NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL FOUR: UCONN VS SOUTH CAROLINA

April 2, 2022

Paige Bueckers

Target Center

UConn Huskies

Finals Press Conference

Q. Last night, how'd that go?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, eventually got to sleep. I struggle to sleep after games anyway just because the adrenaline is still going. But the CD game is an 11:00 wake up, so that was bliss.

Q. [Inaudible] Saturday night. Had a party for you.

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, that was extremely tough time for me, for the whole world, just was sort of the beginning of the shut down and just the state game being cancelled one day before it happened. It was shocking. It was confusing. It was hard to get through. But I think that's why God's so amazing because we're back here now with another chance in my home state to get it done this time. So, it's kind of crazy and surreal how God works in mysterious ways and sort of a full circle moment.

Q. I know you won't miss another match up going forward, but how much are you looking forward to Boston and what do you think will be the biggest part of the game right now?

PAIGE BUECKERS: It's amazing. As a competitor, you want to play against the best players and best people. Me and Alia are really close off the court, but I know that as competitors, me and her, South Carolina and us, we're going to it's the biggest game of the year and we're all trying to win the national championships. I think we'll be really competitive and a physical team.

Q. [Inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: I kind of just relied on the people in my circle. My agency is helping me handle it and obviously my family and the people in my circle have done a really good job just trying to get the pressure off me and sort of handle the things that I don't want to handle right now and just making sure there's no distractions in the way. Because I came here on a mission and our whole team came here to get a job done. Just making sure people around me are helping me through it and coaching staff and my teammates are just sort of there to support me.

Q. [Inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Sorry, I can't hear you.

Q. [Inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, I mean, as soon as I come off the floor, I'm looking for a way to get back in. Some things, like if you get banged up really quick, it's more of an in the moment type of pain and you can shake it off a little bit. I was just stretching and making sure I could get back in the game as soon as possible. I'm going to be ice bathing and making sure we're stretching and using all the recovery devices we can to make sure our bodies and minds are prepared for tomorrow.

Q. What are the biggest losses for you?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I think, I just want to win every single time I step on the floor, every single game. Any time you come up short, you try to learn as much from it and use it as lessons and just try to make sure it doesn't happen again. But definitely losing on the biggest stages stinks the most, so just trying to watch film and do everything you can to make sure you don't have that feeling again is how I use it.

I think any time you lose, even in wins, you can learn a lot from it and watching film, breaking it down and making sure you're focusing on little details, I think, yeah, any time you can learn from that, I think you can get better from it.

Q. [Inaudible] last year. Does that give you extra edge and motivation to try it on the court for tomorrow?

PAIGE BUECKERS: No, I don't even think I played nearly enough games to even be in that vote, but basketball's a team game. I've never, ever focused on individual accolades and just any individual award, no one person can win a basketball game, so, that's not any extra motivation at all.

I think the motivation is national championship trophy and that's it.

Q. [Inaudible] loss to South Carolina in the Bahamas. How did it go in that game and what kind of team is UConn now that you weren't before?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I think we're a lot more confident team. I think we're more a team that understands their roles and I think different people have had to step up. I think we're a team that's going to use their depth more and we're much more confident team. Everybody knows their roles and what they have to deal with. I think we're a completely different team than the first time we played.

Q. Off the court, [inaudible] today with Jed. How important is that for you to be able to give back?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, that's, the focal point of all my deals I make. Making sure we have the same values and our lines are the same and I'm always going to want to be giving what God has given to me. To be able to do it in my hometown is extremely important. I know the city of Minneapolis is going to appreciate it a lot. Growing up here and being able to give back to the community that gave so much to me, it means everything to me.

Q. [Inaudible]. What kind of player do you look for?

PAIGE BUECKERS: She's one of the greatest point guards to play the game. Growing up watching her and watching the Minnesota Lynx. I remember going to all the finals games and watching her lead the team. Just the person she is is why she's been a great mentor to me. She's helped me through a lot of stuff. She's been a great support for me, being from Minnesota as well. I think she deserves all the accolades and the Hall of Fame and I'm super happy for her. It's just awesome to see sort of growing up, from when I was a little kid. Watching the Minnesota Lynx championships. That's really awesome.

Q. Minnesota basketball. [Inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Uh... I think, I mean, obviously the phrase Minnesota nice, I think everybody's known for the Minnesota niceness. Just what God's done for my life, that's shaped a lot about who I am and what I do. God has blessed me so much and given me so much, it's only right to spread that light on him and give him the glory and make sure that everybody else around me and anything that I'm given, I want to give back as well. I think that shapes who I am and my parents as well, keeping me humble and grounded and show me what a great person is first and then basketball comes second.

Q. [Inaudible]. You talk about being true [inaudible] and how you're able to handle that?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I think we're a lot more mature, mentally, just in the way we're going to approach this game. I know that last year, we lost in the semifinals, but we know this is the last game of the season and there's really you just want to lay it all on the line. 40 minutes, however long, maybe double overtime again, hopefully not, but however long it takes, whatever it takes, I think we're going to want to do what it takes to win and we're going to want to do all the little things and wanting to just be mentally prepared for the moment.

I know it's a huge game, there'll be nerves and stuff, but to shake it off and stay composed and stay together like we have this whole season, will be key first.

Q. [Inaudible] players.

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, I've been in close touch with them. My old AU teammates, my old high school teammates, trying to make sure they're taken care of and coming to the games. Just to have their support. I know they've done so much for me during my high school career. I just want to be able to do that much for them and want them to enjoy it as well, just being able to have this moment in Minneapolis, in our backyard.

Yeah, I've been in touch with them and a lot of my friends and family too.

Q. [Inaudible] a step forward. [Inaudible] What does it mean, now and [inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, I just want to be part of change in a very positive way. Not only in the game, in women's basketball, but in the world in general. So, any time you can be part of that, it means a whole lot. That's why you play the game. I think women's basketball deserves a lot more credit than it gets. So, any opportunity and any mark for change and any step in the right direction is amazing. I know there's a long way to go, but positive, moving forward in a positive direction is so important.

Q. I know a lot has changed, what do you remember from last time in South Carolina, from that game?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I think we lost our composer in the fourth quarter. I think that was the biggest thing, the biggest key in the whole game. Just making sure we play a whole 40 minutes, whole, however long it takes and making sure we're prepared for the moment and stay composed and stay together.

I think last, the last time we played them, I had a major shift in not being able to stay composed and keep the team together. I think that'll be the biggest change. Making sure we're all on the same page is key.

Q. I was thinking of the UConn family, they were quite lively and opinionated and cheering. When you're on the court, can you hear your siblings, your parents, do you feel that energy coming from them?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, a loft times during a game, I'm super locked in, I can't hear much of anything, but there are certain time outs or certain breaks in the game where you sit and hear everything and you hear them. But they're really hard to miss, just because they're so loud. And so supportive of us. It means everything for us, for our families to be here, for our fans to be here and they make a huge difference.

Q. [Inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I hear them all. My little siblings were pretty loud last night. They have young, loud voices.

Q. [Inaudible] the underdog?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, I think it's fun, just being able to sort of prove yourselves right, I know it's fun to prove other people wrong. Knowing how much people believe in each other and how much we've been through, to prove each other right is extremely awesome. I know with God, anything is possible. He conquered the world, so why can't we conquer this weekend, these games, conquer this season?

It's really awesome. I don't know which I like better, but I think I like being the underdog a whole lot.

Q. [Inaudible] show business. [Inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, so, I was just shooting at lifetime. Just, always loves going to the gym by myself. It sort of gave me peace. It was like home to me. I remember seeing her in the workout room, just working out and I was like "oh my gosh." I was fan girling and she came over to me and started working me out. I was like "this is crazy." I was so young, I didn't even know what to think of it, but I was trying to lock in on everything and look the best and be the best for her. She was really helpful and really insightful.

I just took a lot from that. It was really amazing experience. At such a young age, for people you look up to to give you that attention and opportunity was awesome.

Q. [Inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: No, I don't. I'm sure I just, I know I remember all the when she started at the head position at Minnesota, just building that relationship with her then. But I think I met her, probably after a game or two. Just me being a fan, a huge fan of hers. The first time, I think we actually had a conversation was, when she sort of took that head position.

Q. [Inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah. I think it was freshman or sophomore. I'm not sure.

Q. [Inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, it's awesome. I know the last time we played here for the state championship, we came up short. So, I mean, like I said before, God's given us another chance, given me another opportunity and I want to make the most of it. Like I said before, closed circle moment. It's awesome to be back in my home state, in my backyard. It's surreal to me this is happening, but it's awesome.

Q. [Inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I always remember, growing up, watching Lynx, I was a huge home grown fan of them. And I just remember, when you're younger, you think, like, I don't know it's so crazy to see professionals at that level. You're such a fan. They're such celebrities and you get super nervous and you fan girl over them. It's just crazy for me to be on this stage, playing on the same court they played on now, but I'm super grateful for it and super happy about it and I just want to take advantage of the moment. And enjoy it.

Q. [Inaudible]. What has the conversation been like? Where your day was when you were playing with them?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, he just wants he's been a huge impact on me with the little details of the game. He's taught me how to move without the ball and make better reads on offense and defense. He's really taught me to be a leader and he knows that I see the game sort of different than other people and I have a high IQ and he wants me to share with my teammates. He wants me to lead by example.

He's just really hard on me and making sure that I'm using my voice and I'm leading and I think, I just want to continue in that, and continue to grow in the little details you gain, they make the game easier, slowing down, playing at a great pace. Not too fast, not too slow. I think he's grown my game in so many different levels and aspects in high school I didn't even know I had in my game. He's helped with all of that.

Q. [Inaudible]. Games are on. [Inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I think coach talked about it before. Just the time off that, the men's basketball team got versus the women's basketball team. I think they finished on Saturday or Sunday, got like a whole week to prepare and we got less time than that. I think that's definitely something it's not an excuse or anything like, that but if I had to change something, what would it be? And making sure more games are broadcast on these huge networks. ESPN, ABC, anything that can help spread the game and growth of the game is very important.

Q. Danielle [inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, no, she's amazing. She's such a positive influence and positive impact on our team. Just to have her spirit with us wherever we go is awesome. She's just she brings so much positive vibes to the team and she's a great support and her family's great. It's just, like I said before, any time you can give back, give to families and give to kids, we're going do it and she's just such a great spirit to be around. She's super fun, making TikToks, dances, whatever it is. She's a super great person to be around.

Q. [Inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: No, it depends, sometimes I like chill, R&B to calm my nerves or sometimes something that riles me up, but...

Q. You got here [inaudible] and flying back to ArgentinPAIGE BUECKERS: That seems to be a very important moment. What can you specifically provide about that flight? Were you talking the whole time? Were you listening to the same music? Joking around? What did you have going on?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I think we just really bonded and talked a lot about our lives. I mean, USA basketball is extremely busy, they're on a mission to get a gold medal, so, there's not a whole lot of time for that. When you're doing that, you're doing it with the team. And having fun as a team. Being able to sit down and have that one on one conversation and get to know each other and get to know our lives and what makes us us and I think it really sort of bonded us in a way that we started to really understand each other and saw how much we were alike. I think, yeah, that was crucial into the start of our friendship. That was good.

We're flying back to MinnesotPAIGE BUECKERS: Her grandparents live here. We're both flying back here.

Q. The gold [inaudible]. How important is it? [Inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, just, the whole WNBA league and the organization, just the way they support Black Lives Matter movement and not afraid to use their voices. They're using their platforms for the greater good, has inspired all the women's basketball to do the same thing.

Especially just growing up in Minnesota and knowing the history and police brutality and just sort of, what you're growing up seeing, you want to use it in a positive way and you want to use your voice and I want to use my white privilege in a positive way that provokes change and I want to influence change and help this world to become a better place.

Obviously seeing people you look up to and people you aspire to be like do it as well, just makes it so much easier.

Q. What is it [inaudible]? Do you think having that [inaudible] has helped where you are?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, I mean, like

Q. [Inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Like I said before, seeing the impact they've had on the community and the sport and social justice, obviously, inspires me and helps me to do it and makes it easier. I know it can be tough sometimes, but to be able to use your voice and just try to provoke positive change is really important. Seeing other people do it, it makes it easier.

Q. [Inaudible] on stage right now. What is it about this court that makes you comfortable?

PAIGE BUECKERS: I don't know if it's the court, but just what I see in the game. Obviously if I start out strong, I'll be more confident. In my shot moving forward. I think it's just what the defense gives me, how my teammates get me open and all the work my teammates do for me to get those shots. I think it varies from game to game. I don't know if it really matters, the court.

Q. [Inaudible]. How long does it take you to come down from that? And focus on [inaudible]?

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, obviously, that same night, we enjoyed it, we celebrated it, we were really proud of ourselves. Just for the hard fought battle. The next day, I got on a plane right to Minneapolis, so, you couldn't avoid it. It was right in front of you and we, obviously, all wanted to stay focused and stay mature, mentally, we enjoyed it the night before and we were really proud of ourselves with that. We weren't finished yet, we're not done yet, we have a job to do and it wasn't the lead 8 game. We want to get the national championship. We all wanted to stay focused and motivated with that.

Q. [Inaudible]. Taking victory [inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, it's crazy. Obviously when I was a little kid, I was at the gym, at the park, I dreamt of these moments being able to play in March Madness, playing in the Final Four, the national championship game. To do it ten minutes way from where I live, it's super crazy to me, still hasn't hit me yet, but that's why I think this is only a story God can write. It's something he made possible with extremely hard work and dedication and faith. And I'm just super, super grateful for all the faithfulness he has in me and this whole team. It's just amazing, to say the least.

Q. [Inaudible] won a state championship.

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, I mean, that's just the standard we hold each other to. We expect the greatest out of each other. She got hers. She wants me to get mine. That's how it's always going to be with her. We just want the best for each other.

Q. [Inaudible] what does that feel like to come down from it? A close game like that?

PAIGE BUECKERS: After the melatonin kicks in, I can finally go to sleep, but I'm just super excited after games. The adrenaline's obviously still going, you're just so proud of what you did and you want to keep looking back on it and keep reminiscing on it. At the same time, we have a game tomorrow, so you have to get some sleep and make sure you stay focused and not get complacent. Know what you did in the past, but keep moving forward.

Q. [Inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, Maya Nnaji, Taylor, Kelly, all those guys, I'm just trying to be a positive role model for them. I know that playing at Hopkins is hard and just so much pressure to get put under.

While I was there, I wanted to be the positive player I could be. Sort of push them and make them be better players and I just want to be somebody they can always talk to and always lean on. I'm older than them, so I have more experience and have gone through what they've gone through. To be that person to lean on. I know how important that is. Especially for me as well, having older guys to talk to and getting words of advice from them. I just want to be that for them.

Q. [Inaudible].

PAIGE BUECKERS: Yeah, just being introduced on the biggest stage in front of your home crowd. It's awesome. I never take it for granted. I'm super grateful for it. I'm hoping that the whole state of Minnesota shows out tomorrow and we have great voices of support. I know our fans, our fans and our family will be extremely loud, but I hope we get a little home court advantage sort of thing. Just super excited.