Paige Bueckers AP National Player of the Year

[Aluminny69]

For years it was a little vague - first team AA was stated but no specification as to which list. Then sometime in the last 8-10 years Geno was asked and he specifically named WBCA first team. Since that is a 10 member first team and the other major ones are 5 person, it generally doesn't matter, but ...

It is interesting because a NPOY, NDPOY, Lieberman, or now any of the five position awards would seem to be pretty exceptional qualifications but Uconn is sticking with AA. Some time in the distant future when Uconn is not the dominant power, they may change the criteria to keep recognizing outstanding players, but not now.

I do not believe there is a published criteria.

Has there ever been a banner hung before senior night?

 

[FairView]

Wow.
Just wow.

 

[MSGRET]

Has there ever been a banner hung before senior night?

No, and to be put on the wall you have to graduate. So Meg has to finish school before she goes up on the wall.

 

[Sched234]

Next year will be some tough for Paige to win since,
there are 2 people will fight this award, Paige and Azzi .

I wouldn’t be shocked if Fudd has a less-acclaimed freshman season than Bueckers. For one, she’s coming off an ACL injury, and as a shooting guard I don’t think she’ll have the ball in her hands quite as often.

My primary reasoning, though, is that this UConn team is unlikely to lose anybody and gains a loaded freshman class. There are only so many shots to go around in a 40-minute game. At the end of the day, that’s going to manifest in improved team success, so it’s not a drawback for the Huskies.

 

[Kaizen]

Watching her accept the award is great but she's no Diana. You know DT would have had a thing or two to say for sure.

I used to be a big fan of DT. But now it is all Paige and Breanna and Maya and Sue.

 

[freekimchee]

Huge Congratulations to Paige. Simply amazing. We are really, really lucky she chose UConn!

 

[BobbyJ]

I wouldn’t be shocked if Fudd has a less-acclaimed freshman season than Bueckers. For one, she’s coming off an ACL injury, and as a shooting guard I don’t think she’ll have the ball in her hands quite as often.

My primary reasoning, though, is that this UConn team is unlikely to lose anybody and gains a loaded freshman class. There are only so many shots to go around in a 40-minute game. At the end of the day, that’s going to manifest in improved team success, so it’s not a drawback for the Huskies.

I agree. I don't see Fudd approaching the season Bueckers has had. Mainly as it won't be necessary. The offensive load will be much more spread out but she will be a dangerous option in close games.

 

[UcMiami]

First Congrats and well deserved!

And just a thought - sort of an indictment of this senior class that it wasn't a closer vote.

I mean, the FOY award is a tie from the WBCA, and the AP NPOY is a slam dunk - different voters and candidates obviously, but still.

 

[VA Huskie]

Interesting, no votes for Boston! Not that I disagree?.

 

[BobbyJ]

Interesting, no votes for Boston! Not that I disagree?.

Well we know for sure Peck and Antonelli didn't have a vote.

 

[NEforceUConn]

I used to be a big fan of DT. But now it is all Paige and Breanna and Maya and Sue.

Kind of like dumping your spouse of 15 years for the younger model? ?

 

[Dove]

Has there ever been a banner hung before senior night?

You too cheap for a statue?

 

[oldude]

First Congrats and well deserved!

And just a thought - sort of an indictment of this senior class that it wasn't a closer vote.

I mean, the FOY award is a tie from the WBCA, and the AP NPOY is a slam dunk - different voters and candidates obviously, but still.

The WBCA is voted on by coaches. The process tends to be a bit more systematic and analytical.

On the other hand, the AP voters are sports journalists, who I would suggest are influenced significantly by the momentum of a media narrative that builds behind a particular candidate.

While all the other candidates are great players, the momentum behind Paige started during the SC game and continued to build unabated ever since.

 

[BobbyJ]

The WBCA is voted on by coaches. The process tends to be a bit more systematic and analytical.

On the other hand, the AP voters are sports journalists, who I would suggest are influenced significantly by the momentum of a media narrative that builds behind a particular candidate.

While all the other candidates are great players, the momentum behind Paige started during the SC game and continued to build unabated ever since.

This made me think of something. What becomes of these media based awards if the NIL thing goes through and a media outlet could pay an athlete for maybe regular content provided? Possible conflict of interest?

 

[BostonBay]

As the voting indicated, it wasnt even close. Paige was doing things on the court that no other player in NCAA WB was doing. Not just about stats, she was essentially the QB out there making all of her teammates better. No coincidence that AE, Nika, CW have all gotten so much better throughout the year. A pleasure to watch her play - a game within a game!

 

[eebmg]

Geno addresses Paige's AP NPOY

 

[oldude]

This made me think of something. What becomes of these media based awards if the NIL thing goes through and a media outlet could pay an athlete for maybe regular content provided? Possible conflict of interest?

Let’s just hope there is some level of journalistic integrity.......I guess that sounds like an oxymoron.

 

[Kaizen]

Kind of like dumping your spouse of 15 years for the younger model? ?

Not 15 years, I follow UConn women basketball only since 2015 ...

 

[Scud49]

Hey Scud49, join the club. You're not alone. ? What we saw there was genuine. How can you not love a "group hug"? Did you notice who she was sitting at the table with?

Yes, her favorite "slime" buddy...!

 

[eebmg]

 

[eebmg]

 

[HuskylnSC]

She got on the wall when named to the AP 1st team. She is now the owner of the greatest Freshman season ever and is looking pretty good to be the 4th person on the Mt. Rushmore of UConn WCBB joining Taurasi, Stewart and Moore.

Have you forgot #50! There will have to 5 heads on that mountain.

 

[j66kicker]

Has there ever been a banner hung before senior night?

In the practice facility

 

[MSGRET]

I can remember many people stating that she wouldn't be in the starting five until after the first of the year because Geno doesn't start Freshman. Boy were they wrong and I'm glad they were. We got to see Paige warts and all and grow to be the AP National Player of the Year.