Will the real Paige Bueckers please stand up

[Bald Husky]

The best UConn basketball player in the last 5 years.

The best player in the nation in 2021.

One of the most efficient players in the country in the last 5 years.

Paige has won all the individual awards that have been available (except Wade trophy) since she entered UConn.

Now, her last year of college ball, where she wants to win a NC, leading a largely inexperienced team to reach her only unattained goal.

I believe to reach that goal, it all depends on her.

Obviously, the social media is a joke, and a lot of negative things are being said about her, although she has played pretty well this year.

BUT, some of it is true. Paige has to step up and be the Paige of her freshman year. Don't bring up injuries of the past, because they have nothing to do with now.

For UConn to get there, Paige is the key, and she has to start playing like that. Paige is playing like she is with the best talent in the world, and actually some of her teammates may be near that someday, but except for Sarah, not now.

In the beginning of the year, Paige came out swinging, looking for her shot in the first quarter, but after about 5 games that stopped. Now her aggression is late in the game, and as we have seen, it has been too late.

Paige has to be aggressive from the start and continue that aggression throughout the game. With all the talent around the country, we have to be our best from opening tip to the final buzzer.

That means a teams best player has to dominate during the entire game. Forget about the others, we are talking about Paige Bueckers, a player many UConn fans call our best player ever, but unfortunately, she is not playing like that.

She has the talent, everybody in the country knows that, so now is the time for her to step up and show that she is who we know she is and start making the plays that will move the team forward.

Paige is the engine, and if she stalls, so will the team. This is her last few months of her college career, so now is the time to start playing like she is running out of time to accomplish what she lacks, because she is, and only she can carry this team to the promise land.

Paige, the stage is now yours, take over like the season depends on it, because it does.

 

[cgshuskie]

Paiges is the best most complete player in the nation. All she needs to do is exhibit some aggression in the close games. She has proved so much she is now in a period where she is/can coast. But, because of social media, and reputation; she has to show her greatness individually and bring home the natty. For example, she has to take JuJu one on one and bust the three when call upon. All of which Paige can do. She only needs show the desire and aggression. This is a challenge common in basketball. All greats face it when new challengers come on the scene. The Big O faced it, Earl the Pearl faced it. Dr. J faced it. Michael Jordan faced it. Allen Iverson facied it. Even Kobe and Shaquile O'Neal faced it. Paige is facing it too even before she gets into the Pro's. I'm sure that she will meet the challenge. Go Huskies

 

[Zonepress]

Your comment about a largely an experience team is completely inaccurate
K Chen is a 50 or a player
There are 3 starters and a sixth man from the team that played in the final four last year that’s 4 experienced players
And even, a freshman Sarah, strong in many ways, seems to be the most experienced of all
I agree that page is not dominating games like she’s capable of
Imho he coaching decision to play
Her off the ball, rather than a point guard and to run a motion off fence, which is predicated on all five players contributing would be the reason
And yes, she played that way last year but the team was very different They had a point guard, who at one time was leading the nation in assists.
In a post flare, who was very very good
Additionally with only six players team, needed to control the tempo and run all fence for 20 seconds before taking a shot
It obviously worked very well as the team was a questionable call away from getting to the finals
This year without an inside player that can really score, and a very good point guard It’s made it more difficult for her to control the game.
Obviously, a Hall of Fame coach knows better than I do. I’m just pointing out what I see.

 

[donalddoowop]

I believe that if Geno allows Paige to play the way she wants to play, she will thrive the way she did her freshman season. Let her play her game. When Aubrey and Fudd come back, they can contribute to what has been missing. I believe there is too much pressure on Paige to play like Clark. Just my opinion.

 

[diggerfoot]

Despite being what many considered to be the best player ever (at least at the time), despite having a better winning percentage than all our other Rushmore candidates, despite scoring 36 points, UConn lost the last game of M. Moore’s career.

Her supporting class was high caliber enough. They in fact beat that same ND team in the BE final, with Moore declaring that the precocious Dolson should have been awarded the MVP of that tournament instead of her. And Hartley had shown her mettle against Baylor and other key games. This in addition to upperclassmen like Hayes.

Yet Dolson and Hartley still were just freshmen, prone to relying on the greatness of Moore. In the UConn system everyone needs to do their part, particukarly since everyone is talented. Bueckers can score 11 points and the team performs well, or 30 points and the team loses. To my eyes there have been games that suffered from the “Moore syndrome,” relying on one’s greatness rather than being a fully invested part of it.

One advantage I believe Bueckers has over Moore is that her position calls for getting others more involved, but the others still have to be fully invested, not just Strong. This investment of the whole, not the performance of the one, will determine whether the team will go further than they did in the great M. Moore’s last UConn game.

 

[oldude]

I continue to shake my head at the considerable misunderstanding of just exactly what Paige is doing on the basketball court this year. I challenge anyone to watch Paige’s movement at both ends of the court for an entire game and then make a determination of whether or not she has anything more to give to this team.

Paige probably runs 5+ miles a game. She works harder to get open on offense than anyone in WBB. She typically is matched up against an opponent’s best defender, who typically face guards her in an effort to deny Paige the ball. When she has the ball in her hands, she is frequently double teamed.

On defense Paige runs as much or more than she does on offense. I’ve seen her frequently dive down to the low post to double an opposing center and then fly out to the wing to close out an opposing shooter when the ball is reversed.

In addition, Paige is the leader and QB on the court. She is constantly barking out directions and encouragement to her teammates. Unlike last season, Paige doesn’t have Nika & Aaliyah to pick up some of that responsibility. Kaitlyn is helping somewhat. But that’s about it.

Despite all the responsibilities that Paige has on and off the court, she is having one of the most efficient seasons ever. The only way she can provide more is if her teammates step up. Specifically, Ice & Jana need to develop confidence and consistency at both ends of the court, the team needs to play the kind of relentless defense they demonstrated during the second half of the USC game and players need to make open shots.

I am hoping that both Aubrey and Azzi will be back and healthy. Having those two back on the court will remove a great deal of pressure from Paige at both ends of the court, freeing her up to play with a certain freedom on which she thrives.

 

[Bone Dog]

Despite being what many considered to be the best player ever (at least at the time), despite having a better winning percentage than all our other Rushmore candidates, despite scoring 36 points, UConn lost the last game of M. Moore’s career.

Her supporting class was high caliber enough. They in fact beat that same ND team in the BE final, with Moore declaring that the precocious Dolson should have been awarded the MVP of that tournament instead of her. And Hartley had shown her mettle against Baylor and other key games. This in addition to upperclassmen like Hayes.

Yet Dolson and Hartley still were just freshmen, prone to relying on the greatness of Moore. In the UConn system everyone needs to do their part, particukarly since everyone is talented. Bueckers can score 11 points and the team performs well, or 30 points and the team loses. To my eyes there have been games that suffered from the “Moore syndrome,” relying on one’s greatness rather than being a fully invested part of it.

One advantage I believe Bueckers has over Moore is that her position calls for getting others more involved, but the others still have to be fully invested, not just Strong. This investment of the whole, not the performance of the one, will determine whether the team will go further than they did in the great M. Moore’s last UConn game.

This about says it all. When we used to argue about Paige and Caitlin, I thought Caitlin was great because she beat opponents with her offense, which was formidable. But Paige beat opponents with her team, which she wielded like a club. The problem for Paige has always been the "Moore Syndrome' or what Geno calls "Paige Watching." If she can get this latest iteration of the Huskies past this, they can contend for an NC. It may require putting another dazzling player on the court, like Azzi, to make it impossible for teammates just to focus on Paige or Sarah.

 

[maxw]

When Paige wants to score, she's hard to stop.

That said, it's frustrating to see her not try to score more. Countless times when she gets the ball with less than 10 seconds (or even 5 seconds or less sometimes) left on the clock, she passes it off to a teammate forcing them to take a tough shot. Geno has commented on this multiple times.

Someone that good should not be this efficient. Instead of making 7 of 10, or 8 of 12 shots, she should be taking 20 or 25 shots per game.

But it won't change anytime soon. She's been hearing this complaint for a couple of years and hasn't changed her unselfish approach.

 

[JoePgh]

When Paige wants to score, she's hard to stop.

That said, it's frustrating to see her not try to score more. Countless times when she gets the ball with less than 10 seconds (or even 5 seconds or less sometimes) left on the clock, she passes it off to a teammate forcing them to take a tough shot. Geno has commented on this multiple times.

Someone that good should not be this efficient. Instead of making 7 of 10, or 8 of 12 shots, she should be taking 20 or 25 shots per game.

But it won't change anytime soon. She's been hearing this complaint for a couple of years and hasn't changed her unselfish approach.

So that must mean that the way she played against Southern Cal (22 shots and "only" 9 made, so less efficient) is exactly the way you want her to play. True?

The fact is that UConn needs a third scorer. Hopefully that will be Azzi.

 

[Geno-ista]

Your comment about a largely an experience team is completely inaccurate
K Chen is a 50 or a player
There are 3 starters and a sixth man from the team that played in the final four last year that’s 4 experienced players
And even, a freshman Sarah, strong in many ways, seems to be the most experienced of all
I agree that page is not dominating games like she’s capable of
Imho he coaching decision to play
Her off the ball, rather than a point guard and to run a motion off fence, which is predicated on all five players contributing would be the reason
And yes, she played that way last year but the team was very different They had a point guard, who at one time was leading the nation in assists.
In a post flare, who was very very good
Additionally with only six players team, needed to control the tempo and run all fence for 20 seconds before taking a shot
It obviously worked very well as the team was a questionable call away from getting to the finals
This year without an inside player that can really score, and a very good point guard It’s made it more difficult for her to control the game.
Obviously, a Hall of Fame coach knows better than I do. I’m just pointing out what I see.

Phenomenal analysis- really

 

[uconnfan68]

I continue to shake my head at the considerable misunderstanding of just exactly what Paige is doing on the basketball court this year. I challenge anyone to watch Paige’s movement at both ends of the court for an entire game and then make a determination of whether or not she has anything more to give to this team.

Paige probably runs 5+ miles a game. She works harder to get open on offense than anyone in WBB. She typically is matched up against an opponent’s best defender, who typically face guards her in an effort to deny Paige the ball. When she has the ball in her hands, she is frequently double teamed.

On defense Paige runs as much or more than she does on offense. I’ve seen her frequently dive down to the low post to double an opposing center and then fly out to the wing to close out an opposing shooter when the ball is reversed.

In addition, Paige is the leader and QB on the court. She is constantly barking out directions and encouragement to her teammates. Unlike last season, Paige doesn’t have Nika & Aaliyah to pick up some of that responsibility. Kaitlyn is helping somewhat. But that’s about it.

Despite all the responsibilities that Paige has on and off the court, she is having one of the most efficient seasons ever. The only way she can provide more is if her teammates step up. Specifically, Ice & Jana need to develop confidence and consistency at both ends of the court, the team needs to play the kind of relentless defense they demonstrated during the second half of the USC game and players need to make open shots.

I am hoping that both Aubrey and Azzi will be back and healthy. Having those two back on the court will remove a great deal of pressure from Paige at both ends of the court, freeing her up to play with a certain freedom on which she thrives.

^^^^ this, plus they hack, grab, and push.

 

[Zonepress]

Phenomenal analysis- really

Appreciate that

 

[Martin84]

This about says it all. When we used to argue about Paige and Caitlin, I thought Caitlin was great because she beat opponents with her offense, which was formidable. But Paige beat opponents with her team, which she wielded like a club. The problem for Paige has always been the "Moore Syndrome' or what Geno calls "Paige Watching." If she can get this latest iteration of the Huskies past this, they can contend for an NC. It may require putting another dazzling player on the court, like Azzi, to make it impossible for teammates just to focus on Paige or Sarah.

I think some of the Paige Watching is a result of Geno Watching

 

[Fan1978]

Paiges is the best most complete player in the nation. All she needs to do is exhibit some aggression in the close games. She has proved so much she is now in a period where she is/can coast. But, because of social media, and reputation; she has to show her greatness individually and bring home the natty. For example, she has to take JuJu one on one and bust the three when call upon. All of which Paige can do. She only needs show the desire and aggression. This is a challenge common in basketball. All greats face it when new challengers come on the scene. The Big O faced it, Earl the Pearl faced it. Dr. J faced it. Michael Jordan faced it. Allen Iverson facied it. Even Kobe and Shaquile O'Neal faced it. Paige is facing it too even before she gets into the Pro's. I'm sure that she will meet the challenge. Go Huskies

Sadly, she is not the best player in the country. Ju ju is the best player and massively outplayed her straight up. Paige is a great player but not meant to take over scoring against great teams. She needs some help and unfortunately not getting it. uConn should have won tge USC game. paige took an poor transition 3 and chen took a 1 on 3-4 shot in successive possessions. Chen needs to play less and let the better youngsters have those minutes so they are ready for march. Paige needs more help to shine, she can be the best but she needs more help to let all of ger skills shine. Azzi can’t stay on the court so the sophomores need to elevate their play otherwise paige will not win a championship.

 

[oldude]

Sadly, she is not the best player in the country. Ju ju is the best player and massively outplayed her straight up. Paige is a great player but not meant to take over scoring against great teams. She needs some help and unfortunately not getting it. uConn should have won tge USC game. paige took a poor transition 3 and chen took a 1 on 3-4 shot in successive possessions. Chen needs to play less and let the better youngsters have those minutes so they are ready for march. Paige needs more help to shine, she can be the best but she needs more help to let all of ger skills shine. Azzi can’t stay on the court so the sophomores need to elevate their play otherwise paige will not win a championship.

“Juju is the best player and massively outplayed her (Paige) straight up.” Talk about hyperbole. Juju scored 25 to Paige’s 22, and UConn largely outplayed USC is the 2nd half. Also worth noting that the best player in the country might just be Hannah Hidalgo who torched JuJu and USC in LA earlier this year, along with beating UConn in South Bend.

Just sayin……

 

[donalddoowop]

Sadly, she is not the best player in the country. Ju ju is the best player and massively outplayed her straight up. Paige is a great player but not meant to take over scoring against great teams. She needs some help and unfortunately not getting it. uConn should have won tge USC game. paige took an poor transition 3 and chen took a 1 on 3-4 shot in successive possessions. Chen needs to play less and let the better youngsters have those minutes so they are ready for march. Paige needs more help to shine, she can be the best but she needs more help to let all of ger skills shine. Azzi can’t stay on the court so the sophomores need to elevate their play otherwise paige will not win a championship.

What is your definition of "massively"? Also, when you say Ju Ju is the best player, do you mean the best between her and Paige or the best player in the country? As of this point in the season, the best player in the country is Hidalgo. Btw, NC State was a really, really good team that Paige took over scoring against in the FF her freshman season. Sorry oldude, I was typing my post when you posted yours.

 

[The deacon]

the team was a questionable call away from getting to the finals

Really?

 

[AzzisBraids]

There are a few things outside of her control.

1. She's the #1 and #2 on the scouting report. Word on the curb to defeat UConn is to congest, double and triple team Bueckers and let anyone else beat you. Strong has stepped up but there isn't another consistent option when the gameplan is to take her away.
2. She does not get foul calls and when she does they're against her. She does not benefit from the Clark, Juju, Hidalgo star power when I get fouled you call it piece because she's on UConn. Stewart and others had this same issue and never got calls when fouled. Edwards in the Final Four, Christyn Williams in the Final Four, the list goes on UConn just doesn't get friendly or adequate whistles.
3. She does not have the ball in her hand enough and because of 1 and 2 she can't get it back when she gives it up. The schemes, line-up choices and rotations have been suspicious this year and there's just not enough Bueckers touches. She also doesn't force bad shots so she's just going to pass or turn the ball over vs chucking hail mary's.

I think she's saving her best until the NCAA tournament. Her decision making, passing and mid-range game has been good thus far but there's another level she can go to and she, we and everyone knows it. I agree and hope she finds it before it's all said and done.

 

[Skeets]

Some opinions and observations. This might be similar to other posts. Paige typically starts off slow. She let's the game come to her (God, I hate that phrase). Why? She's not getting open, and I don't believe it's 100% her fault. She's running around all over the place trying to get open. The other 4 kids on the court share some responsibility for Paige not getting open. When the efficient Paige can't get open, she passes the ball to someone most likely less efficient. Bingo! That's the other team's scouting and game plan.

What happens a little later in the game? It becomes a little more helter/skelter. The other team's game plan starts to break down. Paige is open a little more often and scores more. What needs to happen, especially against better teams is that the helter/skelter needs to start from the opening tip. And the other 4 kids have to work a little harder at getting Paige open.

 

[Rb335]

I believe that if Geno allows Paige to play the way she wants to play, she will thrive the way she did her freshman season. Let her play her game. When Aubrey and Fudd come back, they can contribute to what has been missing. I believe there is too much pressure on Paige to play like Clark. Just my opinion.

Agree. What more do people want offensively. In our two losses she scored 25 and 22 points on 19 and 22 shots. That’s not really passive to me. The issue is that in those games her 3 ball didn’t fall, shooting 2-12. And she’s not getting to the line. Paige has historically been a cheat code, scoring 25 on low usage. That alleviates the pressure on her teammates.

I think the difference this year is how we’re utilizing her. She’s more off ball than ever before. It takes away her creativity and passing. She’s basically a catch and shoot player which is nuts given her capabilities.

 

[Oldschoolbb]

Agree. What more do people want offensively. In our two losses she scored 25 and 22 points on 19 and 22 shots. That’s not really passive to me. The issue is that in those games her 3 ball didn’t fall, shooting 2-12. And she’s not getting to the line. Paige has historically been a cheat code, scoring 25 on low usage. That alleviates the pressure on her teammates.

I think the difference this year is how we’re utilizing her. She’s more off ball than ever before. It takes away her creativity and passing. She’s basically a catch and shoot player which is nuts given her capabilities.

She needs to be the point with two good shooting wings, imo - at least most of the time. If there was someone who could interchange the point/wing positions with her, that would be even better. Chen's outside shooting seems to be improving so maybe she could fill that roll and Fudd can be the other wing. Use KK for defense first point work.

 

[Fan1978]

What is your definition of "massively"? Also, when you say Ju Ju is the best player, do you mean the best between her and Paige or the best player in the country? As of this point in the season, the best player in the country is Hidalgo. Btw, NC State was a really, really good team that Paige took over scoring against in the FF her freshman season. Sorry oldude, I was typing my post when you posted yours.

Hidalgo is better as well, 100 percent agree. paige is great but may have been better as a Freshman. The injuries have most certainly has a lasting impact on. obviously all that matters is she leads team to title not that she is the best. Sheis certainly among the best

 

[BRS24]

Hidalgo is better as well, 100 percent agree. paige is great but may have been better as a Freshman. The injuries have most certainly has a lasting impact on. obviously all that matters is she leads team to title not that she is the best. Sheis certainly among the best

Putting a lot of points on the board is great, especially when the team needs you to do so, wrt Paige's freshman year, however I'll take the more selective, more efficient, and more mature current version of Paige.

 

[MooseJaw]

I continue to shake my head at the considerable misunderstanding of just exactly what Paige is doing on the basketball court this year. I challenge anyone to watch Paige’s movement at both ends of the court for an entire game and then make a determination of whether or not she has anything more to give to this team.

Paige probably runs 5+ miles a game. She works harder to get open on offense than anyone in WBB. She typically is matched up against an opponent’s best defender, who typically face guards her in an effort to deny Paige the ball. When she has the ball in her hands, she is frequently double teamed.

On defense Paige runs as much or more than she does on offense. I’ve seen her frequently dive down to the low post to double an opposing center and then fly out to the wing to close out an opposing shooter when the ball is reversed.

In addition, Paige is the leader and QB on the court. She is constantly barking out directions and encouragement to her teammates. Unlike last season, Paige doesn’t have Nika & Aaliyah to pick up some of that responsibility. Kaitlyn is helping somewhat. But that’s about it.

Despite all the responsibilities that Paige has on and off the court, she is having one of the most efficient seasons ever. The only way she can provide more is if her teammates step up. Specifically, Ice & Jana need to develop confidence and consistency at both ends of the court, the team needs to play the kind of relentless defense they demonstrated during the second half of the USC game and players need to make open shots.

I am hoping that both Aubrey and Azzi will be back and healthy. Having those two back on the court will remove a great deal of pressure from Paige at both ends of the court, freeing her up to play with a certain freedom on which she thrives.

100%, Paige is the most complete player in WCBB period mic drop. Does HH run around make baskets and get steals, yes. Does Ju Ju score points, yes. Are either of them in control the entire game like Paige is? No way! You want the best floor general, then you want Paige. You put the best players around Paige, {the remainder of our walking wounded} and she would be leading the #1 team in WCBB right now.
Look out WBB cause more players are coming back as I write. Hail Paige, Quenn of WCBB, hail Husky Nation, the beginning of a new reality begins today.