University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn-St. John's Postgame Quotes
2/25/2022 9:53:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Head Coach Geno Auriemma
On what he thought of Paige's performance for her first game back:
"I thought it was what it was. I expected what I expected. I didn't expect her to go out there and be bad. I think it was great. I didn't expect her to play for 30 minutes. I knew there were some plays that she was going to make that other kids on our team have a hard time making. She got just enough to get her feet back under her. We will see how she does tomorrow and then Sunday."
On Paige's physical and mental state after returning to the court:
"At one point in the game, I asked her, 'How is it?' She obviously was excited, ecstatic and beaming that she is back playing basketball. It was in a game that was a fun game to play in, for the most part. I don't think there is any way that St. John's is reflective of the type of team that they are. Tonight, was one of those games, that is what we were [reflective of the team]."
On Christyn Williams' defense on Leilani Correa:
"Yeah, Christyn has been off and on defensively this year. It is getting to the post season now, last year that was her big strength. During the whole postseason, we gave her whoever we thought the toughest matchup for us. It started tonight, and hopefully it will carry on to every other game we play. Providence has a kid that got 27 [points] on us, at their place. So, this time, I hope we do a better job on her than we did last time."
Sophomore Guard Paige Bueckers
On being out with an injury
"It's been tough. Mentally. Physically. I've never had to miss out on a season for an injury before so that was definitely new. I think with me, it doesn't take a village, it takes villages with how hard and hard-headed and stubborn I am. Both my doctors, our athletic trainer, our strength coach, all of my teammates and coaches, I am just super grateful for them and all they've done for me. Just keeping me positive and just being there for me whenever I need them."
On her first made basket of the game coming as a buzzer beater:
"It wouldn't be me if it wasn't something extra. It was a lot of fun."
On the difference she sees between the team today and the team she played with back in December:
"The way our team has handled adversity – I don't think any other team in the country has been through what we have been through. We've taken a bunch of hits but the thing about us is that we always bounce back. It might take a game or two but we always find a flow, always find a rhythm. We have sort of adapted to the cards that have been dealt to us. It was just awesome to see and for me to get back and try to incorporate myself back into the flow of what they've already built. The way we've handled adversity has been really inspiring."
Freshman Guard Azzi Fudd
On what Paige's return meant to her and the team:
"I really think that we have had a different kind of energy about us since Paige has been back. Today there was just so much more excitement going into this game knowing that all eleven of us here were healthy and playing. It was a lot of fun to play. That first sub group – when four people subbed in at a time – it was kind of weird looking. But it was a lot of fun today."
On seeing the team at full strength and the potential that this group has:
"It was really exciting and fun to have everyone out tonight. Just to think about that we've dealt with all our injuries – knock on wood – so hopefully from here we all stay healthy and keep building on this. I think that's really exciting. That's what I'm thinking about. Building on this and how good we are going to be."
