Imagine watching a basketball legend return to the court where it all began, but this time, they’re not playing for your team. It’s a mix of joy and longing—a bittersweet reunion that stirs emotions for everyone involved. That’s exactly what’s happening as Paige Bueckers, the WNBA sensation, is back in Storrs, Connecticut, practicing with her former UConn Huskies teammates. This week is particularly charged for the Huskies, fresh off a dominating 102-35 win against DePaul, but with a looming showdown against USC on Saturday the 13th. And what better way to prepare than by facing one of the WNBA’s brightest stars?
But here’s where it gets controversial: Bueckers’ return isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a reminder of the void she left behind after an extraordinary six-month stretch—winning a national championship, starting in the WNBA All-Star Game, claiming the WNBA Rookie of the Year title, and earning a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team. Her visit to UConn is a nod to her roots, but it also highlights the challenge her former team faces without her. Her girlfriend, Azzi Fudd, still a key player for the Huskies, captures this sentiment perfectly:
‘It’s bittersweet,’ Fudd admits. ‘We miss having them here, but it’s so much fun to see them again. The energy they bring is unmatched. They make the red team better, which gives us a tougher challenge and helps us grow. It’s a win-win, even if it stings a little.’
And this is the part most people miss: Adjusting to life without a player like Bueckers isn’t easy. UConn has started the season 9-0, with only one game decided by fewer than 12 points, but Fudd acknowledges it’s a collective effort. ‘No one person can replace Paige,’ she explains. ‘It’s about everyone stepping up—scoring, rebounding, leadership, court vision. We’re doing well so far, but we know we need to keep improving.’
Bueckers’ impact is undeniable. In her final UConn season, she averaged 19.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 4.4 RPG, and 2.1 SPG, leading the Huskies to their first national title since 2016. In the WNBA, she posted nearly identical numbers (19.2 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.4 RPG) for the Dallas Wings, though her new team’s struggles contrast sharply with UConn’s success. Now, she’s determined to turn the Wings’ fortunes around in her second season.
But here’s the question that divides fans: Can Bueckers replicate her UConn dominance in the WNBA, or will the league’s intensity keep her from reaching those heights? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
For more in-depth coverage of the Dallas Wings and the WNBA, stick with WingsGameday. And if you’re curious about the Wings’ future, check out our analysis of their 2026 roster (link in bio). The journey’s just beginning, and you won’t want to miss it.
