UConn women's basketball has seen better days, with their aura of invincibility and top-10 national ranking no longer intact. The Huskies struggled against strong non-conference competition this year, which does not bode well for the 2024 NCAA Tournament. But a healthy Paige Bueckers can be a game-changer in March, and for the 2024-25 season.

The star guard, whose college career has been ravaged by injuries, announced on UConn's senior night that she will be back next year. Bueckers is extremely motivated to end her adversity-laden Storrs tenure on a high note. Her announcement, which came before a runaway 85-44 win over Georgetown, left the packed crowd in Gampel Pavilion roaring in approval. Head coach Geno Auriemma processed the big news from nearby on the court.

The 11-time national champion was learning of Bueckers' return for the first time, per The UConn Blog's Daniel Connolly. His reaction was authentic, and therefore quite touching.

Related UConn Basketball NewsArticle continues below
Connecticut Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) works for the rebound against Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Mystics’ Kiki Iriafen sounds off on historic performance vs. Sun
May 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) takes a three point shot past Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) in the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Sandy Brondello highlights biggest key to Liberty’s 5-out offense
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena.
South Carolina women’s basketball reacts to Dawn Staley and her HOF status

Auriemma will turn 70 in March and has accomplished everything imaginable in women's college basketball, so any season could be his final one at this point. He has coached many great players throughout his unmatched run, but Paige Bueckers immediately jumps out as a “what could have been.”

To be clear, the 22-year-old won AP Player of the Year as a freshman and is still a dominant force today, but ankle surgery and a torn ACL have prevented her from reaching her sky-high ceiling. Injuries could also be one of the reasons why UConn has lost its ironclad grip on the sport. Perhaps Bueckers' return can be the deciding factor for Geno Auriemma when he officially makes his own choice.

The No. 15 Huskies host No. 20 Creighton on Monday, as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.