UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma has high expectations for Paige Bueckers after her entry into the WNBA.

The Dallas Wings selected Bueckers with the first overall pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft. This comes after the Huskies star ended her four-year career with Auriemma and the program. She averaged 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game throughout 123 total appearances as one of the best players in the country.

Auriemma reflected on Bueckers' special night after the draft ended. He saw three UConn players, including Bueckers, make their way to the professional level. As for his former star player, he had one challenge for her since she's the first overall pick.

“Every single one of our players that's gone number one before Paige is probably gonna be in the Hall of Fame, so she's got some work to do,” Auriemma said.

What's next for Geno Auriemma, UConn

Related NewsArticle continues below
Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) reacts after their loss to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Duke basketball’s Khaman Maluach makes NBA Draft decision right before deadline
McNeese State Cowboys head coach Will Wade talks to an official during the second half of a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
NC State basketball’s Will Wade adds former Houston wing to rotation
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena.
South Carolina women’s basketball news: Dawn Staley announces new autobiography
UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) is recognized during senior night along side head coach Geno Auriemma and her family after the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.
David Butler II-Imagn Images

Geno Auriemma's challenge for Paige Bueckers is notable for many reasons, especially with UConn's history in the WNBA Draft.

Bueckers became the sixth player in program history to be the first overall pick in the draft. The five players she joined are Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart. All of them are in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, meaning that she has a lot to fulfill to reach the heights her predecessors achieved.

Auriemma got to send Bueckers' UConn career into the sunset with their national championship victory this past season. They finished with a 37-3 overall record, having gone 18-0 in Big East Play. They averaged 81.7 points on 50.9% shooting from the field, including 38.2% from beyond the arc. As a result, they blew out opponents by a margin of 29.6 points per game.

Thanks to Bueckers, Auriemma won his 12th national championship. Forever grateful for what she gave to him and the program, his final request for her as she begins her WNBA career will ring for years to come.