Paige Bueckers shines in the WNBA, but Auriemma worries about her well-being

Paige Bueckers is living her best professional moment. The Dallas Wings star was named to the 2025 All-Rookie Team and swept the Rookie of the Year award, leading all first-year players in points and assists. She’s averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, and already made headlines with a 44-point performance against the Los Angeles Sparks. But behind the stats, there are signs that raise concern.

Geno Auriemma, her former coach at UConn and a key figure in her development, revealed in an interview that he received a message from Paige Bueckers that simply said, “I miss you.” While the phrase might sound casual, Auriemma admitted the tone unsettled him. “I don’t think she’s okay. Maybe I should check in on her,” he said, according to the article published by Marca. Their bond runs deep—they shared five seasons marked by injuries, triumphs, and a strong emotional connection.

Geno Auriemma on Paige Bueckers:

“She texted me. I could show it to you. It says I miss you. I’m not sure it was meant for me. But I’m going that it was meant for me… It kind of made me roll my eyes and go, ‘We kind of miss you more.'” pic.twitter.com/wwz8EceS7Z

— Storrs Central (@StorrsCentral) September 29, 2025

The coach’s concern doesn’t overshadow her impact

Despite Auriemma’s concern, Paige Bueckers continues to make a major impact in the league. She earned 70 out of 72 votes for Rookie of the Year and joined Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Dominique Malonga, and Janelle Salaun on the All-Rookie Team. It’s a historic rookie class, with the top four picks all making the ideal lineup. But as Auriemma points out, athletic success doesn’t always reflect emotional stability.

Beyond her talent, Paige Bueckers shows a competitive edge that doesn’t go unnoticed. In interviews, she’s admitted she enjoys trash talk on the court and named players like Kahleah Copper and Arike Ogunbowale as the most intense verbal competitors. “I like the mental game,” she said, making it clear that her leadership isn’t just about stats—it’s about presence and personality.

The challenge for Paige Bueckers won’t just be maintaining her level in the WNBA—it’ll be protecting her well-being off the court. Because when talent overflows, pressure does too. And while her name is already among the elite, her story is just beginning. As many professional athletes have emphasized, mental health isn’t a side note—it’s essential.