UConn star Bueckers out for season with ACL injury

UConn star guard Paige Bueckers suffered a torn ACL in her left knee and will miss the upcoming 2022-23 season, the team announced Wednesday.

Bueckers will undergo surgery on Friday.

"We're all devastated for Paige," head coach Geno Auriemma said. "She's worked really hard to get stronger and healthier this offseason, and this is an unfortunate setback. Paige is, obviously, an amazing basketball player, but she's a better person and teammate, and it's really unfortunate that this has happened to her.

"We'll miss her presence on the court, but she'll do everything she can to still lead and help her teammates this season. Our program will support Paige through her healing process to help her come back better and stronger."

Bueckers posted an emotional message on social media following the school's announcement.

Bueckers suffered a torn meniscus and tibial plateau fracture in December 2021, causing her to miss two months. The sophomore played on a minutes restriction coming off the injury and helped UConn reach the national championship game, putting up 14 points and six rebounds in a loss to No. 1 seed South Carolina.

In her freshman season in 2020-21, Bueckers averaged 20 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 steals in 29 games. For her efforts, she was named National Player of the Year, Nancy Lieberman Award winner for best point guard, Big East Player of the Year, and was a unanimous first-team All-American.