What just happened?!
In a shocking twist, UConn superstar Paige Bueckers has fallen in the 2025 WNBA mock draft rankings — and people are pointing fingers everywhere. But the loudest reaction of all? It came from none other than legendary head coach Geno Auriemma, who was visibly emotional when asked about his star player slipping in projections.

UConn Community Turns On Geno Auriemma Over His Insecurities Around Paige Bueckers

And what makes this story even more dramatic?
The one person not in the 2025 draft pool…
Caitlin Clark.

The Fallout of Clark Going No. 1 in 2024

Let’s be real — the presence of Caitlin Clark in the 2024 WNBA Draft overshadowed everything and everyone. She was the headline, the moment, the generational talent that lit up college basketball. But with her gone, the expectation was that Paige Bueckers — once dubbed “The Next Big Thing” — would step up and reclaim her crown.

Paige Bueckers and Geno Auriemma both announce they will spend at least one more year at UConn | The Seattle Times

Instead?
New names are climbing. Paige is slipping. And Coach Geno is not having it.

Geno Auriemma’s Emotional Response

When asked in a recent interview about Bueckers’ slide in early draft boards, Geno didn’t hold back. His voice cracked as he said:

“She’s been through more than most players ever will — injuries, expectations, pressure… and still, she shows up, every damn day. You want to talk about a WNBA player? Paige Bueckers is that.”

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He went on to say:

“If Paige played in a different system — or didn’t have to carry this program through a pandemic, a torn ACL, and constant media pressure — she’d be untouchable right now.”

It wasn’t just a defense — it was a declaration. Geno believes in Paige, and he’s not staying quiet while the world suddenly forgets who she is.

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Why Did Paige Drop in the First Place?

A few reasons are floating around:

Injury concerns — despite her strong comeback, scouts remain cautious.

New stars rising — names like Hannah Hidalgo, JuJu Watkins, and Kiki Rice are heating up.

Recency bias — with Caitlin Clark gone, the spotlight shifted quickly, and Paige hasn’t had a full, healthy season to dominate the narrative.

 

Geno Auriemma FURIOUS Paige Bueckers WON'T BE #1 PICK - She's No Caitlin Clark!

 

But let’s not get it twisted:
Paige Bueckers is still a top-tier talent.
And Geno knows it.

Fans Are Divided

Some fans are defending Paige fiercely:

“This girl carried UConn on one leg. Put some respect on her name.”

Others are buying into the hype of the new class:

“Love Paige, but these younger guards are coming with more energy and less baggage.”

Either way, the drama is heating up — and with the 2025 draft still months away, there’s plenty of time for the script to flip again.

Geno Auriemma forced to walk back Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark claim at March Madness - The Mirror US

Final Word: Don’t Count Paige Out

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Paige Bueckers, it’s this:
She thrives under pressure.
Every time she’s been doubted, she’s responded with a clutch performance. A comeback. A reminder.

 

Geno’s reaction wasn’t just emotional — it was prophetic. He’s been around long enough to know greatness when he sees it. And he knows that when the spotlight returns to Paige…
she’s going to make the league remember her name.