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Paige Bueckers is one of the best players in UConn women’s basketball history.
And in the eyes of many, she resembles all-time great Diana Taurasi.
Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma agrees.
“Obviously there’s a lot of similarities,” Auriemma said before the Final Four, via NCAA transcripts. “There’s so many differences as well. In the best sense of the word, number one, they’re both exceptional con artists. They can spin things so that it goes their way about 99.9 percent of the time. So they live in that world, which I admire that because winners do that. They have to be right. They have to be at the top. They have to be unchallenged. So they’ve got that going for them.”
Auriemma praised the pair off the court, too.
“They’re both extremely outgoing,” he said. “They both enjoy other people’s company. They’re accommodating to other people. They’re respectful. They’re great team players. They’re both generous to their teammates, both on the court, off the court.”
And heading into the Final Four, Bueckers has a key basketball trait in common with Taurasi.
“They have a flare for the moment,” Auriemma said. “They can summon up something that’s needed at the time when it’s exactly needed. They take responsibility for what happens. They’re not afraid of the criticism that might come if they fail. And I don’t think anybody loves being in the gym more than those two.”
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Paige Bueckers vs. Diana Taurasi stats
Paige Bueckers has scored the third-most points in UConn history (2,406), behind just Maya Moore (3,036) and Breanna Stewart (2,406).
Diana Taurasi ranks 10th on the UConn list, with 2,156 scored in 23 more games played than Bueckers.
Points per game
Paige Bueckers:Â 19.9
Diana Taurasi:Â 15.0
Rebounds per game
Paige Bueckers:Â 4.7
Diana Taurasi:Â 4.4
Assists per game
Paige Bueckers:Â 4.6
Diana Taurasi:Â 4.5
Steals per game
Paige Bueckers:Â 2.1
Diana Taurasi:Â 1.2
Of course, Diana Taurasi holds the national championship edge.
Taurasi won three titles.
Bueckers is hoping this last season at UConn can be her first.
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