In her last year, Paige says: NO MORE PASSIVE PAIGE

[BlueSkyGLW]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5572831/2024/06/19/paige-bueckers-uconn-final-season-wnba/

“There’s a much larger sense of urgency,” Bueckers said. “This is my last year to get what I came here for, which is a national championship. … No more ‘Passive Paige.’”

As Bueckers enters her final chapter in Storrs, going through her first (and last) college offseason workouts in which she’s completely healthy, she’s focused on definitively shifting her mentality while recognizing the need for flexibility. After all, that’s the lesson the last four years have taught her.

 

[OldSchooler]

Geno's finally gotten into her head. And this year, with this talented roster, Paige is going to be a much more rested player.

BTSO. (Bring this season on!)

 

[oldude]

The one thing that excites me the most about Paige is that this will be the first season since her freshman year when she has been completely healthy during the offseason from the end of the prior season up until the start of the next season….knock on wood. Of course, during her freshman season she was the consensus NPOY.

With that in mind, I do expect something special from Paige this year. She’s extremely fit and talented, with a basketball IQ that is unequalled in WCBB. Surrounded by a talented roster, the expectations for Paige and this team are off the charts.

 

[Bone Dog]

Aggressive Paige! I can hardly wait. And as @OldSchooler says, she’ll be more rested. The time for passivity is when she’s resting on the bench. She might think of that as giving her teammates an opportunity to show her what they can do. A sort of audition in front of their hero… and Geno.

 

[GoUconn7961]

Geno finally got in her head. Thank goodness!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Love her of course and I'm very pleased to have her say it. But having been driven a bit nutty by those first quarters where she virtually sat them out, I gotta see it before I believe it.

 

[huskeynut]

Paige will lead the charge no doubt. Patience is the key for right now.

Many roster questions still exist about players health and availability that need to be answered.

We just need to sit back and wait which is not what Boneyarders like to do.

 

[DEpup]

It would be really great to see Paige display an inner Maya Moore and score some points right out the gate. I long for the days when UConn teams had true killer instincts and their opponents were just broken before half time.

 

[EricLA]

I will be a balancing act. In big games, I don't think she will come out gangbusters hunting her shot right away. I believe she will want to help establish confidence in all her teammates to be able to play well and score - against the likes of SC, UCLA, USC, ND, etc.

I guess my point is, I recall the game vs. SC a few years back. UConn was down late, passing the ball around, and NO ONE wanted to take the shot - not seniors Olivia or Christyn, no one. So Paige was forced to create something and take a high degree of difficulty shot. Thankfully it went in, but she can't be the only "killer" on the team with confidence. I don't think this team will struggle with that (especially KK and Ash), but we will see...

I hope she has a Dee-type season - when Dee took a bunch of solid, but non-superstar players to the NC. There were games that season where Dee took over and scored 25+, and games where she hardly scored and just led the team. I think she averaged something like "only" 16 PPG that season. Paige has much more talent around her, and TBH, a lot is going to be on Azzi's shoulders, as well as the post players.

This team has a chance to be special. A fully healthy Aubrey will be incredibly helpful. I wish we could count on something from Caroline, but even if she comes back 100%, I fear she's one head bump away from ending her career.

Paige is special, a gym rat, and an intense student of the game. Heck, we've read that in down time, for fun, she watches basketball games. It won't be easy of course, but I'm cautiously optimistic that we can get there with the core players fully healthy...

 

[hoopsfan22]

Doesn't she say this every season?

 

[hoophuskee]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5572831/2024/06/19/paige-bueckers-uconn-final-season-wnba/

“There’s a much larger sense of urgency,” Bueckers said. “This is my last year to get what I came here for, which is a national championship. … No more ‘Passive Paige.’”

As Bueckers enters her final chapter in Storrs, going through her first (and last) college offseason workouts in which she’s completely healthy, she’s focused on definitively shifting her mentality while recognizing the need for flexibility. After all, that’s the lesson the last four years have taught her.

Unfortunate article that many will misinterpret "Passive Paige' that she has been a passive player. She never has been a passive player. You don't get POY and 1st team a/a and what she did as a soph late by being passive. To suggest that is ridiculous. The point is that she can never be "Perfect Paige," because there is no such thing as perfection in any player. it's laughable to suggest last year in which she took a team so ripped apart with injury to FF and seconds away from title game as passive in any manner other than not being perfect. To define a quote like that without context and refer to her as "Passive Paige" is pretty ;laughable. Poor “Passive Paige” leading UCONN as far as they went with the injuries they had to endure.

There is no such thing as a great player thinking that thy couldn't have done more if they don't win the title. That’s why at end of losses even if a player played super great they will speak of what “we” didn’t do.

How many on here were complaining at end of Duke game when "Passive Paige" passed the ball KK for the huge 3pt shot from "Passive Paige?" And yet to add to that how many on here want her to be the pg. passing the ball more? Now ask what would Geno have preferred Paige do (pg or no pg)? And if KK missed what would Geno have said vs what had transpired? My point is don’t hang on every complaint Geno has. He's a coach. He is going to demand perfection which cannot ever be achieved. Then he'll get asked a postgame question - and if it is about even 1 play of imperfection he will point it out that it can't happen. That's just a coach being a coach. He would never refer to her as "Passive Paige." Paige was just making a figure-of-speech demanding more closeness-to-perfection from herself.

Newsflash: This year she wil also pass up shots. She's human.

 

[Alydar]

Doesn't she say this every season?

yes. Her HS coach constantly said he wanted her to shoot more despite the fact that Hopkins didn't lose a game in her last 2 years.

I get the impression from the comments that some fans measure aggressiveness by the number of shots a player takes. I've been watching her games since she was in HS and she has always been an aggressive player, but focused on beating the other team rather than taking 25 shots a game.

Was Taurasi aggressive? She never averaged 20pts/game in her 4 years so I guess Diana goes on the "too passive" list? Too bad. She could have been so much better if only she shot more.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

Unfortunate article that many will misinterpret "Passive Paige' that she has been a passive player. She never has been a passive player. You don't get POY and 1st team a/a and what she did as a soph late by being passive. To suggest that is ridiculous. The point is that she can never be "Perfect Paige," because there is no such thing as perfection in any player. it's laughable to suggest last year in which she took a team so ripped apart with injury to FF and seconds away from title game as passive in any manner other than not being perfect. To define a quote like that without context and refer to her as "Passive Paige" is pretty ;laughable. Poor “Passive Paige” leading UCONN as far as they went with the injuries they had to endure.

There is no such thing as a great player thinking that thy couldn't have done more if they don't win the title. That’s why at end of losses even if a player played super great they will speak of what “we” didn’t do.

How many on here were complaining at end of Duke game when "Passive Paige" passed the ball KK for the huge 3pt shot from "Passive Paige?" And yet to add to that how many on here want her to be the pg. passing the ball more? Now ask what would Geno have preferred Paige do (pg or no pg)? And if KK missed what would Geno have said vs what had transpired? My point is don’t hang on every complaint Geno has. He's a coach. He is going to demand perfection which cannot ever be achieved. Then he'll get asked a postgame question - and if it is about even 1 play of imperfection he will point it out that it can't happen. That's just a coach being a coach. He would never refer to her as "Passive Paige." Paige was just making a figure-of-speech demanding more closeness-to-perfection from herself.

Newsflash: This year she wil also pass up shots. She's human.

The Coach created this notion but Paige does admit that she looks for her teammates first before taking the initiative to score early in the game. And, Paige herself was the one who offered that phrase to the interviewer.

It is indeed, unfortunate to a casual fan who is unfamiliar with the Coach-Player dynamic but anyone who has followed UConn WBB during Paige's time will understand without clarification or defense of Paige like you did. Even during her freshman year, her usual mode was to wait after trying to set up teammates and get them into the flow of the game before attending to her own offense as the game dictates or if they are down early which then needed to her to act on offense.

Paige is not going to completely change her nature but as she says, she has been trying to find the right balance. All this means - as you very well know - is that she may want to get started on offense before setting up teammates, depending on game conditions or the opponent.

 

[HopJim]

I can't believe Paige will become much more aggressive than what we have seen in the past. To me, the more compelling change is that she will not have to play power forward this year. Paige more than held her own against taller players but she has the strength and skills to dominate against most guards. With more height this year at most positions, this could be a very special Huskie team.

 

[hoophuskee]

The Coach created this notion but Paige does admit that she looks for her teammates first before taking the initiative to score early in the game. And, Paige herself was the one who offered that phrase to the interviewer.

It is indeed, unfortunate to a casual fan who is unfamiliar with the Coach-Player dynamic but anyone who has followed UConn WBB during Paige's time will understand without clarification or defense of Paige like you did. Even during her freshman year, her usual mode was to wait after trying to set up teammates and get them into the flow of the game before attending to her own offense as the game dictates or if they are down early which then needed to her to act on offense.

Paige is not going to completely change her nature but as she says, she has been trying to find the right balance. All this means - as you very well know - is that she may want to get started on offense before setting up teammates, depending on game conditions or the opponent.

Blue-- I'm not sure all UONN fans during Paige's time don't think of "Passive Paige." For example. some think title or bust and possibly believe she has been too passive that has cost them. Anyhow, UCONN hasn’t lost a game in the 1st quarter. She is going to pass up shots in the 1st quarter too. Also, there will be games for sure they are going to want to establish the inside etc.

Also, I mention about context in which I said "Paige was just making a figure-of-speech demanding more closeness-to-perfection from herself." She’s a senior. And any senior worth their salt that doesn’t win it all - will always take it upon themselves to produce "more."

As far as her frosh year - why talk about what she didn't do? Looking at the all-time greats-- - their froshj year- DT's FF game was awful. And what did we learn after that is that Geno went after the other more experienced players for having to rely too much on her? Am I right about that? Even Amazing Maya got outplayed as a frosh vs the Stanford senior. Stewie did well in NCAA Tourney but before that her frosh year was disappointing vs hype.

And a fact is - Paige is a guard known for extremely great passing skills. Why wouldn’t she look to pass the ball to also get other players to score? Unless the only focus is on her frosh year? She didn't play much her soph year. SO, we’re saying a senior that recognizes that she is going to take on more responsibility is some sort of news?

I realize Paige made the comment - also realize some will misconstrue it. But just saying it's unfortunate that the Athletic didn't add context but in a way maybe they feel that isn't their goal. Which is fine but unfortunate. Not attacking them or you (especially not you - you brought up a discussion speaking of our super player) etc just unfortunate the verbiage Paige used. .

 

[Cuango]

Paige at 100%, and a senior, fully healthy, will be a scary thing to contemplate if you are taking the court against UConn! I contend that at her best (which we’ve seen multiple times now) she is the best I’ve ever seen play! Many will deride this as hyperbole but I stand by that statement. She, like Maya, Cheryl, and very few others, was born to play this game at a level very few will ever achieve! So glad she plays for UConn and I pray that she can stay fully healthy and go out with the thing that she desires above all else (in the game); a National Championship!

 

[oldhusky]

I wonder how the minutes will play out. I am guessing around 34-35 for Paige on the season, but of course a few more in the big games. Since a second superstar has not yet emerged, I suspect she may be the only player over 30, unless Azzi breaks out with a completely healthy season, or Sarah has a freshmen year like Watkins or Hidalgo.

Since she has indicated this is likely her last year, I do expect her to dominate the ball much more and look for her shot. There is a little more going for her than just the team success, and quest for a championship, although that is the primary goal. She also probably really wants to be the player of the year, and be the first pick in the WNBA draft. Those are strong personal goals beyond the team success.

 

[DEpup]

yes. Her HS coach constantly said he wanted her to shoot more despite the fact that Hopkins didn't lose a game in her last 2 years.

I get the impression from the comments that some fans measure aggressiveness by the number of shots a player takes. I've been watching her games since she was in HS and she has always been an aggressive player, but focused on beating the other team rather than taking 25 shots a game.

Was Taurasi aggressive? She never averaged 20pts/game in her 4 years so I guess Diana goes on the "too passive" list? Too bad. She could have been so much better if only she shot more.

I don't think DT is a good comparison when it comes to scoring and I'll tell you why. The game was different and the scores weren't as high as they are now.

I'd like to make a Maya Moore scoring comparison. Maya was a killer. She went out and started from the tip and took control. It allowed everyone else to just play within themselves.

I'd like to see some Maya Moore scoring aggression if she's going to be off the ball.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Geno had the you don't shoot enough problem with Martina and Diana. You might remember his famous scold to Martina: "I didn't bring you 8000 miles to pass the ball." He was quieter with Diana but in her last 2 years he pressed for more. Diana was trying to school her much younger team and give them confidence. I hope Paige doesn't get that bug. Let it be the player with the best shot takes it.

 

[Alydar]

I don't think DT is a good comparison when it comes to scoring and I'll tell you why. The game was different and the scores weren't as high as they are now.

I'd like to make a Maya Moore scoring comparison. Maya was a killer. She went out and started from the tip and took control. It allowed everyone else to just play within themselves.

I'd like to see some Maya Moore scoring aggression if she's going to be off the ball.

Moore averaged a little over 20/game twice in her 4 years.

As things stand right now Bueckers will have an assortment of great shooters/scorers around her whenever she is on the court. That's even if Fudd isn't available. There will be no need for anyone to carry the offensive load. Bueckers and others will have great games but over the season scoring will be balanced and that will make UConn a scoring machine.

Besides, Bueckers has had a career of big scoring games in big games.

 

[The deacon]

Moore averaged a little over 20/game twice in her 4 years.

As things stand right now Bueckers will have an assortment of great shooters/scorers around her whenever she is on the court. That's even if Fudd isn't available. There will be no need for anyone to carry the offensive load. Bueckers and others will have great games but over the season scoring will be balanced and that will make UConn a scoring machine.

Besides, Bueckers has had a career of big scoring games in big games.

I'm with you, Alydar, on your entire post except that Paige's career scoring average in her four Final Four games is 15.8. That's just not what a truly great player produces.

I believe it's big-game, Maya-type killer scoring that we Paige fans have so long wanted. She's done it all, except that, so far... big games by her might well have helped the Huskies defeat Arizona in '21, SC in '22 and Iowa in April.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

Blue-- I'm not sure all UONN fans during Paige's time don't think of "Passive Paige." For example. some think title or bust and possibly believe she has been too passive that has cost them. Anyhow, UCONN hasn’t lost a game in the 1st quarter. She is going to pass up shots in the 1st quarter too. Also, there will be games for sure they are going to want to establish the inside etc.

Also, I mention about context in which I said "Paige was just making a figure-of-speech demanding more closeness-to-perfection from herself." She’s a senior. And any senior worth their salt that doesn’t win it all - will always take it upon themselves to produce "more."

As far as her frosh year - why talk about what she didn't do? Looking at the all-time greats-- - their froshj year- DT's FF game was awful. And what did we learn after that is that Geno went after the other more experienced players for having to rely too much on her? Am I right about that? Even Amazing Maya got outplayed as a frosh vs the Stanford senior. Stewie did well in NCAA Tourney but before that her frosh year was disappointing vs hype.

And a fact is - Paige is a guard known for extremely great passing skills. Why wouldn’t she look to pass the ball to also get other players to score? Unless the only focus is on her frosh year? She didn't play much her soph year. SO, we’re saying a senior that recognizes that she is going to take on more responsibility is some sort of news?

I realize Paige made the comment - also realize some will misconstrue it. But just saying it's unfortunate that the Athletic didn't add context but in a way maybe they feel that isn't their goal. Which is fine but unfortunate. Not attacking them or you (especially not you - you brought up a discussion speaking of our super player) etc just unfortunate the verbiage Paige used. .

My guess is Paige will have a hard time finding the balance she wants. With easy opponents, there is no great pressure for her to score and if she can help her teammates gain confidence in their offense while the team develops its chemistry, she is going to go there. If the opponent is a strong one, she will take early opportunities available to her to score and maintain that mind set throughout the game but she will also want to work in her teammates to ensure that they feel they are being relied upon for the team to win and build towards tournament-ready team cohesion. As such, she may give up a chance to score to let a teammate take a pressure shot. But I think the difference will be that she will have a tighter rein on that, unless it is Azzi she is giving it up to or maybe Jana/Sarah because they are all crucial in high pressure games (inside/outside scoring and just to show how one can let the flow of the game create chances for everyone, with the outcome beautiful from moving and sharing the ball - it can move faster than any player).

So, we hear her but we'll see how she carries it out soon enough. Whatever the case, I am bullish about their chances of taking the NC as long as the three bigs remain healthy: Jana, Sarah and Ice.

 

[uconnfan68]

Geno had the you don't shoot enough problem with Martina and Diana. You might remember his famous scold to Martina: "I didn't bring you 8000 miles to pass the ball." He was quieter with Diana but in her last 2 years he pressed for more. Diana was trying to school her much younger team and give them confidence. I hope Paige doesn't get that bug. Let it be the player with the best shot takes it.

Martina? Svetlana.