UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers is focused on helping her team win games in the NCAA Tournament. She has no interest in discussing comments made by opposing players and coaches, as she was recently asked about USC women's basketball head coach Lindsay Gottlieb's remarks about feeling disrespected as the fourth No. 1 overall seed in the tournament.
"I think honestly we try to stay off social media during these times," Bueckers said via SportsCenter. "We don't necessarily see all the things that happen. We're just focused on what's ahead of us and right now that's a game on Saturday against Arkansas State. Not looking too forward into the future and just focusing on the present."
What exactly did Lindsay Gottlieb say?
USC did earn a No. 1 seed, but they will likely have to play UConn if both teams advance throughout the bracket. Gottlieb previously explained why she felt that USC was "disrespected" as the fourth No. 1 seed, via Ryan Kartje of The Los Angeles Times.
"I never thought I’d be a one seed and feel disrespected," Gottlieb told reporters on Sunday. "I thought there was very little chance we would be the number four overall number one."
USC went 28-3 overall during the season. They also hold a 17-1 record in conference games. Gottlieb was seemingly expecting the Trojans to land a position as one of the top three number one overall seeds.
"I can't speak for the players, I think they are excited to play," the USC women's basketball head coach continued. "This was not on my bingo card, to be a little bit frustrated after being a one seed. And it's not an arrogance of any kind. I think there's a lot of really good teams, you gotta play the first game in front of you and earn your way from there and that's what we will do.
"Sometimes I don’t understand the people who make decisions in women’s basketball and why they do what they do and certainly with this committee, I would love to ask them questions."
Paige Bueckers, UConn women's basketball staying focused
There are no shortage of outside distractions that surface during the NCAA Tournament. All eyes are on every game, and some players crumble under the pressure. Bueckers knows what to expect, however, and there is reason to be confident in this UConn women's basketball team.
For Gottlieb, however, there is clear frustration at the moment. Nevertheless, she will do everything she can to lead USC women's basketball to a championship. Doing so will prove to be a true challenge, especially with a possible game against UConn down the road.