When Geno Auriemma arrived in Storrs before the 1985–86 season, he inherited a women’s basketball program with just one winning year in its history. Then, everything changed as he slowly turned UConn into the gold standard of college basketball. And, 12 NCAA championships, 24 Final Fours, 61 conference titles, and six perfect seasons later, he’s been to more title-winning parties than most coaches could even dream of. Still, last season’s moment felt a little different!

When Paige Bueckers climbed the ladder to cut the net, Geno Auriemma didn’t just see another championship; he saw something hilarious. And no, not in the way you might expect. “I think the most fun may have been all the older players who’ve been through that, who’ve gone on, and they’re all sitting there talking to someone who won it 20 years ago, talking to someone who just won it this year, and they have so much in common now,” he said in a clip now going viral on X.

“Watching Paige trying to celebrate like an adult, to me, that was the funniest thing. These guys are pros at celebrating. She’s an amateur. So she’s trying to celebrate like they’re celebrating. Oh my God, it was so embarrassing,” Auriemma recounted. Funny, right? But it also makes sense. This was a 22-year-old finally living her long-awaited dream, one she’d manifested since she first wore the UConn jersey.

When PB first arrived at UConn, she was the No. 1 recruit in her class, carrying sky-high expectations. And she delivered, becoming the first freshman woman ever to win the National Player of the Year award. But then came the heartbreaks… a tibial plateau fracture, a meniscus tear, and later, a torn ACL that cost her an entire season. 

Of course, it wasn’t easy to stay motivated, let alone return stronger. But she did. Paige Bueckers came back and had a sensational season, becoming the fastest player in UConn history to reach 2,000 career points. She led the Huskies all the way to another national title, completing what felt like a storybook ending.

Still, while Bueckers was flawless on the court, she had never experienced this part before – the joy, the chaos, the tears, and the pure disbelief of finally being an NCAA champion. When she tried to soak in the moment surrounded by UConn legends, Geno Auriemma couldn’t help but laugh.

“At one point, I almost felt sorry for her,” the veteran head coach said. “You’re on top, you’re the best when you’re out on the court. But you’re out of your depth with this group.”

It’s easy to see why. Paige was celebrating alongside Sue Bird (two NCAA titles, four WNBA titles), Diana Taurasi (three NCAA, three WNBA titles), Asjha Jones (two NCAA, one WNBA title), and Jennifer Rizzotti (one NCAA, two WNBA titles). These women have been through championship highs countless times, and they’re pros at it. Paige? She was learning what that kind of joy feels like.

But come on, Geno Auriemma’s teasing wasn’t mockery; it was his form of mentorship. He’s always had a way of turning even lighthearted moments into lessons about greatness. So while Paige Bueckers might’ve still been learning how to celebrate like a legend, under Auriemma, she already became one.

How Paige Bueckers continues on her path of greatness, making Geno Auriemma proud

When Paige Bueckers left UConn for the WNBA, she left a legacy behind. By the time she graduated, she had scored 2,439 career points, ranking third on UConn’s all-time list, behind only Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart.

As Geno Auriemma told CT Insider earlier this year, “Her game and what she does speaks for itself, and it’s a testament to her work, her love of basketball, her love of being in the gym. She’s being rewarded, and that in itself is just fulfilling.” And rewarded, she was! The No.1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings wasted no time proving she belonged among the pros. Despite the Wings tying for the worst record in the league, her individual brilliance stood out.

Paige Bueckers averaged 19.2 points with 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds in her 36-game rookie season. Not only that, but she also made history throughout the run. For instance, she scored 44 points against the LA Sparks on August 20, shooting 17-for-21 from the field. That made her the first player in WNBA history to score 40+ points while shooting over 80% in a game. A record-breaking statement that echoed her dominance from her college days.

As a result, Bueckers got notable recognition as the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year, a WNBA All-Star starter, and even a spot in the All-WNBA Second Team. In just one year, she’s one of the brightest young stars in women’s basketball. So yes, she might have fumbled her first championship celebration, but she’s already mastered what truly matters: winning. And as Geno might say with a grin, there’ll be plenty more chances for her to practice celebrating like a pro.