Paige Bueckers’ Jersey Number Retired at UConn’s Senior Day Ceremony

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Paige Bueckers celebrated a milestone on Sunday as UConn women’s basketball clinched another perfect run through the Big East schedule, culminating in a 92-57 victory over Marquette. After the game, Bueckers was surrounded by teammates and honored as her jersey number 5 was retired, joining the ranks of legends such as Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi on the Huskies of Honor wall.

Following the ceremony, Bueckers reflected on her legacy during what was not quite a final farewell but rather an acknowledgment of her contribution to the program. “A person who wore the jersey with pride, loved her teammates, loved her coaching staff and enjoyed the journey,” said Bueckers about how she wants to be remembered. “I just (want to) be remembered for being a great teammate and a great leader.”

In the game against Marquette, Bueckers scored 19 points, with 7 assists and 3 steals, highlighting her impactful presence on the court. With her on the floor, UConn boasts a record of 31-1 at Gampel Pavilion. Over the course of her 32 home games, she averaged 18.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 steals.

Looking ahead, UConn is set to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament, and the Big East tournament will also take place at Mohegan Sun Arena. Thus, Bueckers’ senior day was more of a celebration than a goodbye for the All-American guard.

Before unveiling Bueckers’ jersey, UConn took the time to honor fellow seniors Kaitlyn Chen, Azzi Fudd, and Aubrey Griffin in a pre-game ceremony. The future remains uncertain for Fudd, who has not yet announced whether she will declare for the WNBA Draft or return to UConn after a season-ending injury limited her to just two games this season. “I have to sit down, talk with my family and talk to people closest to me and talk about the decisions and the options,” Fudd stated, noting her methodical approach to decision-making.

UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma commented on Fudd’s situation, advising her to ensure she feels prepared for the next steps in her career. “I just want her to make sure that she has played enough basketball here, done enough things, tested herself enough that she feels 100% ready to go,” Auriemma said. “Kids may ask my opinion but in the end, they are going to have to make that decision.” He anticipates learning Fudd’s intentions in the upcoming weeks.

Kaitlyn Chen, who transferred from Princeton, and freshman Sarah Strong are the only Huskies to start every game this season. Aubrey Griffin made her 41st career start, but it was her first of this season. Fudd contributed 12 points, followed by Griffin with 11 and Chen with 2 points in their senior game together.