Ron |title=Paige Bueckers of Hopkins is the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year |url=http://www.startribune.com/paige-bueckers-of-hopkins-is-the-star-tribune-metro-player-of-the-year/507010782/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 7, 2020 |date=March 11, 2019}} She was one of three finalists for the Gatorade National Player of the Year award.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers: 'I don't want to just be a high school legend.' The Slam magazine video |url=http://www.startribune.com/paige-bueckers-i-don-t-want-to-just-be-a-high-school-legend-hopkins-slam/567423981/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=January 30, 2020}} That year, Bueckers moved to the Minnesota Metro Stars AAU program, following her former North Tartan coach Tara Starks.{{cite web |last1=McGinnis |first1=Grant |title=AAU final wrap-up: Recounting the summer that was |url=https://www.prepgirlshoops.com/2019/08/aau-final-wrap-up-recounting-the-summer-that-was/ |publisher=Prep Girls Hoops |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=August 30, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=McGinnis |first1=Grant |title=Best of the Prelims: North Tartan EYBL slips past Metro Stars |url=https://www.prepgirlshoops.com/2019/05/best-of-the-prelims-north-tartan-eybl-slips-past-metro-stars/ |publisher=Prep Girls Hoops |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=May 6, 2019}} In August 2019, she was named AAU Player of the Year by Prep Girls Hoops.{{cite web |last1=McGinnis |first1=Grant |title=AAU Awards: 2019 Player of the Year Paige Bueckers |url=https://www.prepgirlshoops.com/2019/08/aau-awards-2019-player-of-the-year-paige-bueckers/ |publisher=Prep Girls Hoops |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=August 28, 2019}}

File:Paige Bueckers in a state playoff game against Cambridge-Isanti at Williams Arena, Minnesota (cropped).jpg in a state playoff game in 2020|alt=Bueckers dribbling for Hopkins High School]]

On January 29, 2020, during her senior season, Bueckers became the first female high school player to be featured on the cover of basketball magazine Slam. Toward the end of the season, she suffered from a stress reaction in her right leg due to overuse.{{cite news |last1=Anthony |first1=Mike |title=Father of UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers supports daughter through 'peaks and valleys' |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/uconn/article/Father-of-UConn-women-s-basketball-star-Paige-16816377.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=February 7, 2022 |date=January 30, 2022}} Bueckers sometimes wore a walking boot as a preventative measure, was limited in practice and missed the first game of the state tournament.{{cite web |last1=Anthony |first1=Mike |title=UConn recruit Paige Bueckers dazzling, and indulging, Minnesota fans amid unprecedented attention |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-paige-bueckers-hopkins-senior-night-column-20200223-6xvvrrdxa5dstl4qptpumxdl5y-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=January 7, 2022 |date=February 23, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Anthony |first1=Mike |title='Oh, she'd give me an earful': Paige Bueckers plays the most minutes for UConn and wouldn't have it any other way |url=https://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/No-rest-for-the-restless-Bueckers-not-fond-of-16029419.php |website=The Connecticut Post |access-date=February 7, 2022 |date=March 16, 2021}} She led Hopkins to the Class 4A state championship game, which was canceled on March 13 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |last2=La Vaque |first2=David |title=Minnesota high school sports abruptly canceled, 'devastating' those involved |url=https://www.startribune.com/all-minnesota-high-school-sporting-events-tournaments-canceled-immedioately/568772592/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=March 13, 2020}} Bueckers was selected to play at the McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, two prestigious high school all-star games, but both were canceled due to the pandemic.{{cite web |title=Hopkins basketball star Paige Bueckers honored as McDonald's All-American |url=https://kstp.com/sports/hopkins-basketball-star-paige-bueckers-honored-as-a-mcdonalds-all-american/5628428/ |publisher=KSTP-TV |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=January 30, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328190320/https://kstp.com/sports/hopkins-basketball-star-paige-bueckers-honored-as-a-mcdonalds-all-american/5628428/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last1=Lawlor |first1=Christopher |title=Jordan Brand Classic lands in Chicago; no stub for Diamond Johnson of Neumann-Goretti (PA) named to girls' roster |url=https://www.bluestarmedia.org/25329-2/ |publisher=BlueStar Media |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=February 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025032417/https://www.bluestarmedia.org/25329-2/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last1=Stephens |first1=Mitch |title=High school basketball state tournaments, postseason showcases canceled amid coronavirus concerns |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/zqIBc6hVM0yXFkr3g0kqwQ/high-school-basketball-state-tournaments,-postseason-showcases-canceled-amid-coronavirus-concerns.htm |publisher=MaxPreps |access-date=March 13, 2020 |date=March 13, 2020}} She averaged 21.4 points, 9.4 assists, 5.4 steals and five rebounds per game, leading Hopkins to another undefeated season and 62 consecutive wins.{{cite web |last1=Stephens |first1=Mitch |title=Extending the Season: Paige Bueckers one win shy of storybook ending |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/O_TDPUMXOU2iZGAfCba80Q/extending-the-season--paige-bueckers-one-win-shy-of-storybook-ending.htm |publisher=MaxPreps |access-date=April 18, 2020 |date=March 17, 2020}} Bueckers was again honored as Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year, becoming the award's first three-time winner.{{cite web |title=One for all time: Hopkins' Paige Bueckers is first-ever three-time Metro Player of the Year winner |url=http://www.startribune.com/paige-bueckers-of-hopkins-first-ever-three-time-winner-of-metro-player-of-the-year-award/568659491/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=March 10, 2020}} She was named Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year, Gatorade National Player of the Year,{{cite web |last1= Eisenburg |first1 = Matt |title= UConn commit Paige Bueckers wins Gatorade Player of the Year award |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28871873/uconn-commit-paige-bueckers-wins-gatorade-player-year-award |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 9, 2020 |date=March 9, 2020}} Naismith Prep Player of the Year,{{cite web |last1=Bonjour |first1=Doug |title=UConn-bound Paige Bueckers named Naismith Girls High School Player of the Year |url=https://www.ctpost.com/uconn/article/UConn-bound-Paige-Bueckers-named-Naismith-Girls-15123616.php |website=Connecticut Post |access-date=March 13, 2020 |date=March 11, 2020 |archive-date=March 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312131503/https://www.ctpost.com/uconn/article/UConn-bound-Paige-Bueckers-named-Naismith-Girls-15123616.php |url-status=dead }} Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year,{{cite web |last1=Bonjour |first1=Doug |title=UConn signee Paige Bueckers named Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year |url=https://www.ctpost.com/uconn/article/UConn-signee-Paige-Bueckers-named-Morgan-Wootten-15171993.php |website=Connecticut Post |access-date=April 18, 2020 |date=April 1, 2020}} and Minnesota Miss Basketball.{{cite web |last1=Paulsen |first1=Jim |title=Paige Bueckers adds Miss Minnesota Basketball to senior season honors |url=https://www.startribune.com/paige-bueckers-adds-miss-minnesota-basketball-to-senior-season-honors/568882682/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=April 18, 2020 |date=March 17, 2020}} Bueckers finished as Hopkins' all-time leader in points (2,877), assists (795) and steals (574).{{cite web |last1=Haggstrom |first1=Ron |title=Incomparable Paige Bueckers 'enjoyed every second' of final run with Hopkins |url=https://www.startribune.com/incomparable-paige-bueckers-enjoyed-every-second-of-final-run-with-hopkins/571344752/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=December 9, 2021 |date=June 18, 2020}}

Bueckers has been regarded as one of the best players in Minnesota girls' high school basketball history.{{cite web |last1=Long |first1=Chris |title=Minnesota prep hoops legend Paige Bueckers set to face Gophers in Bahamas |url=https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/paige-bueckers-uconn-huskies-minnesota-gophers-battle-4-atlantis-bahamas-womens-college-basketball/6307504/ |publisher=KSTP-TV |access-date=December 10, 2021 |date=November 19, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211214041651/https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/paige-bueckers-uconn-huskies-minnesota-gophers-battle-4-atlantis-bahamas-womens-college-basketball/6307504/ |archive-date= December 14, 2021}} During her senior season, Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins compared her influence in the state to that of Lindsay Whalen, writing, "A generation of girls—now young women—throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota grew up idolizing [Whalen] as a basketball star. Bueckers is having that same impact on a new generation of girls."{{cite web |last1=Scoggins |first1=Chip |title=Hopkins' Paige Bueckers dazzling, inspiring a generation of girls |url=http://www.startribune.com/hopkins-paige-bueckers-dazzling-inspiring-a-generation-of-girls/567911822/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=February 16, 2020}}

=Recruiting=

Bueckers was a five-star recruit and ranked the number one player in the 2020 class by ESPN.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers 2020 High School Girls' Basketball Profile |url=http://www.espn.com/high-school/girls-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/225154 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 12, 2021}} By eighth grade and age 14, she had received scholarship offers from NCAA Division I basketball programs at Minnesota, Iowa State and Illinois. On April 1, 2019, Bueckers announced her commitment to University of Connecticut. The other finalists she was considering were Notre Dame, Oregon State, Oregon, UCLA, Minnesota, South Carolina, Maryland, Texas and Duke.{{cite web |last1=Villa |first1=Walter |title=UConn lands No. 1 2020 prospect Bueckers |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26418695/uconn-lands-no-1-2020-prospect-bueckers |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=April 1, 2019}} On November 13, Bueckers signed a National Letter of Intent with UConn.{{cite web |last1=Putterman |first1=Alex |title=UConn women's basketball recruits Paige Bueckers, Nika Muhl, Mir McLean sign letters of intent, making commitments official |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-basketball-paige-bueckers-nika-muhl-20191113-hqzuzy3tyrbyncoqknmxqcdsfe-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=November 13, 2019}} She became the 11th number-one recruit to sign and attend UConn since 1998.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Geno on UConn commit Paige Bueckers: By the end of next year, 'I am going to be saying we wouldn't have won the national championship without her' |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-recruiting-notebook-20191210-ps5ntdoil5atnb6vzpcjjykyua-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=March 6, 2020 |date=December 10, 2019}} Bueckers was drawn to UConn because she felt that head coach Geno Auriemma would maximize her talents, and because of the university's reputation and enthusiasm for women's basketball. She also believed that she could immediately have a key role at UConn, with the expected graduation of point guard Crystal Dangerfield, and was attracted by its team-oriented play style.

College career

=Freshman season=

Entering her freshman season at UConn, sports publications described Bueckers as the program's most hyped recruit since Breanna Stewart in 2012.{{cite web |last1=Carroll |first1=Charlotte |title='We're going to surprise some people': Takeaways from UConn's first media day |url=https://theathletic.com/1990007/2020/08/12/were-going-to-surprise-some-people-takeaways-from-uconns-first-media-day/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=December 10, 2021 |date=August 12, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Adamec |first1=Carl |title=UConn freshman Bueckers already has big following |url=https://www.journalinquirer.com/sports/college/uconn_womens_basketball/uconn-freshman-bueckers-already-has-big-following/article_cb5e064a-0ed5-11eb-b12b-5fa16a3db83c.html |website=Journal Inquirer |access-date=December 10, 2021 |date=October 15, 2020}} Unlike Stewart and other former UConn stars, she became her team's leader from the beginning of her college career.{{cite web |last1=Eaton-Robb |first1=Pat |title='In her DNA': Freshman Paige Bueckers already a UConn star |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaw/2021/02/18/in-her-dna-freshman-paige-bueckers-already-a-uconn-star/43393421/ |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=February 18, 2021}} Megan Walker, UConn's top scorer from the previous year, had opted to forgo her senior season to enter the 2020 WNBA draft, leaving the 2020–21 team with no seniors.{{cite web |last1=Ingemi |first1=Marisa |title=Paige Bueckers Knows UConn's History. She's Paving Its Future. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/sports/ncaabasketball/paige-bueckers-uconn.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=December 10, 2021 |date=February 18, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Voepel |first1=M.A.|author-link=M.A. Voepel|title=Even UConn legends awed by Paige Bueckers' 'ridiculous' freshman season |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31059560/even-uconn-legends-awed-paige-bueckers-ridiculous-freshman-season |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 10, 2021 |date=March 15, 2021}} Bueckers was unanimously selected as the Big East Preseason Freshman of the Year by the league's coaches.{{cite web |title=UConn's Williams Named Big East Preseason Player of the Year |url=https://www.bigeast.com/news/2020/10/28/womens-basketball-uconns-williams-named-big-east-preseason-player-of-the-year.aspx |publisher=Big East Conference |access-date=December 12, 2021 |date=October 29, 2020}}

{{Quote box

|quote = "I think the most impressive thing about Paige is that she plays at the same pace the entire game. That usually comes a bit later for most players, but she's got it at such a young age. She makes the game slow down for her. I'm always surprised when she shoots and it doesn't go in."

|source = – UConn head coach Geno Auriemma on Bueckers after her 31-point game in a win over {{abbr|No. 1|number one}} South Carolina on February 8, 2021{{cite web |title=UConn-South Carolina Postgame Quotes |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2021/2/8/womens-basketball-uconn-south-carolina-postgame-quotes.aspx |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=February 8, 2021}}

|width=19em

}}

On December 12, 2020, Bueckers made her collegiate debut for UConn, recording 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five steals in a 79–23 win over UMass Lowell.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Behind dazzling debut from Paige Bueckers, UConn women dominate UMass Lowell, 79-23, in season opener |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-season-opener-20201213-20201212-nczvmz6r3bc5pdht5ohgebovtm-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=February 13, 2021 |date=December 12, 2020}} On January 21, 2021, she made a three-pointer with 25 seconds left to help defeat rival Tennessee, 67–61, despite shooting 3-of-14 from the field for a season-low nine points.{{cite web |last1=Bonjour |first1=Doug |title=Bueckers steps up in the clutch, No. 3 UConn holds off No. 25 Tennessee |url=https://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/Bueckers-steps-up-in-the-clutch-No-3-UConn-15889167.php |website=Connecticut Post |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=January 21, 2021}} Late in the game, Bueckers sprained her ankle, causing her to miss the next contest against Georgetown.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Paige Bueckers to miss UConn women's game vs. Georgetown with ankle injury; Anna Makurat out indefinitely |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-injuries-georgetown-20210124-20210123-giabffx455hz5d6wkcncqcmedq-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=January 23, 2021}} On February 3, she posted a season-high 32 points and seven assists in a 94–62 victory over St. John's of New York. It was the highest-scoring performance by a UConn freshman since Tina Charles in 2007.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Paige Bueckers' career-high 32 points carry UConn women over St. John's with Christyn Williams sidelined |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-st-johns-gamer-20210204-20210204-uh2lpfh3ejerledebpl63ftbka-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=February 13, 2021 |date=February 3, 2021}} Two days later, she scored 30 points in an 87–58 win over Marquette.{{cite web |title=Bueckers Scores 30 and Williams Adds 18 as Huskies Win at Marquette, 87–58 |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2021/2/5/womens-basketball-paige-bueckers-scores-30-and-christyn-williams-adds-18-as-huskies-win-at-marquette-87-58.aspx |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=February 13, 2021 |date=February 5, 2021}} In her next game, Bueckers recorded 31 points, six steals and five assists, scoring her team's final 13 points, in a 63–59 overtime win over South Carolina, the number one team in the AP Poll. She became the first player in program history to have three straight 30-point games.{{cite web |last1=Voepel |first1=M.A.|author-link=M.A. Voepel|title=Paige Bueckers takes over to deliver No. 2 UConn to win over No. 1 South Carolina in OT |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30864806/paige-bueckers-takes-deliver-no-2-uconn-win-no-1-south-carolina-ot |publisher=ESPN |access-date=February 13, 2021 |date=February 8, 2021}} On February 27, Bueckers posted 20 points, a program-record 14 assists and seven rebounds in a 97–68 victory over Butler.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Record-setting day from Paige Bueckers, strong game from Aaliyah Edwards help UConn women close out Butler, 97–68 |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-butler-gamer-20210228-20210227-xyknye3ourem5gsz33g2w62ze4-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=February 28, 2021 |date=February 27, 2021}} After leading UConn to the Big East regular-season title, she was named Big East Player of the Year and unanimous Big East Freshman of the Year, joining Maya Moore as the only players to win both awards in the same season. She was also a unanimous first-team All-Big East and Big East All-Freshman Team selection.{{cite web |title=Bueckers Sweeps Big East Player, Freshman of the Year Honors |url=https://www.bigeast.com/news/2021/3/4/womens-basketball-bueckers-sweeps-big-east-player-freshman-of-the-year-honors.aspx |publisher=Big East Conference |access-date=March 4, 2021 |date=March 4, 2021}} On March 8, Bueckers recorded 23 points, six rebounds and four assists in a 73–39 win over Marquette at the Big East tournament title game. She was named most outstanding player (MOP) of the tournament.{{cite web|date=March 8, 2021|title=Paige Bueckers, UConn Huskies beat Marquette Golden Eagles for Big East women's basketball title|url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31030211/paige-bueckers-uconn-huskies-beat-marquette-golden-eagles-big-east-women-basketball-title|access-date=March 9, 2021|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}

On March 21, Bueckers recorded 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals in a 102–59 win over 16th-seeded High Point in the first round of the 2021 NCAA tournament. Her 24 points were the most by a UConn player in their tournament debut.{{cite web |last1=Feinberg |first1=Doug |title=Paige Bueckers helps UConn rout High Point 102–59 in NCAA opener |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/mar/21/paige-bueckers-helps-uconn-rout-high-point-102-59-/ |website=The Spokesman-Review |agency=Associated Press |access-date=January 4, 2022 |date=March 21, 2021}} Bueckers scored a game-high 28 points in a 69–67 win over second-seeded Baylor in the Elite Eight to help UConn reach its 13th straight Final Four.{{cite web |last1=Feinberg |first1=Doug |title=UConn reaches 13th straight Final Four, beating Baylor 69–67 |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-womens-college-basketball-march-madness-college-basketball-78db9afd84435b1eeed24e5c856a480a |work=Associated Press |access-date=January 4, 2022 |date=March 29, 2021}} She was recognized as MOP of the River Walk Regional.{{cite web |last1=Green |first1=Coby |title=UConn's Paige Bueckers adds another two honors to her historic freshman season |url=https://sny.tv/articles/uconn-s-paige-bueckers-adds-another-two-honors-to-her-historic-freshman-season |publisher=SportsNet New York |access-date=April 3, 2021 |date=March 30, 2021}} At the Final Four, UConn was upset by third-seeded Arizona, 69–59, and finished the season with a 28–2 record.{{cite web |last1=Bonjour |first1=Doug |title=Third-seeded Arizona stuns No. 1 UConn in Final Four |url=https://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/Third-seeded-Arizona-stuns-No-1-UConn-in-Final-16073981.php |website=Connecticut Post |access-date=December 21, 2021 |date=April 3, 2021}} Bueckers was named to the Final Four All-Tournament Team.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers – Women's Basketball |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/paige-bueckers/11734 |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=January 5, 2022}} She won all the national player of the year awards she was eligible for—AP Player of the Year, Naismith College Player of the Year, USBWA Women's National Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award—becoming the first freshman to receive any of the awards.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=UConn women's basketball's Paige Bueckers wins Wooden Award, sweeps all national player of the year awards for which she was eligible |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-paige-bueckers-2021-20210405-2pubgid6vfhs7lxqxo5d4bdfva-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=May 8, 2021 |date=April 5, 2021}} Bueckers was a unanimous first-team All-American, earning first-team All-American honors from the AP and the USBWA,{{cite web |title=UConn freshman Paige Bueckers leads women's AP All-America team |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31081327/uconn-frosh-paige-bueckers-leads-women-ap-all-america-team |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |access-date=March 17, 2021 |date=March 17, 2021}}{{cite web |title=USBWA names 2020–21 Women's All-America Team |url=http://www.sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2021/womensallamerica210402.html |publisher=United States Basketball Writers Association |access-date=April 3, 2021 |date=April 2, 2021}} and made the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Coaches' All-America Team.{{cite web |title=Bueckers Tabbed to WBCA Coaches' All-America Team |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2021/4/3/womens-basketball-bueckers-tabbed-to-wbca-coaches-all-america-team.aspx |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=April 3, 2021 |date=April 3, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Women's Basketball Award Winners |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/w_basketball_RB/2022/Awards.pdf |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |access-date=January 6, 2022}} She was the first freshman to win the Nancy Lieberman Award as the top point guard in the nation.{{cite web |title=Bueckers Named Nancy Lieberman Award Winner |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2021/4/4/womens-basketball-bueckers-named-nancy-lieberman-award-winner.aspx |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=May 8, 2021 |date=April 4, 2021}} Bueckers shared two major NCAA Division I freshman of the year awards with Caitlin Clark of Iowa—the Tamika Catchings Award, presented by the USBWA,{{cite press release|url=http://sportswriters.net/usbwa/news/2021/women210402.html |title=USBWA Names Tamika Catchings Award, Coach of the Year Winners |publisher=United States Basketball Writers Association |date=April 2, 2021 |access-date=April 2, 2021}} and the WBCA Freshman of the Year award.{{cite web |title=UConn's Bueckers, Iowa's Clark named 2021 WBCA NCAA Division I Co-Freshmen of the Year presented by adidas |url=https://wbca.org/about/press-releases/uconn%E2%80%99s-bueckers-iowa%E2%80%99s-clark-named-2021-wbca-ncaa-division-i-co-freshmen-year |publisher=Women's Basketball Coaches Association |access-date=March 31, 2021 |date=March 30, 2021 |archive-date=March 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330151759/https://wbca.org/about/press-releases/uconn%E2%80%99s-bueckers-iowa%E2%80%99s-clark-named-2021-wbca-ncaa-division-i-co-freshmen-year |url-status=dead }} As a freshman, she averaged 20 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game, shooting 46.4 percent from three-point range.{{cite web |last1=Voepel |first1=M.A.|author-link=M.A. Voepel|title=Paige Bueckers' sensational freshman season comes to a close in women's Final Four |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31185721/paige-bueckers-sensational-freshman-season-comes-close-women-final-four |publisher=ESPN |access-date=April 3, 2021 |date=April 3, 2021}} Bueckers recorded 168 assists, the most by a freshman in program history, despite a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=Freshman phenom: How UConn's Paige Bueckers' 2020–21 season stacks up against the all-time greats |url=https://www.ctpost.com/projects/2021/visuals/paige-bueckers-freshman-uconn/ |website=Connecticut Post |access-date=May 9, 2021 |date=May 5, 2021}} In July 2021, she won the Best Female College Athlete ESPY Award.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers wins ESPY Award, advocates for Black female athletes |url=https://www.startribune.com/paige-bueckers-wins-espy-award-advocates-for-black-female-athletes/600076970/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=July 16, 2021 |date=July 10, 2021}} Analysts have considered Bueckers' freshman season to be among the best in UConn and NCAA history.{{cite web |last1=Bronsteen |first1=John |title=The Ludicrous, Unprecedented Greatness of Paige Bueckers |url=https://slate.com/culture/2021/03/paige-bueckers-uconn-best-ever.html |website=Slate |access-date=December 10, 2021 |date=March 3, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Bonjour |first1=Doug |title=UConn questions: Paige Bueckers' development, newcomers adapting, managing crowded roster |url=https://www.ctpost.com/projects/2021/visuals/paige-bueckers-freshman-uconn/ |website=Connecticut Post |access-date=December 10, 2021 |date=April 5, 2021}}

Bueckers was named to the university's dean's list her freshman year, which required a GPA of at least 3.72, and was involved in social justice causes.{{cite news |last=Adamec |first=Carl |date=January 13, 2021 |title=Chassion gets to chat with teammates |url=https://www.journalinquirer.com/sports/college/uconn_womens_basketball/chassion-gets-to-chat-with-teammates/article_a208fa56-5594-11eb-8e53-87ab1c23553c.html |work=Journal Inquirer |location=Manchester, Connecticut |access-date=April 11, 2022}}{{cite news |last=Adamec |first=Carl |date=February 13, 2021 |title=Bueckers can pass off the court as well |url=https://www.journalinquirer.com/sports/college/uconn_womens_basketball/bueckers-can-pass-off-the-court-as-well/article_1da61aa4-6db9-11eb-bd2d-7fa7d523c43e.html |work=Journal Inquirer |location=Manchester, Connecticut |access-date=April 11, 2022}}

=Sophomore season=

File:Paige Bueckers vs Arkansas.jpg in 2021]]

On April 30, 2021, Bueckers underwent surgery on her right ankle to repair an osteochondral defect, joint damage involving the bone and cartilage.{{cite web |last1=Voepel |first1=M.A.|author-link=M.A. Voepel|title=UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers undergoes right ankle surgery |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31372104/uconn-huskies-star-paige-bueckers-undergoes-right-ankle-surgery |publisher=ESPN |access-date=May 7, 2021 |date=May 1, 2021}} She could not practice for most of the offseason while recovering from surgery,{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Alex |title=Paige Bueckers 'really excited' about UConn's direction heading into 2021–22 season |url=https://sny.tv/articles/paige-bueckers-uconn-direction-2021-22-season |publisher=SportsNet New York |access-date=December 12, 2021 |date=October 19, 2021}} but was cleared to return by October.{{cite web |title=Loaded UConn women push for program's 12th national title |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaw/2021/10/27/loaded-uconn-women-push-for-programs-12th-national-title/49294827/ |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 12, 2021 |date=October 27, 2021}} Bueckers entered her sophomore season as a unanimous selection for both Big East Preseason Player of the Year and the AP preseason All-America team.{{cite web |title=Bueckers Is Unanimous Choice For Big East Preseason Player of the Year |url=https://www.bigeast.com/news/2021/10/19/womens-basketball-bueckers-is-unanimous-choice-for-big-east-preseason-player-of-the-year.aspx |publisher=Big East Conference |access-date=December 12, 2021 |date=October 19, 2021}}{{cite web |title=UConn Huskies' Paige Bueckers tops AP's preseason All-America team |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story?id=32479095 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 12, 2021 |date=October 26, 2021}} Among the newcomers to UConn was Azzi Fudd, the number one recruit in the 2021 class and Bueckers' close friend.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=The Paige Bueckers-Azzi Fudd era at UConn is about to arrive and the rest of the college basketball world ought to watch out |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-paige-azzi-duo-20211107-20211106-j2wzhgs4kveclm5aztm57ntqsu-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=November 7, 2021}}

Bueckers made her season debut on November 14, 2021, recording a season-high 34 points, six rebounds and four assists in a 95–80 win against Arkansas.{{cite web |last1=Connolly |first1=Daniel |title=UConn women's basketball downs Arkansas, 95–80 |url=https://www.theuconnblog.com/2021/11/14/22781644/uconn-huskies-womens-basketball-downs-arkansas-95-80 |website=The UConn Blog |access-date=November 14, 2021 |date=November 14, 2021}} She matched the program record for points in a season opener set by Kerry Bascom in 1989.{{cite web |last1=Vanoni |first1=Maggie |title=What we learned from UConn's win over Arkansas: Bueckers leads, defensive holes, bench play |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/uconn/article/What-we-learned-from-UConn-s-win-over-Arkansas-16622355.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=November 15, 2021 |date=November 15, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Maine |first1=D'Arcy |title=Paige Bueckers scores career-high 34 points as UConn women's basketball opens with win over Arkansas |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/32632839/paige-bueckers-scores-career-high-34-points-uconn-women-basketball-opens-win-arkansas |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 21, 2022 |date=November 14, 2021}} On December 5, Bueckers injured her left knee while dribbling the ball up the court with 40 seconds remaining in a 73–54 victory over Notre Dame, and had to be carried off the floor by teammates. An MRI and CT scans revealed that she suffered a tibial plateau fracture with an estimated recovery period of six to eight weeks.{{cite web |last1=Barnes |first1=Katie |title=UConn's Paige Bueckers out 6–8 weeks with fracture |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/32812831/uconn-paige-bueckers-6-8-weeks-fracture |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 7, 2021 |date=December 7, 2021}} On December 13, Bueckers underwent surgery to repair the fracture and a previously undisclosed lateral meniscus tear. She was expected to be sidelined for eight more weeks.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=UConn women's star Paige Bueckers out eight weeks after undergoing successful surgery on left knee |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-paige-bueckers-surgery-20211214-2pqjnp5wjzh6ngxdqurwftuq7e-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=December 14, 2021 |date=December 14, 2021}} During Bueckers' absence, UConn had a 15–4 record and briefly fell out of the top 10 in the AP Poll for the first time since 2005.{{cite web |last1=Eaton-Robb |first1=Pat |title=Bueckers returns as No. 7 UConn routs St. John's 93-38 |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-basketball-womens-college-basketball-nyc-state-wire-a05c949c9343fba64a495bd0037734a3 |work=Associated Press |access-date=February 26, 2022 |date=February 26, 2022}} The team's winning streaks of 240 games against unranked teams and 169 games against conference opponents ended in losses to Georgia Tech and Villanova, respectively.{{cite web |last1=Carroll |first1=Charlotte |title=UConn loses to Georgia Tech without Paige Bueckers, snapping 240-game winning streak vs. unranked teams |url=https://theathletic.com/news/uconn-loses-to-georgia-tech-without-paige-bueckers-snapping-240-game-winning-streak-vs-unranked-teams/mQ7bumRM2nPF/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=February 26, 2022 |date=December 9, 2021}}{{cite web |title=169-game win streak snapped: UConn drops first conference matchup since 2013 in loss to Villanova |url=https://theathletic.com/news/169-game-win-streak-snapped-uconn-drops-first-conference-matchup-since-2013-in-loss-to-villanova/VB5uMSXJOtKo/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=February 26, 2022 |date=February 10, 2022}}

File:Paige Bueckers Final Four (cropped).jpg at the 2022 NCAA Final Four]]

Bueckers was cleared to return against St. John's on February 25, 2022. She came off the bench for the first time in her career and scored eight points, playing only 13 minutes due to a minutes restriction, in a 93–38 victory.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Paige Bueckers, 'so happy' to be back after 19-game absence, helps UConn roll to victory in return |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33372478/paige-bueckers-returns-19-game-absence-scores-8-points-uconn-rout-st-johns |publisher=ESPN |access-date=February 26, 2022 |date=February 25, 2022}} Bueckers continued to receive limited playing time until the NCAA tournament,{{cite web |title=Bueckers remains UConn's biggest question for NCAA Tourney |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaw/2022/03/18/bueckers-remains-uconns-biggest-question-for-ncaa-tourney/49954809/ |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |access-date=March 29, 2022 |date=March 18, 2022}} and UConn won the Big East tournament despite her scoring only two points in the championship game against Villanova.{{cite web |last1=Anthony |first1=Mike |title=Why this Big East title feels different for UConn women's basketball team: 'Just so proud' |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/uconn/article/Why-this-Big-East-title-feels-different-for-UConn-16985454.php |publisher=CT Insider |access-date=March 29, 2022 |date=March 8, 2022}} Her offensive production also declined from before her injury.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Women's NCAA tournament 2022: Can UConn Huskies win it all without Paige Bueckers at 100%? |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33588471/women-ncaa-tournament-2022-uconn-huskies-win-all-paige-bueckers-100 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 29, 2022 |date=March 25, 2022}} On March 28, at the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, Bueckers led her team to a 91–87 double-overtime win over top-seeded NC State, as UConn reached its 14th consecutive Final Four. She scored a game-high 27 points on 10-15 from the field, including 15 points in the two overtime periods (4-5 from the field and 6-6 from the free-throw line), and was named MOP of the Bridgeport Regional.{{cite web |last1=Riley |first1=Lori |title=Paige Bueckers steps up as UConn hangs on, beats NC State in two OTs to advance to 14th straight Final Four |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-north-carolina-state-regional-final-game-20220329-ae4fffh7bvdhpmvygogxvl4ssa-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=March 29, 2022 |date=March 28, 2022}} In the Final Four, Bueckers recorded 14 points, five assists and four rebounds in a 63–58 victory against top-seeded Stanford, the defending champions.{{cite web |last1=Tannenwald |first1=Jonathan |title=Paige Bueckers and UConn top Stanford, 63-58, in a Final Four slugfest |url=https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/final-four-paige-bueckers-uconn-stanford-20220401.html |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |access-date=April 3, 2022 |date=April 2, 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Tumin |first1=Remy |title=Bueckers Says She Will Play Through the Pain Against South Carolina |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/02/sports/ncaabasketball/uconn-paige-bueckers.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=April 3, 2022 |date=April 2, 2022}} In a 64–49 loss to top-seeded South Carolina at the national championship game,{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Dave |title=Bueckers can't do it all as UConn comes up short for title |url=https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-sports-college-sports-minneapolis-basketball-c989282d1137ddc87ae92e2e261796d4 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=April 4, 2022 |date=April 3, 2022}} Bueckers was the only UConn player to score in double digits as she posted 14 points and six rebounds, and was named to the Final Four All-Tournament Team.{{cite web |last1=Sanchez |first1=Robert |title=UConn's Paige Bueckers named All-Tournament First Team |url=https://sny.tv/articles/uconn-s-paige-bueckers-named-all-tournament-first-team |publisher=SNY |access-date=April 4, 2022 |date=April 4, 2022}} Bueckers was an AP All-American Honorable Mention selection.{{cite web |last1=Feinberg |first1=Doug |title=AP All-America team includes milestone for Kentucky's Howard |url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-basketball-new-york-michigan-kentucky-e2f0d4588037e5deacdfebd41171f763 |work=Associated Press |access-date=March 18, 2022 |date=March 16, 2022}} As a sophomore, she averaged 14.6 points, four rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers |url=https://herhoopstats.com/stats/ncaa/player/paige-bueckers-stats-11eb2f35-bf4f-700c-aa81-12df17ae4e1e/ |publisher=Her Hoop Stats |access-date=May 9, 2021}}

In addition to her athletic honors, Bueckers was again named to the university's dean's list for her first semester as a sophomore.

= Redshirt year =

On August 3, 2022, UConn announced that Bueckers had torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during a pick-up game on August 1 and would miss the entire 2022–23 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/34342277/uconn-huskies-women-basketball-star-paige-bueckers-miss-season-tearing-acl |title=UConn Huskies women's basketball star Paige Bueckers to miss 2022-23 season after tearing ACL |first=M.A. |last=Voepel |author-link=M.A. Voepel|publisher=ESPN |date=August 3, 2022 |access-date=August 3, 2022}} She received an additional year of college eligibility after redshirting the season.{{cite web |last1=Anthony |first1=Mike |title=Behind UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers' months of rehab: 'I'll be better than I was before' |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/ncaa-tournament-huskies-paige-bueckers-17842060.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=August 20, 2023 |date=March 16, 2023}} On September 1, Bueckers announced she would return to UConn for the 2023–24 season instead of declaring for the 2023 WNBA draft, for which she was eligible.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/34503884/injured-uconn-women-basketball-star-paige-bueckers-bypass-early-wnba-draft-entry-return-huskies-2023-24-season |title=Injured UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers to bypass early WNBA draft entry, return to Huskies for 2023-24 season |first=Alexa |last=Philippou |publisher=ESPN |date=September 1, 2022 |access-date=September 5, 2022}} In her absence, the team finished the 2022–23 season with a 31–6 record, winning Big East regular season and tournament titles. UConn lost to Ohio State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, marking the first time they did not reach the Final Four since 2008.{{cite web |last1=Feinberg |first1=Doug |title=UConn's Final Four streak ends with 73-61 loss to Ohio State |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaw/2023/03/25/uconn-s-final-four-streak-ends-with-73-61-loss-to-ohio-state/70048842007/ |website=USA Today |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=May 6, 2023 |date=March 25, 2023}}

= Junior season =

File:Paige Bueckers 2023 (2) (cropped).jpg

On August 9, 2023, Bueckers announced that she was fully cleared to return to the court; two months earlier, she had been cleared for all activities except for five-on-five play.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=UConn's Paige Bueckers says she's fully cleared and 'ready for takeoff' |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38164356/uconn-bueckers-says-fully-cleared-ready-takeoff |publisher=ESPN |access-date=August 20, 2023 |date=August 9, 2023}} Entering her redshirt junior season, she was named an AP preseason All-American and Big East Preseason Player of the Year.{{cite web |last1=Vanoni |first1=Maggie |title=UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers named preseason AP All-American |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/paige-bueckers-huskies-ap-all-american-18444495.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=October 24, 2023 |date=October 24, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title='I've changed who I am': Paige Bueckers' evolutionary path back to the court |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38839337/paige-bueckers-uconn-womens-ncaa-basketball-return-2023-2024 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=November 8, 2023 |language=en |date=November 8, 2023}} On November 8, Bueckers made her season debut, recording eight points, seven rebounds and four assists in 21 minutes in a 102–58 win over Dayton.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title='Well-balanced' UConn wins in Paige Bueckers' return from injury |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38852886/well-balanced-uconn-beats-dayton-paige-bueckers-return-acl-injury |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 11, 2023 |date=November 8, 2023}} On November 16, she scored 31 points in a 78–67 loss to AP No. 2 UCLA at the Cayman Islands Classic.{{cite web |last1=Vanoni |first1=Maggie |title=UConn women's basketball team falls to No. 2 UCLA at Cayman Islands Classic |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/ucla-cayman-islands-classic-18513033.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=December 16, 2023 |date=November 24, 2023}} Bueckers tied Maya Moore as the fastest player in UConn history to reach 1,000 career points (55 games) on December 10, scoring 26 points in a 76–64 victory against AP No. 24 North Carolina.{{cite web |last1=Vanoni |first1=Maggie |title=UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers reaches 1,000 points |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/paige-bueckers-maya-moore-huskies-18540927.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=December 16, 2023 |date=December 10, 2023}} On January 17, 2024, she posted a season-high 32 points and seven rebounds in an 83–59 win over Seton Hall.{{cite web |last1=Vanoni |first1=Maggie |title=UConn Women's Basketball Paige Bueckers leads No. 9 UConn women's basketball team to Big East win over Seton Hall |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/paige-bueckers-geno-auriemma-huskies-seton-hall-18613788.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=February 1, 2024 |date=January 18, 2024}} At the end of the regular season, Bueckers was named Big East Player of the Year and was a unanimous first-team all-conference selection.{{cite web |title=Bueckers Voted BIG EAST Player of the Year |url=https://www.bigeast.com/news/2024/3/7/womens-basketball-bueckers-voted-big-east-player-of-the-year.aspx |publisher=Big East Conference |access-date=March 7, 2024 |date=March 7, 2024}} She helped UConn win the Big East tournament, where she was named MOP after recording 27 points and five blocks in a 78–42 win over Georgetown in the final.{{cite web |last1=Feinberg |first1=Doug |title=Bueckers helps No. 10 UConn win Big East Tournament crown with 78-42 win over Georgetown |url=https://apnews.com/article/uconn-georgetown-score-e8f508c0d5ca60251bcd734433877f59 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=March 13, 2024 |date=March 11, 2024}} In the second round of the 2024 NCAA tournament, Bueckers tied her season-high of 32 points, while recording 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals, in a 72–64 win over Syracuse.{{cite web |last1=Eaton-Robb |first1=Pat |title=Bueckers scored 32 and No. 3 seed UConn holds off No. 6 seed Syracuse 72-64. |url=https://apnews.com/article/syracuse-uconn-score-march-madness-a796ede78dab64e99c8e60fa846b45e6 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=April 4, 2024 |date=March 25, 2024}} In the Elite Eight, she posted 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in an 80–73 victory over one-seed USC, earning Portland 3 Regional MOP honors.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Paige Bueckers leads UConn to Final Four with win over USC |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39857222/paige-bueckers-leads-uconn-final-four-win-usc |publisher=ESPN |access-date=April 4, 2024 |date=April 1, 2024}} She scored 17 points in a 71–69 loss to one-seed Iowa in the Final Four.{{cite web |last1=Voepel |first1=Michael |title=Caitlin Clark, Iowa outduel UConn, return to NCAA title game |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39884644/iowa-outduels-uconn-caitlin-clark-reach-women-ncaa-championship-game |publisher=ESPN |access-date=April 6, 2024 |date=April 5, 2024}}

For a second time, Bueckers was a unanimous first-team All-American, being selected to the WBCA Coaches' All-American team and earning first-team All-American recognition from the AP and the USBWA.{{cite web |last1=Adamec |first1=Carl |title=UConn women's basketball stars Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards named to WBCA All-America team |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/aaliyah-edwards-paige-bueckers-wbca-all-american-19386411.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=April 6, 2024 |date=April 4, 2024}} On February 16, 2024, she announced that she would return to UConn for the 2024–25 season, despite being projected as a top-three pick in the 2024 WNBA draft.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=UConn star Paige Bueckers to return for 2024-25 season |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/39542215/uconn-star-paige-bueckers-return-2024-25-season |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 7, 2024 |date=February 16, 2024}}

=Senior season=

File:Paige Bueckers 2025 (cropped).jpg

In her final season at UConn, Bueckers led the Huskies to an undefeated Big East season (18–0), a Big East Tournament championship, and ultimately their 12th NCAA national title.

Bueckers averaged 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 0.8 blocks per game in the 38 she played.{{Cite web|title=Paige Bueckers|url=https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/paige-bueckers/14065|access-date=2025-04-23|website=uconnhuskies.com}}

Bueckers entered her senior season as an AP preseason All-American and the Big East Preseason Player of the Year.{{cite web |title=Bueckers Selected as Preseason AP All-American |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2024/10/22/womens-basketball-bueckers-selected-as-preseason-ap-all-american.aspx |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=October 22, 2024}}{{cite web |title=UConn’s Bueckers, Strong Voted BIG EAST Preseason Player and Freshman of the Year |url=https://www.bigeast.com/news/2024/10/23/womens-basketball-uconns-bueckers-strong-voted-big-east-preseason-player-and-freshman-of-the-year.aspx |publisher=Big East Conference |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=October 23, 2024}} On November 7, 2024, she opened her season with 13 points, seven assists, and five steals in an 86–32 win over Boston University.{{cite web |title=Freshmen El Alfy, Strong score 17 points each as No. 2 UConn routs BU 86-32 |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401713515 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=November 7, 2024}} Eight days later, Bueckers scored 29 points, including 16 in the first quarter, in a 69–58 win over AP No. 14 North Carolina.{{cite web |last1=Beard |first1=Aaron |title=Bueckers scores 29, Auriemma ties Division I coaching record as No. 2 UConn beats No. 14 UNC 69-58 |url=https://apnews.com/article/uconn-north-carolina-womens-basketball-score-a92462a399f15afa0025e4181a8cf84b |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=November 15, 2024}} On November 27, she scored 29 points again, leading UConn to a 73–60 victory over AP No. 18 Ole Miss at the Baha Mar Championship final.{{cite web |title=Bueckers, Fudd Lead No. 2 UConn Past No. 18 Ole Miss |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2024/11/27/womens-basketball-bueckers-fudd-lead-no-2-uconn-past-no-18-ole-miss.aspx |publisher=University of Connecticut Huskies |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=November 27, 2024}} Bueckers suffered a left knee sprain after colliding with an opposing player against Villanova on January 5, 2025 and missed her team's next two games.{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Grant |title=UConn Confirms Paige Bueckers Will Return vs St. John's After Knee Injury |url=https://www.si.com/onsi/womens-fastbreak/news/uconn-confirms-paige-bueckers-will-return-vs-st-john-s-after-knee-injury-01jhnvj2qvc0 |website=Sports Illustrated |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=January 15, 2025}} As part of an 18-point effort against Seton Hall on January 19, she became the fastest player in program history to reach 2,000 career points after 102 career games.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers fastest in UConn history to 2,000 points |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/43481981/paige-bueckers-fastest-uconn-history-2000-points |publisher=ESPN |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=January 19, 2025}} On February 16, Bueckers recorded 12 points and 10 assists for her first double-double of the season, helping UConn upset AP No. 4 South Carolina, 87–58.{{cite web |last1=Butterfield |first1=Christine |title=Paige Bueckers passes Rebecca Lobo on UConn's all-time scoring list |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/paige-bueckers-rebecca-lobo-uconn-huskies-scoring-20164195.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=February 19, 2025 |date=February 16, 2025}} During her final game of the regular season, she was inducted into the Huskies of Honor, a program that honors All-American players at UConn.{{cite web |last1=Anthony |first1=Mike |title=Why Geno Auriemma feels 'sense of satisfaction' as UConn honors Paige Bueckers on Senior Day |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/paige-bueckers-geno-auriemma-uconn-huskies-20197862.php |website=CT Insider |access-date=April 2, 2025 |date=March 3, 2025}} Bueckers received the Big East Player of the Year award for the third time in her career, and was unanimously named first-team All-Big East.{{cite web |title=Huskies Earn BIG EAST End-of-Season Honors |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2025/3/6/womens-basketball-huskies-earn-big-east-end-of-season-honors.aspx |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=April 2, 2025 |date=March 6, 2025}} In the 2025 Big East tournament final, she recorded 24 points and eight rebounds in a 70–50 victory over Creighton. She became the first player to win Big East tournament MOP three times.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Bueckers 'blessed' after making Big East tourney history in UConn win |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44199101/bueckers-helps-uconn-upend-creighton-23rd-big-east-tourney-crown |publisher=ESPN |access-date=April 2, 2025 |date=March 10, 2025}}

On March 28, 2025, Bueckers announced that she would enter the 2025 WNBA draft. She was projected to be the first overall pick in the draft by many publications.{{cite web |last1=Andrews |first1=Kendra |date=March 28, 2025 |title=Paige Bueckers confirms she will enter 2025 WNBA draft |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/44444801/paige-bueckers-confirms-rebecca-lobo-enter-wnba-draft |access-date=April 6, 2025 |publisher=ESPN}}

==2025 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship==

In the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament, Bueckers scored 34 points in a 91–57 win over South Dakota State.{{cite web |last1=Fuller |first1=Jim |title=Paige Bueckers scores 34 in final home game, UConn tops SDSU 91-57 to reach 31st straight Sweet 16 |url=https://apnews.com/article/uconn-march-madness-paige-bueckers-3eb0322bcd912423e94ec6c46e30d067 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=April 2, 2025 |date=March 24, 2025}} In the Sweet 16, she scored a career-high 40 points, including 29 in the second half, in an 82–59 victory over Oklahoma. She became the fourth UConn player to record at least 40 points in a game and the first to do so in the NCAA tournament.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Paige Bueckers' career-best 40 puts UConn back in Elite Eight |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44460248/paige-bueckers-career-best-40-puts-uconn-back-elite-eight |publisher=ESPN |access-date=April 2, 2025 |date=March 29, 2025}} In the Elite Eight, Bueckers posted 31 points and six assists, leading her team to a 78–64 win against top-seeded USC and being named MOP of the Spokane 4 Regional. She tied her own program record with three consecutive 30-point games, while scoring a total of 105 points, the most by a UConn player over a three-game span.{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Paige Bueckers powers UConn back to Final Four with win over USC |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44485673/paige-bueckers-leads-uconn-another-final-four-win-usc |publisher=ESPN |access-date=April 2, 2025 |date=April 1, 2025}} Bueckers won her first national championship, scoring 17 points in an 82–59 win over top-seeded South Carolina in the title game. She surpassed Maya Moore for the most career points by a UConn player in the NCAA tournament and moved to third among all players.{{cite web |last1=Bowers |first1=Rachel |title=UConn, Paige Bueckers destroy South Carolina to win NCAA championship: Highlights, stats |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaw/2025/04/06/uconn-south-carolina-live-updates-score-womens-ncaa-championship/82963186007/ |website=USA Today |access-date=April 6, 2025 |date=April 6, 2025}} Bueckers was a unanimous first-team All-American for the third time in her career, received the Wade Trophy as the top NCAA Division I player, and won her second Nancy Lieberman Award as the top Division I point guard.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers wins Wade Trophy, headlines 2025 WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America team |url=https://wbca.org/news/paige-bueckers-wins-wade-trophy-headlines-2025-wbca-ncaa-division-i-coaches-all-america-team/ |publisher=Women's Basketball Coaches Association |access-date=April 6, 2025 |date=April 3, 2025}}{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong Named WBCA All-Americans |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2025/4/3/womens-basketball-paige-bueckers-sarah-strong-named-wbca-all-americans.aspx |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=April 6, 2025 |date=April 3, 2025}} She finished her career with the highest scoring average (19.9) and the third-most points (2,439) in program history.{{cite web |last1=McGregor |first1=Gilbert |title=Paige Bueckers stats, records: UConn star finishes all-time career with first national championship |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/womens-college-basketball/uconn/news/paige-bueckers-career-stats-records-uconn-championship/b891c89d172e2c168921467c |website=The Sporting News |access-date=April 6, 2025 |date=April 6, 2025}}

Professional career

=WNBA=

==Dallas Wings (2025–present)==

Bueckers was selected as the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-14 |title=WNBA Wings take Connecticut G Paige Bueckers with No. 1 pick in WNBA Draft |url=https://www.nba.com/news/dallas-wings-paige-bueckers-no-1-pick-wnba-draft |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=NBA.com |language=en}}

=Unrivaled=

On April 13, 2025, ESPN reported that Bueckers had signed a 3-year deal with three-on-three basketball league Unrivaled. The first year of her Unrivaled contract is reportedly paying her more than her entire four-year WNBA rookie contract.{{Cite web |last=Andrews |first=Kendra |date=2025-04-14 |title=Sources: Bueckers signing 3-year Unrivaled deal |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/44663101/paige-bueckers-sign-3-year-deal-unrivaled |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

National team career

=Junior National Team=

File:FRA vs USA Gold Medal Match 2018 YOG (73) (cropped).JPG at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics|alt=Bueckers dribbling during a 3x3 game for the United States]]

Bueckers represented the United States at the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Women's Americas Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In five games, she averaged 11 points, three steals, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, helping her team win the gold medal.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers player profile – 2017 FIBA U16 Women's Americas Championship |url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/137191/pid2//sid/8117/tid/379/tid2//_/2017_FIBA_U16_Women_s_Americas_Championship/index.html |publisher=FIBA |access-date=March 10, 2020}} Bueckers played at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 Women's World Cup in Minsk, Belarus. In seven games, she averaged 9.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game, leading the tournament in assist-to-turnover ratio at 4.13.{{cite web |last1=Olson |first1=Dan |title=Haley Jones, Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd installed as top women's basketball prospects |url=https://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/story/_/id/24586692/haley-jones-paige-bueckers-azzi-fudd-installed-no-1-prospects-espnw-hoopgurlz-recruiting-rankings |publisher=ESPN |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=September 6, 2018}} Bueckers led the United States to a gold medal after recording eight points and ten assists versus France in the final.{{cite web |title=France v USA boxscore |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17women/2018/game/2907/France-USA |publisher=FIBA |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=July 29, 2018}}

At the 2019 FIBA Under-19 Women's Basketball World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand in July, Bueckers averaged 11.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and a tournament-high 5.4 assists per game. She posted 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists in a 74–70 overtime win over Australia for the gold medal.{{cite web |title=Hopkins' Paige Bueckers is MVP of U19 World Cup |url=http://www.startribune.com/hopkins-senior-bueckers-is-mvp-as-usa-wins-u19-world-cup/513325381/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=July 29, 2019}} Bueckers was named Most Valuable Player and made the All-Tournament Team.{{cite web |title=Bueckers crowned TISSOT MVP to headline All-Star Five |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19women/2019/news/bueckers-crowned-tissot-mvp-to-headline-all-star-five |publisher=FIBA |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=July 28, 2019}} On December 10, 2019, she was honored as USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year.{{cite web |title=2019 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year |url=https://www.usab.com/basketball/media/videos/2019/12/2019-usa-basketball-female-athlete-of-the-year.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192410/https://www.usab.com/basketball/media/videos/2019/12/2019-usa-basketball-female-athlete-of-the-year.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |publisher=USA Basketball |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=December 10, 2019}}

=3x3 basketball=

In October 2018, Bueckers won a gold medal for the United States in 3x3 basketball at the Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, helping her team win all seven of its games.{{cite web |last1=Ringo |first1=Kyle |title=Paige Bueckers Stays Humble Even as a National Champion and Youth Olympian |url=https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/10/paige-bueckers-feature.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014190354/https://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2018/10/paige-bueckers-feature.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 14, 2018 |publisher=USA Basketball |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=October 14, 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Penny |first1=Brandon |title=Mission Accomplished: Team USA Wins Second Consecutive Women's Basketball Gold Medal At Youth Olympic Games |url=https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/October/17/Mission-Accomplished-Team-USA-Wins-Second-Womens-Basketball-Gold-Medal-Youth-Olympic-Games |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130103224/https://www.teamusa.org/News/2018/October/17/Mission-Accomplished-Team-USA-Wins-Second-Womens-Basketball-Gold-Medal-Youth-Olympic-Games |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |publisher=Team USA |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=October 17, 2018}} She was the youngest member of the senior national team at the 2019 World Beach Games in Doha, Qatar, on a roster featuring WNBA players Napheesa Collier and Jackie Young.{{cite web |last1=Niendorf |first1=Nicholas |title=USA Basketball announces 3×3 roster for World Beach Games |url=https://highposthoops.com/2019/10/08/usa-basketball-announces-3x3-roster-world-beach-games/ |publisher=High Post Hoops |access-date=December 15, 2021 |date=October 8, 2019}} Bueckers averaged 6.5 points per game, second-highest on the team, as the United States lost to Brazil in the quarterfinals and finished in fifth place.{{cite web |last1=Hopkins |first1=Christine M. |title=ANOC World Beach Games: Team USA 3x3 falls to Brazil in quarterfinals |url=https://www.swishappeal.com/2019/10/17/20917933/fiba-3x3-world-beach-games-united-states-jackie-young-ruthy-hebard-paige-bueckers-napheesa-collier |publisher=Swish Appeal |access-date=March 10, 2020 |date=October 17, 2019}}

Player profile

File:Paige Bueckers, South Carolina (cropped).jpg at the 2022 NCAA Division I Championship Game|alt=Bueckers shooting the ball]]

Listed at {{convert|6|ft|0|in|m|2}}, Bueckers has typically played as a point guard,{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers – Women's Basketball |url=https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/paige-bueckers/13213 |publisher=University of Connecticut Athletics |access-date=December 23, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Cantu |first1=Rick |title='Who's done more than her?': Freshman Paige Bueckers has UConn poised for title run |url=https://www.hookem.com/story/sports/womens-basketball/2021/03/22/ncaa-tournament-freshman-paige-bueckers-has-uconn-poised-title/4803985001/ |publisher=Hookem |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=March 22, 2021}} though in the 2023–24 season, she has started at power forward due to UConn's lack of available forwards.{{Cite news |last=Vanoni |first=Maggie |title=UConn women's basketball back in Sweet 16, but with healthy Paige Bueckers |url=https://www.ctpost.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/paige-bueckers-portland-sweet-16-march-madness-19373616.php |access-date=2024-03-30 |work=Connecticut Post |language=en}} Analysts praise her size, quickness and agility.{{cite web |last1=O'Donnell |first1=Ricky |title=Paige Bueckers is living up to the hype and rewriting the UConn record books |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2021/2/9/22274345/paige-bueckers-freshman-stats-uconn-highlights-wnba-quotes |website=SB Nation |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=February 9, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Sheinin |first1=Dave |title=How Connecticut freshman Paige Bueckers is breaking college basketball |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/03/20/paige-bueckers-uconn/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=December 11, 2021 |date=March 20, 2021}} Bueckers, who has described herself as a pass-first player, is lauded for her passing, court vision and her ability to read the defense.{{cite web |title=Paige Bueckers Has Next |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/womens-college-basketball/paige-bueckers-uconn-women-stream-channel-opening-game |work=Fox Sports |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=December 11, 2020}}{{cite web |title=UConn's Paige Bueckers: 'I've always been a pass-first player,' will try harder to shoot more |url=https://sny.tv/articles/uconn-s-paige-bueckers-i-ve-always-been-a-pass-first-player-will-try-harder-to-shoot-more |publisher=SportsNet New York |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=December 29, 2020}} Analyst Monica McNutt called her "arguably one of the best playmakers in the game."{{cite web |last1=Philippou |first1=Alexa |title=Why UConn women's freshman Paige Bueckers could be the national player of the year |url=https://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-uconn-women-paige-bueckers-poy-20210318-5v6pd7pwpjdmtppudb6yc4pqbq-story.html |website=Hartford Courant |access-date=December 12, 2021 |date=March 18, 2021}} As a scorer, Bueckers is known for her mid-range game and also scores efficiently at the rim and from three-point range.{{cite web |last1=DiMauro |first1=Mike |title=Now you see why Paige is all the rage at UConn |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20210208/SPORT01/210209441 |website=The Day |access-date=April 4, 2022 |date=February 8, 2021}} Her pull-up jump shot has been described as her signature move, being likened to Sue Bird by UConn associate head coach Chris Dailey.{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Royce |title=Trying 'to be more aggressive,' Paige Bueckers keys a dominant UConn win over High Point in opening round |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31111421/trying-more-aggressive-paige-bueckers-keys-dominant-uconn-win-high-point-opening-round |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 12, 2021 |date=March 22, 2021}} Her playing style has drawn comparisons to Diana Taurasi, due to her size, confidence and scoring ability,{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Autumn |title=How Paige Bueckers' freshman season compares to other all-time greats |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2021-05-17/how-paige-bueckers-freshman-season-compares-other-all-time-greats |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=May 17, 2021}} though UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has also mentioned several similarities between her and Breanna Stewart. Bueckers models her game after Taurasi and Kyrie Irving.{{cite web |last1=Steinberg |first1=Russell |title=Watch how Paige Bueckers and Nika Muhl will transform UConn |url=https://highposthoops.com/2019/04/09/uconn-bueckers-muhl-highlights/ |publisher=High Post Hoops |access-date=December 23, 2023 |date=April 9, 2019}}

Since high school, Bueckers has been labeled a generational talent by analysts and coaches, including South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve.{{cite web |last1=Bonjour |first1=Doug |title='A generational player': What's made Paige Bueckers' game special, and what does it mean for UConn? |url=https://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/She-s-just-being-Paige-What-s-made-15930270.php |website=Connecticut Post |access-date=December 10, 2021 |date=February 6, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Basketball Talent In Minnesota Goes Beyond Paige Bueckers |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/basketball-talent-in-minnesota-goes-beyond-paige-bueckers/ |publisher=WCCO-TV |agency=Associated Press|access-date=December 22, 2023 |date=March 29, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Rosvoglou |first=Chris |date=March 27, 2024 |title=Dawn Staley Names 'Elitist' Women's Player She's Ever Seen |url=https://thespun.com/college-hoops/dawn-staley-names-paige-bueckers-elitist-womens-player-shes-ever-seen |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=The Spun}} In her freshman season in college, she was proclaimed "basketball's next big thing" by USA Today.{{cite web |last1=Armour |first1=Nancy |title=Why Paige Bueckers may stand alone in basketball one day soon |url=https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2021/04/02/final-four-why-uconns-paige-bueckers-basketballs-next-big-thing/4840667001/ |website=USA Today |access-date=December 22, 2023 |date=April 2, 2021}}

Career statistics

class="toccolours" style="white-space: nowrap;"

|+Legend

style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black;" | GP

| Games played

| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | GS

| Games started

| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | MPG

| Minutes per game

style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black;" | FG%

| style="padding-right: 8px" | Field goal percentage

| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | 3P%

| style="padding-right: 8px" | 3-point field goal percentage

| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | FT%

| Free throw percentage

style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black;" | RPG

| Rebounds per game

| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | APG

| Assists per game

| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | SPG

| Steals per game

style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black;" | BPG

| Blocks per game

| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | PPG

| Points per game

| style="background-color: #F2F2F2; border: 1px solid black" | Bold

| Career high

class="wikitable"

style="background:#ffcc00; width:3em;"|*

|Denotes seasons in which Bueckers won an NCAA Championship

= College =

The following statistics represent Bueckers's collegiate career at the University of Connecticut.

{| class="wikitable"

! Year

! Team

! GP

! GS

! MPG

! FG%

! 3P%

! FT%

! RPG

! APG

! SPG

! BPG

! TO

! PPG

| style="text-align:left;"| 2020–21