Paige Bueckers draws curious criticism from Geno Auriemma despite UConn's success

In less than two months' time, Paige Bueckers will be heading to the pros as the top overall draft pick of the Dallas Wings. But right now, the Connecticut Huskies' star guard is not thinking about her future in the WNBA.

What is most important to Bueckers right now is g off at the collegiate level with an NCAA championship, which would be UConn's first in nine years. It has been an uncommonly long drought for the Huskies' legendary head coach Geno Auriemma -- which speaks to the parity now found across women's college basketball, as well as the coach's high and exacting standards.

Bueckers lit up Butler...but "wasn't where she needs to be"

Part of Auriemma's magic -- and central to his longevity at Connecticut -- is his ability to get the absolute maximum out of his players, challenging them to be their best and always finding little things they need to improve. Bueckers is no different.

Despite scoring 17 points in the first half against Butler on Saturday, Bueckers still drew some criticism -- though playful in nature -- from Auriemma, as he seeks to round UConn into the best form possible before March Madness.

"She's never where I want her to be," Auriemma said during the halftime interview, with UConn ahead by 25 points. "You know I think there's always a little bit more (Bueckers can do)."

Bueckers ended up playing 34 minutes in the 86-47 blowout win over Butler, scoring a game-high 23 points and adding 10 assists as the fifth-ranked Huskies flexed their championship-caliber muscles yet again. The win saw the Huskies improve to 26-3 overall and 16-0 in Big East Conference play.

With two games remaining before the Big East Tournament, Connecticut might be exactly where Auriemma wants it to be: playing its best basketball of the season, right on time. By paying attention to every little detail, Auriemma and Bueckers' partnership could come to the sweetest end possible in April.