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For UConn women's basketball fans, the 2024-25 season was one to .
Led by senior standout Paige Bueckers, the Huskies captured their first NCAA championship in nearly a decade, dominating South Carolina in a decisive 82-59 win.
Bueckers' lasting impact at UConn
Now, with the WNBA Draft just around the corner, Bueckers is preparing for the next phase of her career, one that is likely to begin with the Dallas Wings selecting her first overall.
As tributes pour in to celebrate Bueckers' impact at UConn, emotions are running high-not only for fans, but for her teammates as well.
A video making the rounds online features Bueckers embracing her teammates after being subbed out of the national title game.
The clip, set to emotional music, especially struck a chord with fellow guard KK Arnold, who took to social media to share her feelings.
"Really didn't need to see this,"Arnold commented, accompanied by a frowning emoji, signaling just how difficult it's been to process the departure of her backcourt partner.
Arnold, who played two seasons alongside Bueckers, will be expected to take on a larger leadership role for the Huskies moving forward.
Yet the connection between the two guards went far beyond basketball.
On and off the court, their chemistry helped propel UConn through injuries and adversity to the pinnacle of the college game.
As Bueckers prepares for what many believe will be a franchise-altering arrival in the WNBA, she's also signaling some changes, starting with her signature look.
"I think it's time for a switch up," she said when asked if she would continue wearing her iconic double braids.
"The braids, they had a good run."
Monday night's WNBA Draft, airing on ESPN from The Shed in New York City, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent years.
With Bueckers expected to headline the event and the expansion Golden State Valkyries entering the league, the next generation of women's basketball is ready to take center stage.