Paige Bueckers and Geno Auriemma did not communicate during UConn's run
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 4:01 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
During UConn's 2025 championship run, coach Geno Auriemma and player Paige Bueckers went weeks without speaking. Their strained relationship stemmed from Auriemma's push for Bueckers to become a stronger leader after her return from a torn ACL. The tension peaked after a loss to Tennessee, prompting Bueckers to hold a players-only meeting and reassess her role. Following this, UConn had a successful stretch, culminating in a national title victory over South Carolina.
- •Auriemma and Bueckers didn't speak for two weeks during the season.
- •Tension arose from Auriemma's demand for Bueckers' leadership.
- •UConn lost to Tennessee, breaking a long winning streak.
- •Bueckers called a meeting to improve team dynamics.
- •UConn won the national championship after their turnaround.
- 4:01 PMCBS Sports — Why Paige Bueckers and Geno Auriemma didn't speak for two weeks during UConn's 2025 championship run
"'I tried to hurt her like losing hurts,' the UConn coach said in a revealing new documentary about the dynasty
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