Win or lose, Paige Bueckers' college basketball career will come to an end following the upcoming national championship game. Bueckers has enjoyed a tremendous college basketball career with UConn, and she is ready for the big game.
"We prayed, we prepared and we hoped to be playing on the last day of the season," Bueckers said, via UConn on SNY. "We got that opportunity, so we don't want to take it for granted."
There were previous questions about Bueckers' future with UConn. Would she consider staying for her final season of eligibility? However, Bueckers recently ended the uncertainty by confirming that she is planning to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft. She is expected to be selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the draft.
Although Bueckers is a star, it was Sarah Strong who led the Huskies to their victory over UCLA in the Final Four.
UConn defeats UCLA in Final Four
Strong recorded 22 points and eight rebounds to lead UConn on Friday night. Her effort was crucial as UCLA's Lauren Betts led all scorers with 26 points. Meanwhile, UConn's Azzi Fudd scored 19 points while Bueckers added 16 points and five rebounds.
The Huskies' team effort was important in defeating No. 1 UCLA. UConn entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed, but the team has played like a No. 1 throughout March and early April. Bueckers has received plenty of help from her teammates.
UConn preparing for national championship game
However, South Carolina earned a Final Four win against Texas on Friday as well. No. 1 South Carolina will be UConn's most difficult challenge yet. The Huskies know that pulling off the upset is going to be far from a simple task. Nevertheless, they will enter the contest with confidence.
Regardless of the outcome, Paige Bueckers will be remembered as one of the greatest UConn women's basketball players of all-time. Her impact at the program has been pivotal. The 23-year-old will do everything she can to lead the Huskies to a championship before she departs for the WNBA, though. Ending her college basketball career with a victory in the national championship game would be a memorable way to leave the program.
The upcoming UConn-South Carolina women's basketball national championship game will be played on Sunday afternoon. The matchup will receive no shortage of attention. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 PM EST.