Bueckers returning for extra season at UConn

UConn guard Paige Bueckers will forgo the 2024 WNBA Draft and return for another season with the Huskies, she announced Friday.

"I can't put into words what this program has meant to me," Bueckers said after UConn's 85-44 win over Georgetown, adding, "Obviously, these four years didn't go how I planned or how I wanted to go, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I wouldn't be able to get through what I went through without everybody here, just supporting. ... I know everybody wants me to address the elephant in the room. Unfortunately, this will not be my last senior night."

The Huskies star was widely expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming WNBA draft.

Bueckers openly considered returning to UConn in January if it meant getting to play once more with currently injured teammates Azzi Fudd and Aubrey Griffin.

The former Wooden Award winner is averaging 20 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists for the No. 15 Huskies.

Bueckers missed the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign due to an ACL tear. The previous season, the former No. 1 recruit sat out 19 contests due to a tibia plateau fracture and torn meniscus but returned to help lead UConn to the 2022 national championship game before losing to South Carolina.