SAN ANTONIO – Paige Bueckers is truly one of a kind.
UConn’s star monitor turned into the primary rookie at any point to win The Associated Press’ ladies’ b-ball player of the year grant Wednesday.
Bueckers helped lead the Huskies to their thirteenth back to back Final Four with 28 focuses in the local last win over Baylor on Monday night, simply the most recent star turn for the marvelous 19-year-old Minnesota local.
“It’s amazing, surreal for people to think of me that highly and to be in that position as a freshman,” Bueckers said. “To get this award, I’m extremely humbled and grateful.”
Bueckers was educated that she had won the honor by UConn mentor Geno Auriemma during a group video meeting Monday. She separated as she acknowledged it before her colleagues.
“A lot has happened over the past year, things that could bring people down,” Bueckers said.”To get a reward and find something positive in these times, you cherish them. I was there with my teammates and coaching staff, and to get that award with them around me makes you be so grateful for the position I’m in.”
Bueckers was a staggering decision, getting 21 votes from the 30-part public media board that picks the week by week AP Top 25. Dana Evans of Louisville was second with four votes; Rhyne Howard of Kentucky got two votes; and Michigan’s Naz Hillmon, Texas’ Charli Collier and Iowa first year recruit Caitlin Clark all got a vote.
Previous UConn greats Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart won the honor as sophomores. Any remaining champs have been youngsters or seniors since the AP began respecting major parts in 1995.
What’s more, presently comes Bueckers.
“That’s crazy to think about, all the great college players who ever played,” Bueckers said.”The great freshmen who had done great things in their first year in college basketball, it really is surreal that it’s never been done before.”
It’s the twelfth time a UConn player has been regarded.
Bueckers, who is from Edina, Minnesota, is averaging 20.1 focuses, 5.9 helps and 4.8 bounce back this season. She turned into the main UConn player at any point to score at least 30 focuses in three continuous games and set the school precedent for focuses in her NCAA debut when she had 24 in the opener against High Point.
“Name one player that has taken a team this young to where we are today,” Auriemma said. “Who’s done more than her? And if you can give me a better argument, then I would say I’ll vote for them, too. But I don’t think you can.”
