Geno Auriemma delivered a clear message. UConn begins a new chapter without Paige Bueckers, and the coach believes the team must adopt a different mindset. Her departure does not change the program’s ambitions, but it does change how UConn must compete to stay on top.
“There’s no hangover for me, and I don’t think there is for the players. I’d be more concerned, let’s say, if we have Paige back, these guys are going to be overconfident. They’re going to be cocky. They’re going to think this is going to be easy. I think we all understand that last year was great. It was a great year and it turned out perfect. This is a new year. I’m excited for the challenge,” Auriemma said recently.
Continuity for a winning culture
According to Essentiallysports, Auriemma’s message aligns with the philosophy he used throughout Bueckers’ career at UConn. Rebecca Lobo recalled that the coach kept the team from relaxing from the very first day. Auriemma also emphasized that setbacks shaped Bueckers as a player and helped build her mentality.
“[Paige Bueckers’] journey has been the most incredible for any kid I’ve had.”
Geno Auriemma spoke on how Paige Bueckers compares to the great UConn players he’s coached 👏 pic.twitter.com/1ATpFA9qxK— espnW (@espnW) April 6, 2025
The coach aimed to prevent emotional comfort inside the locker room. For him, Bueckers’ exit forces the current roster to raise its level of focus, because the Huskies can no longer rely on individual talent.
The roster lost even more key pieces. Aubrey Griffin, Kaitlyn Chen, and Qadence Samuels are no longer with the program. UConn now faces the challenge of maintaining its standard after the 2025 championship run. The team must reshape its identity and treat every game as a real test.
The goal remains the same: compete for titles. Auriemma believes the group will stay sharper without a dominant star on the floor. He wants a collective, quicker team with better responses in decisive moments.
The Huskies now face a demanding stage with pressure but no shortcuts. Auriemma’s message is direct: focus, discipline, and zero complacency. The new UConn is done looking at what it lost. Now it looks at what it must build.
