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Tag: Connecticut Huskies – English

  • JuJu Watkins breaks her silence with a heartfelt message after USC's devastating loss to UConn and Paige Bueckers

    JuJu Watkins breaks her silence with a heartfelt message after USC's devastating loss to UConn and Paige Bueckers

    The USC Trojans women’s basketball team‘s March Madness dream came to an end after falling to the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Superstar Juju Watkins didn’t play in the game, but she still reacted to her teammates’ loss.

    Juju Watkins’ Reaction to USC’s Defeat

    USC lost 78-62, failing to advance to the Final Four, and couldn’t rely on Juju Watkins, who suffered a torn ACL during a second-round game on March 24. While her teammates fought to stay in the title race, it was tough for them to compete without their best player.

    Juju chose to stay with the team after her injury instead of remaining in Los Angeles ahead of her surgery. She has also spoken to the media and remained highly engaged despite being sidelined for this crucial phase.

    New video shows JuJu Watkins’ knee twist narrowly avoiding something more serious

    Watkins’ reaction came via an Instagram story where she reflected on her season and the support she received:

    “Thank you for all the incredible love and support. Seeing all your messages and kind words has meant the world to me – y’all have given me so much hope.

    Right now, my heart is with my teammates – I wish I could have been out there battling, but I couldn’t be prouder of that fight we’ve fought together.

    Thank you all,” Watkins wrote.

    Her words offer a glimpse of hope and strength after a tough week for the young basketball star, whose absence loomed large in USC’s defeat. Watkins’ unwavering support for her squad and her grace under pressure continue to shine through, even in the face of adversity.

    Paige Bueckers (31 points, 6 assists) and Sarah Strong (22 points, 17 rebounds) powered the UConn Huskies to victory with standout performances. For the USC Trojans, Rayah Marshall fought valiantly, leading her team with 23 points, but they struggled in the absence of Naismith National Player of the Year finalist JuJu Watkins, sidelined by a devastating ACL tear earlier in the tournament.



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  • Cameron Brink talks about Paige Bueckers and her chance to achieve what Caitlin Clark never could

    Cameron Brink talks about Paige Bueckers and her chance to achieve what Caitlin Clark never could

    Beyond whether the WNBA is ready for Paige Bueckers, Paige Bueckers is ready to enter the league and make an immediate impact, just a year after witnessing Caitlin Clark’s breakout. Someone who experienced that phenomenon up close, like Cameron Brink, has spoken about the rising superstar and how her current performance in March Madness should be evaluated.

    Paige Bueckers got mad at UConn staff for snubbing her during her pregame moment

    The Connecticut superstar just recorded her career-best numbers with 40 points during the Sweet 16, in a resounding 82-59 victory. And she’s getting closer and closer to the title game that Caitlin Clark couldn’t reach.

    Cameron Brink on Paige Bueckers and her legacy

    “Oh, I don’t think so … I think she’s definitely proven who she is. As a player, her accolades are unmatched … I just want her to end up in a good place after the season, and I’m always rooting for her. She’s a close friend of mine. Her, Azzi [Fudd] … I’ve played with them before in USA Basketball. So, I’m just rooting for them … I don’t think winning a championship should affect your legacy. I think it only adds to it, but I don’t think not winning one takes away from what you’ve done,” said Cameron Brink in an interview with For The Win.

    Bueckers has already declared herself ready to enter the WNBA Draft, but first, she’ll go through the Elite Eight in pursuit of advancing further in March Madness.

    The second-seeded Huskies (34-3), winners of 13 straight games, will face the winner of Saturday night’s game between Southern California and Kansas State in a regional final on Monday.

    Caitlin Clark’s way of scrolling on her phone catches attention for how she uses her fingers

    Livvy Dunne shows how to suck a shrimp causing controversy in a TikTok video

    Bueckers led UConn to last year’s Final Four, where it lost to Caitlin Clark and Iowa. Now she’s aiming to win the title to head to the WNBA with honors.



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  • Hailey Van Lith and Paige Bueckers to avoid a rare March Madness fate and solidify their rising WNBA draft stock

    Hailey Van Lith and Paige Bueckers to avoid a rare March Madness fate and solidify their rising WNBA draft stock

    The women’s March Madness tournament is heating up, and this year’s Final Four could feature a rare sight: all four No. 1 seeds advancing, a feat that could be replicated on the men’s side. To derail this perfect storm, however, TCU – led by the electrifying Hailey Van Lith – would have to upset the powerhouse Texas Longhorns. At the same time, No. 2 UConn, anchored by Paige Bueckers (a near lock for the WNBA’s top pick), would have to outlast a USC team missing star JuJu Watkins, who suffered a season-ending injury in the second round. These games aren’t just about crowning a champion; they’re a proving ground where players like Van Lith can turn heads and reshape their futures ahead of the WNBA Draft. With the stakes so high, every dribble and jumper carries extra weight in the final week of college basketball before the new season begins in November.

    Van Lith’s Unforgettable Final Season

    Hailey Van Lith turned her senior season into a compelling case for a first-round pick in the WNBA. After a rocky year at LSU that left some questioning her pro potential, she transferred to TCU and flipped the script. She averaged 17.9 points and 5.5 assists while leading the Horned Frogs to their first-ever Elite Eight. Her defining moment came against Notre Dame, where she scored 26 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 4 assists in a 71-62 victory that showcased her knack for shining when it matters most.

    What’s wilder? She’s now the first player, male or female, in NCAA history to reach the Elite Eight with three different teams: Louisville (x3), LSU and now TCU. That kind of versatility and winning aura is rare, and it’s why she’s no longer an afterthought in draft conversations. Beyond the stats, her grit – forged through a tough stretch at LSU and personal struggles – makes her the kind of leader WNBA teams crave.

    TCU Elite Eight Clash Against Texas

    The women’s tournament has become a massive stage for players to boost their WNBA stock, and Van Lith is riding the wave. Thanks to the explosion of interest in women’s hoops – sparked in part by Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise – the spotlight is brighter than ever.

    For Van Lith, it’s a chance to show that she’s more than just numbers; she’s a playmaker who thrives in chaos. Her next test is a blockbuster matchup with Texas, a team that is coming off a Sweet 16 triumph and a program-record 34 wins. TCU, meanwhile, is living a fairy tale of its own, reaching the Elite Eight for the first time. Expect fireworks: TCU’s spread pick-and-roll attack, fueled by Van Lith’s synergy with center Sedona Prince, will go up against Texas’ brick-wall defense. Van Lith’s ability to carve up defenses – evident in her 26-point outburst against Notre Dame – could be the difference. A big game here doesn’t just mean a Final Four berth; it could cement her as a top-10 pick.

    March Madness: A Launchpad to the WNBA

    Van Lith should (and probably will) be selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft, and her size will not be an obstacle for her to shine in the league. At 5’7″, she may look shorter than average, but there are plenty of undersized point guards who have excelled in the WNBA, such as Kelsey Plum and Arike Ogunbowale, both 5’8″, who have turned their height into an advantage thanks to their quickness and skill.

    According to ESPN’s latest mock draft, Van Lith would be selected ninth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks, where she could learn from Plum and play alongside Cameron Brink, a combination that could accelerate her development as a professional. On the other hand, Yahoo Sports projects her at 10th overall with the Chicago Sky, which would reunite her with college rival Angel Reese.



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  • Heartbreak for Bill Murray with UConn loss: Where does his love for the Huskies come from?

    Heartbreak for Bill Murray with UConn loss: Where does his love for the Huskies come from?

    The excitement of March Madness always draws passionate fans, but one celebrity face in the crowd has sparked extra curiosity: Bill Murray.

    The legendary actor, known for roles in Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, has been a regular at the NCAA Tournament, particularly at UConn Huskies games.

    March Madness magic! Spencer Hubbard and the Duke fans’ chant take over the first round

    Bill Murray can’t stay away from March Madness

    While some may assume he’s simply a college basketball fan, his presence has a much deeper connection.

    Murray has been a prominent supporter of UConn because of his son, Luke Murray, who serves as an assistant coach on Dan Hurley’s staff.

    Over the past two seasons, the actor has been a fixture at tournament games, cheering on his son’s team as they made back-to-back championship runs.

    Despite a heartbreaking exit this year in the second round against Florida, the Huskies’ recent dominance has given Murray plenty of reasons to celebrate from the stands.

    Luke Murray has built an extensive coaching career, working under Hurley at Wagner, Rhode Island, and now UConn.

    With deep roots in Connecticut, having attended St. Luke’s in New Canaan and Fairfield University, Luke Murray has been instrumental in the Huskies’ success.

    As a result, Bill Murray has become a dedicated supporter, attending not just postseason matchups but also regular-season games and Big East Tournament contests.

    He even accompanied his son to last year’s NBA Draft, showing his unwavering commitment to Luke’s coaching journey.

    Murray’s dedication to UConn was evident this year when he traveled from Tokyo, where he was spotted at the Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers series game alongside rock star Jack White, straight to Raleigh, North Carolina, for UConn’s opening-round matchups.

    His presence was a good omen for the Huskies in their first-round victory over Oklahoma, but their tournament dreams ended in a closely contested battle against Florida.

    While UConn won’t be making another Final Four run this season, there’s little doubt that Murray will continue to be a staple at Huskies games as long as his son is coaching.

    With UConn maintaining its place among college basketball’s elite, expect to see the Hollywood star courtside again next season, cheering on the team with the same enthusiasm fans have come to love.



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  • Paige Bueckers snatches Angel Reese's most anticipated role in fight with Caitlin Clark, according to Liberty star

    Paige Bueckers snatches Angel Reese's most anticipated role in fight with Caitlin Clark, according to Liberty star

    Marine Johannes is set to make her WNBA return with the New York Liberty in 2025, rejoining a team that clinched the championship in 2024.

    As she steps back onto the court, the French guard is keeping a close eye on the league’s rising stars, particularly Caitlin Clark, who has been making waves with the Indiana Fever.

    Paige Buckers is on a title hunt chasing the one achievement Caitlin Clark never got

    Johannes predicts the future of the WNBA

    During a recent conversation with NBA legend Tony Parker and French national team standout Nando De Colo, Johannes shared her thoughts on Clark’s impact, drawing a bold comparison.

    “A bit like Stephen Curry,”Johannes remarked in French, likening Clark’s influence to the NBA’s revolutionary sharpshooter.

    She went on to name Clark and UConn’s Paige Bueckers as the future faces of the WNBA, stating, “I think that she and Paige Bueckers will be the future of the WNBA and women’s basketball. What she’s doing with her team is huge,

    everybody’s talking about it. When the two of them will come to the league, I think it will evolve in the media, it’ll be cool.”

    Clark has already generated immense excitement since joining the Fever as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.

    Her transition to the WNBA follows an illustrious college career at Iowa, where she led her team to back-to-back national championship appearances.

    Meanwhile, Bueckers, a former national player of the year, is expected to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, setting the stage for a thrilling new era of women’s basketball.

    A potential Clark-Bueckers showdown could take place as soon as June 27, when the Indiana Fever face the Dallas Wings.

    With their NCAA battles still fresh in fans’ minds, the matchup is already generating buzz, with many anticipating it as the beginning of a marquee WNBA rivalry.

    For Johannes, the return to the Liberty means stepping into a championship-defending squad while witnessing the next generation take center stage.

    Whether Clark and Bueckers can reshape the league remains to be seen, but their arrival is undeniably shifting the spotlight onto women’s basketball in unprecedented ways.



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  • Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd respond to fans' rallying cry in UConn's 2024 finale

    Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd respond to fans' rallying cry in UConn's 2024 finale

    For the No. 7 UConn Huskies, their final game of 2024 wasn’t just about closing the year-it was about redemption. After suffering a gut-wrenching 72-70 home loss to then-No. 7 USC on December 21, the Huskies returned to the court with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by their ever-passionate fanbase. The rallying cry, “Play with a chip on your shoulder,” resonated deeply, igniting the team’s determination as they cruised to a 67-41 victory over Providence.

    The message wasn’t lost on UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Both players embraced the challenge, with Bueckers leading the charge. She poured in a game-high 23 points, adding four rebounds, four assists, and two steals to her stat line. Fudd, alongside rising star Sarah Strong, ensured the Huskies’ dominance never wavered, converting fan passion into on-court execution.

    Paige Bueckers’ new Nike shoes spark unforgettable Christmas moment for young fan

    “It’s hard to sit with a loss like that over the holidays,”Bueckers admitted postgame.“You’ve got a lot of time to think, watch film, and figure out what you need to improve.” For Bueckers, the answer was clear: attack mode. Her aggressive approach was evident from the opening tip, as she confidently sought out scoring opportunities while maintaining her role as the team’s offensive anchor.

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    The Huskies’ game plan revolved around defensive intensity, which paid dividends. UConn forced Providence into numerous mistakes, scoring a staggering 40 points off turnovers. Shooting 41.3% from the field and a reliable 72.7% from the free-throw line, the Huskies’ well-rounded performance left little room for doubt about their resolve.

    Paige Bueckers’ mindset shift sparks UConn’s fiery year-end performance

    For Bueckers, the holiday break served as a turning point. “I’m just trying to take open shots, not overthink things, and be more assertive,”she said. That shift in mentality was contagious, energizing the Huskies and creating opportunities for her teammates. “When we’re all aggressive, it becomes infectious,” she added.

    Azzi Fudd echoed the sentiment, praising the collective effort. “This game was about more than just bouncing back-it was about proving to ourselves what we’re capable of,” Fudd said.

    As the final buzzer sounded, the message from UConn fans had been fully embraced. The Huskies played with fire and focus, ending the year on a high note. For Bueckers and Fudd, it was a performance that not only celebrated the team’s resilience but also set the tone for the challenges to come.

    The Huskies’ faithful, always vocal and unwavering, can rest assured-this team knows how to play with a chip on its shoulder.



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  • Angel Reese says “no thanks” to UConn throwback with coach Geno Auriemma

    Angel Reese says “no thanks” to UConn throwback with coach Geno Auriemma

    WNBA All-StarAngel Reese is known for her dominant presence on the court, but this week, the Chicago Sky forward showed her playful side.

    While enjoying some offseason downtime, Reese found herself responding to an unexpected throwback photo that stirred up some “what ifs” in the women’s basketball community.

    Angel Reese reveals her biggest fear when it comes to dating and sends a clear message to potential partners

    Angel Reese’s hilarious reaction to old photo

    The photo, shared on social media platform X, captured Reese in a University of Connecticut (UConn) hoodie, standing beside the Huskies’ legendary head coach, Geno Auriemma.

    Reese, who chose to stay close to home and start her college career at Maryland before transferring to LSU, saw the image and couldn’t help but react.

    She responded with a humorous post, writing, “Let’s put this picture back WHEREVER y’all found it .”

    The origins of the photo remain unclear, but the image serves as a reminder of an alternate reality for Reese and women’s college basketball fans.

    Angel Reese could have played with Paige Bueckers

    Reese, a highly ranked prospect in the 2020 recruiting class, certainly had her pick of programs.

    Though UConn may have been a tempting choice for any young star, Reese eventually decided that her path was elsewhere, citing concerns over playing time as a freshman.

    By opting for Maryland, Reese made an immediate impact, averaging double-digit points in each of her first two seasons.

    But it was her transfer to LSU that cemented her collegiate legacy.

    In 2023, Reese helped lead the Tigers to a national championship, securing her place in NCAA history and sidestepping the loaded roster UConn boasted with recruits like Paige Bueckers.

    For fans, the photo with Auriemma hints at what could have been, especially as Reese and Bueckers were part of the same highly competitive recruiting class.

    Reese’s social media response may playfully dismiss the UConn connection, but for followers of women’s basketball, it’s a lighthearted moment reflecting how different paths often lead to the same goal: success.



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  • Paige Bueckers gives big hint about what team she's rooting for in the NBA Playoffs

    Paige Bueckers gives big hint about what team she's rooting for in the NBA Playoffs

    Paige Bueckers is ready to take the basketball world by storm next season. With Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese out of the way, Bueckers is set to become arguably the biggest star in women’s college basketball this upcoming year.

    Paige Bueckers sinks a no-look half court shot during practice

    While she rests and prepares during the offseason, Bueckers has been taking the Instagram world by storm instead. On Saturday, she posted a carousel of pictures from a trip to Miami. And she may have dropped a hint about what NBA team she’s supporting in the playoffs.

    Paige Bueckers takes trip to Miami

    She caption her IG post: “Loved the Miami heat“.

    Of course, she’s mainly referring to how hot the temperature currently is in South Florida at the moment. But it’s also a play on the Miami Heat‘s name.

    Despite the nod to the Heat, Bueckers was born and raised in Minnesota, so she’s likely a Timberwolves fan. It’s definitely a good time to be a Wolves fan, as Anthony Edwards and co. have them up 3-0 over the Phoenix Suns in the first round.



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  • NCAA basketball star stunned to find out status of Joe Biden's memory during White House visit

    NCAA basketball star stunned to find out status of Joe Biden's memory during White House visit

    One of the rewards for NCAA champions like Angel Reese‘s LSU in 2023 or the Michigan football team in 2024 is a trip to the White House. Donovan Clingan’s UConn is on its way to meet President Joe Biden for the second time after clinching back-to-back March Madness crowns this week, but this story from their first appearance will be hard to beat, as it revealed the truth behind one of Biden’s most controversial traits.

    Joe Biden’s health questioned in viral video

    The TikTok video from 2023 resurfaced on social media after the Huskies’ dominant 2024 NCAA Tournament ended in a triumph over Zach Edey and Purdue on Monday.

    It was a relevant clue for the countless voters seeking information on the POTUS’ health status, specifically Biden’s memory.

    The 81-year-old already holds a place in history as the oldest president inaugurated, set when he took office in 2021. He is running for re-election in 2024, but his physical health is a concern for some voters.

    UConn’s trip to the White House and Biden’s mistake

    Clingan shared a story about the team photo that Biden asked Dan Hurley‘s squad for that raised some red flags.

    “We went to the White House, took a picture with Joe Biden,” Clingan recalled. “Joe Biden talked to us for about three minutes and then right after that he asked us for a picture again.”

    When asked what Biden talked about during the three minutes, Clingan’s answer didn’t help the conspiracy theories the post would spark.

    “He completely ignored Coach Hurley. Really couldn’t understand what he was saying. And then he was like, ‘Alright, let’s grab a picture,’” said the 7-foot-2 center.

    The video was heavily edited and did not show the full interview, but it was enough for it to go viral nearly one year later. It remains to be seen what UConn will experience in this year’s visit to the White House, but it’s safe to say the first go round was – sorry, Mr. President – unforgettable.

    Donovan Clingan declares for NBA Draft

    Clingan announced on Friday that he will enter the NBA Draft after just two seasons at UConn, where he didn’t have much left to prove. He is projected to be a top-3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft in June.

    He finished his Huskies career as a two-time national champion after averaging 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in the 2024 NCAA Tournament run.



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  • UConn Huskies won their second consecutive NCAA tournament against Purdue

    UConn Huskies won their second consecutive NCAA tournament against Purdue

    The UConn Huskies took their second consecutive win in the NCAA March Madness tournament against Purdue in a game that was over before it was over after they scored the 15-point difference that Purdue would never recover from.

    UConn Huskies repeat in the NCAA championship

    As soon as the buzzer sounded, the bang from the confetti cannons set off a wave of emotion in the crowd as they made history in the State Farm Arena.

    Meanwhile Purdue had a stellar March Madness journey and had an impressive track record with 34 NCAA Tournament appearances and a commendable win-loss ratio of 45-33.

    UConn is the eighth program to repeat as the national champion and the first since Florida in 2006 and 2007. Before that, Duke (1991-1992) was the last program to repeat since UCLA’s run of 10 straight from 1964-1973.

    However, the coveted national title has remained elusive, with their closest brush with glory dating back to 1980.

    Purdue’s basketball legacy is filled with old-school legends and tales of resilience and ambition, specifically by two Final Four historical appearances, in 1969 and 1980.

    As we mentioned before the game was getting hotter by the minute and around halftime things got intense and escalated as Edey and Hurley engaged in a heated exchange of words while exiting the court. Though the exact nature of their conversation is not known, both teams were eager to make history.

    With this win Uconn joins the top 8 teams of the NCAA to win consecutive titles. Florida did it in 2006 and 2007. The Duke Blue Devils double dipped in (1991-1992) and prior to that UCLA had an impressive 10 year run from 1964 to 1973.

    According to NCAA pundit Daniel Shirley, the other teams to make have a back-to-back championship are:

    • Oklahoma State: 1945-1946
    • Kentucky: 1948-1949
    • San Francisco: 1955-1956
    • Cincinnati: 1961-1962



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