UConn’s Paige Bueckers ‘Grateful to Have a Bad Game’ in Return From Torn ACL

It’s going to take some time for her to look like her old self.

UConn’s Paige Bueckers made her long-awaited return from a torn ACL Wednesday and had an interesting take after underperforming according to her own standards. 

“In my opinion it was a bad game for me, but I’m grateful to have a bad game right now,” Bueckers said after her team’s 102–58 win over Dayton, per ESPN. 

Bueckers, who tore her ACL in August 2022, finished the game with eight points, seven rebounds and four assists on 3-for-9 shooting. She only played in 21 minutes thanks to her team’s comfortable lead and never touched the floor in the fourth quarter. 

Coach Geno Auriemma didn’t go easy on her in her first game back, though, and ripped Bueckers on the bench when she made a defensive mistake. All is well since the 2021 Player of the Year enjoys being held accountable. 

UConn coach Geno Auriemma talks with guard Paige Bueckers (5) as she comes off the court against Dayton :: David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports

“She says she likes when I yell at her, so I just want to keep her happy,” Auriemma said.

It will take some time for Bueckers to snap back into form after so much missed time, but fans will able to watch her slowly progress next against NC State on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.