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“I aim to inspire the next generation of players,” said Sabrina Ionescu, and it seems like she is staying true to her words. After coming from a career-defining WNBA season where she shot a record-breaking 33.3% from three-point range and helped her team the New York Liberty clinch their first-ever Championship Title, Ionescu’s vision is now towards the upcoming March Madness battle.
In a stunning twist of collegiate loyalty, Oregon legend Ionescu, who set the NCAA record with 26 career triple-doubles during her dominant tenure, has cast her support behind UConn’s star guard, putting all rivalries aside to champion basketball excellence.
Sabrina Ionescu Shows Her Support to Paige Bueckers
In a recent interview with CBS Sports’ Zach Aldridge, Ionescu expressed her support for the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies, particularly their star guard, Paige Bueckers, in the quest to dethrone Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks as NCAA champions.
“I mean, on the men’s side, I have Auburn. I’ve just liked them this entire time. And then on the women’s side, I have UConn. I just really want UConn to win. I think it’d be a great story for Paige and Coach Geno there in Connecticut. So those are kind of my two picks that I have, and we’ll see what happens,” said Ionescu during the interview.
Sabrina picks UConn to win the natty on the women’s side 😤
Stewie’s influence 😂>>> pic.twitter.com/tfwIB52zkE
— Domo 🗽 🏆 (@ddubxdo) March 17, 2025
She earned the distinction of being the fastest player in UConn history to reach 2,000 career points during her 102 games. Her numerous recognitions have positioned her as a premier draft candidate for the 2025 WNBA Draft and Scouts anticipate her to secure the first overall selection.
“To be able to put that many points on the board in that short period of time is one tremendous accomplishment,” said. coach Geno Auriemma (as per ESPN).
Under the guidance of head coach Geno Auriemma, UConn has maintained a stellar record of 31-3 this season. Their recent performances have drawn significant attention, with the recent Big East game, where UConn emerged victorious, attracting a record 1.8 million viewers in the recent game against the Gamecocks.
On the other hand, Dawn Staley guides South Carolina who are defending champions into the tournament holding numerous successful victories as it moves toward the postseason. During their games the Gamecock defense demonstrates such outstanding performance that opposing teams manage to score only 57.8 points on average.
Now the College basketball community watches with interest as Ionescu shows her backing of Bueckers during this historic matchup. If Paige Bueckers guides UConn to a victory against South Carolina’s elite team she will both support Ionescu’s forecast and secure her position as basketball’s future generational star heading to the WNBA. Moreover, before the championship, it seems like Paige Bueckers has a surprise for her coach.
Paige Buecker’s Big Surprise for Her Coach
Head Coach Auriemma led the Huskies to eleven national championships while playing a crucial role in developing Bueckers’ skills as both a player and leader. Now Bueckers chose to express her gratitude through personal means rather than buying commercial products when celebrating her coach’s 71st birthday.
During an episode of ESPN’s Sportcenter, Elle Duncan was discussing the upcoming NCAA tournament run with Paige Bueckers, Azi Fudd, and Sarah Strong. During that segment, Duncan was quick to present Bueckers with the question, “Your head coach Geno turning 71 on Sunday, what do you think would be the best gift for him?“.
The 23-year-old point guard was quick to catch up on the question and answer, “A win.” While the gift might not cost a cent, its emotional value is priceless. As Auriemma celebrates another year, Bueckers’ thoughtful gesture is sure to make it a birthday to remember.
