The UConn star plans to celebrate her legendary coach’s big day in the best way possible.
Geno Auriemma, one of the greatest coaches in NCAA women’s basketball history, is set to celebrate his 71st birthday on March 23. But for Paige Bueckers, there’s no need to spend a dime on an elaborate present-the best possible gift is already within reach.
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During a SportsCenter appearance with teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, Bueckers was asked by Elle Duncan what she thought would be the perfect birthday gift for Auriemma.
After exchanging a quick glance with her teammates, the star guard didn’t hesitate before giving a brilliant and fitting response.
With the NCAA tournament in full swing, UConn has only one focus-winning. Bueckers and her No. 2 seed Huskies are preparing to face No. 15 Arkansas State in their opening-round game on March 22, just one day before Auriemma’s birthday.
Instead of a physical present, Bueckers knows that a deep tournament run would be the greatest possible gift for their legendary coach. A win on Saturday would keep UConn’s championship aspirations alive, setting up a second-round matchup against either South Dakota State or Oklahoma State.
With ESPN’s matchup predictor giving UConn a 99% chance to advance, Bueckers and her teammates are in a prime position to start Auriemma’s birthday weekend with a commanding performance.
Beyond basketball, Bueckers and Auriemma share a rare and genuine bond-one built on honest, unfiltered conversations and mutual respect. The UConn star recently gave fans a glimpse into their dynamic when teammate KK Arnold asked her to share the best and worst things about Auriemma.
“I would say that the worst thing is he is pretty delusional and he lies and he exaggerates,” Bueckers joked, leaving the crowd in laughter.
But the punchline was all part of a playful back-and-forth, as she immediately flipped the script.
“But the best thing is that he is just like me in all those places.”
It’s clear that the trust and humor in their relationship fuels UConn’s success. Auriemma has coached some of the best players in women’s basketball history, and his connection with Bueckers only adds to his long legacy of developing strong, confident leaders.
With Auriemma’s birthday fast approaching and March Madness heating up, Bueckers and the Huskies are determined to deliver the ultimate present-a path to another national championship.
