For Geno Auriemma, every season begins the same way. He returns to Storrs with one goal in mind – winning another championship. And his 41st season with UConn is no different. But this year brings a unique challenge – doing it without Paige Bueckers. So can HC help the reigning champs survive without their key star?

It seems like he’s already got the pack ready. That’s because when PB was drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings, Azzi Fudd made her decision to return. “Next year is the year… I want to get all these things done,” she said. And in just two games this season, the 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player has proved she meant it. She scored 20+ in the first two games. But Azzi isn’t doing it alone. She’s joined by Sarah Strong, and together, they’re leading the charge to repeat as national champions. 

Still…is that enough to fill a Paige Bueckers-sized gap?

As Geno explained during his postgame press conference on November 9: “Yeah, obviously it’s different, you know – quite different – not having a player like Paige out there. So they’ve got to do more together and more on their own.”

He added when asked about the difference between playing without PB, “And as we go along, the other players will get better at finding them, and they’ll get better at finding each other. But taking away Paige takes away a lot of those opportunities, and we’re going to have to find them as the season goes on.” And he’s right. 

The former UConn standout’s impact went far beyond the box score. She wasn’t just a scorer – she was selfless, a true leader. And, nothing proves that better than her final game in a UConn uniform. It was when UConn played finals against Dawn Staley’s SC squad, led by the highest scoring bench in America. But, even in such a crucial game, Paige finished with just 17 points. It was fewer than both Fudd and Strong, who had 24 each. But for Bueckers, who graduated as the third-highest scorer in NCAA history, it was never just about points.

“Trying to fuel them to make me a better person, a better player, and grow in my leadership abilities – being a great teammate and standing firm in who I am,” she said last year. Well, Paige could take the shot, but she often chose the pass, choosing teamwork over individuality. That kind of presence can’t be easily replaced. So far, both Fudd and Strong have been putting up electric performances. However, that voice and presence of a leader? It’s going to come eventually. 

Through the first two games, the duo has been exceptional offensively. Even in the season opener, both Sarah Strong, a preseason First Team All-American, and Azzi Fudd combined for 41 points. And their recent game against Florida State was no different. The pair dominated both ends of the court, scoring 36 of UConn’s 51 first-half points.

Sarah attacked the lane with confidence, drew contact, and made the most of her trips to the free-throw line. Fudd, meanwhile, scored from all three levels, her sharp passing and quick cuts slicing through the defense. As a result, Fudd finished with 23 points while Strong added 21. 

“Whenever we’re drawing up a play in the huddle, one of the first two words out of my mouth is either ‘Azzi’ or ‘Sarah.’ They’re going to be involved one way or another. A lot of times it’s both, but those two draw so much attention that I think we can get other stuff.” Geno said.

Yet, he’s not throwing his weight behind just two players.

Can Geno’s players answer the call?

For today’s game, UConn saw transfer guard Kayleigh Heckel shining defensively with relentless energy. She ended the game with 12 points, 6 steals, and 3 assists. But she wasn’t alone. She was backed by Ashlynn Shade, KK Arnold, and Serah Williams. But overall, Huskies relied heavily on Fudd and Strong. However, Geno wants to ensure it’s not a two-player show. And he’s doing this by expanding the rotation as visible in the game versus Florida State. 

He did not just let the stars score, but also emptied his bench with eight minutes left. As a result, a lot of new, familiar faces got minutes on the court. Redshirt senior Caroline Ducharme made her season debut late in the second quarter, while freshman Kelis Fisher logged her first collegiate minutes. And after 960 days away due to back-to-back injuries, Ayanna Patterson finally made her return. So yes, he’s doing hit and trial earlier in the season. 

Still, UConn’s challenges extend beyond replacing Paige. Injuries have hit the roster hard, with Gandy Malou-Mamel, Blanca Quinonez, and Morgan Cheli all sidelined. So what do you think? Can Geno and the Huskies find their stride again? Will Azzi or Sarah evolve into leaders who not only score but also lift the team, just like Paige once did?