There was a time not long ago when the UConn women’s basketball team, along with star Paige Bueckers, ran the world of college basketball. With the rise of LSU women’s basketball and Angel Reese, one might wonder where the Huskies’ mindsets are at. Still, they don’t seem to be phased, and this is gearing up to be a wild race for the 2024 national championship.
Despite shift in dominance, Bueckers isn’t focused on LSU women’s basketball team
It’s honestly a crime that Paige Bueckers is still in college. The UConn women’s basketball guard has been a star since she stepped foot on campus.
As a freshman in 2020, she led the Huskies with 20.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.3 assists per game. She’s been one of the best players in college basketball from day one, but injuries have allowed people to forget just how good she is.
Her sophomore campaign was cut short by a lower-body injury, and she didn’t set foot on the court during her junior year. Now, she’s a senior and isn’t necessarily the face of women’s college basketball anymore. Baton Rouge has taken that title and ran with it.
In a recent media availability, she was asked about the LSU women’s basketball team and how they’ve been preparing for next season. She didn’t seem too concerned, saying the Tigers “have the right to talk, and they have the means to back it up because they won, and we haven’t won that yet.”
She also noted that she and the UConn program aren’t worried about surrounding distractions. They’re focused on the controllable and doing their best to stay inward.
“I think we’re more trying to earn our respect on the court,” Bueckers began. “We have to prove it because we haven’t really proved anything yet, since I’ve been here. So I think we’re just more worried about ourselves and us being ready for that stage and that platform and those types of huge games. We’re definitely more inward-focused and just trying to make sure that we’re ready for those moments.”
Paige Bueckers versus Angel Reese could be a matchup for the ages
With Paige Bueckers officially returning from injury, things are getting interesting. Women’s college basketball has some of the biggest stars it has ever had, with names like Bueckers, Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith and Caitlin Clark.
Still, one of the most anticipated matchups falls between LSU women’s basketball and UConn. If only they were scheduled to play each other during the regular season.
Regardless, that is where the NCAA tournament comes into play. With these two programs viewed as the top two programs in women’s college basketball, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see them face off at some point. For all we know, it could be for the 2024 national championship.
Angel Reese flew into stardom in 2023. Not only did she quickly become one of the best players in college basketball, but her fame grew off the court too.
On the other hand, Bueckers had her stardom begin before the NIL era. With her recent injuries, she hasn’t had the opportunity to grow her brand too much in that department.
Regardless of off-court brands and how big names may be, what matters is what happens on the court next season. Both teams are filled with stars and have the potential to win a national championship. Regardless of the outcome, we’re in for a wild ride.
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