- NCAA. Geno Auriemma of UConn reveals the hidden challenges of College Basketball
- NCAA. Hailey Van Lith could have a chance to join Caitlin Clark at the Indiana Fever
After leading UConn to its first national championship since 2016, Paige Bueckers has become the face of March Madness. As the Huskies' postseason glow continues to brighten, Bueckers is adding a little more sparkle to her victory lap with a stop on one of America's biggest late-night stages: "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
Bueckers, who guided Geno Auriemma's Huskies to a dominant 37-3 season capped off by a national title, appeared on Fallon's couch with a smile as wide as her trophy.
But the real buzz wasn't just about her skills on the court-it was about her sense of humor, her emotional honesty, and yes, her outfit.
Huskies powered by chemistry
The spotlight quickly turned toward Bueckers, who embraced the viral commentary online about what really drove UConn's success this season.
In particular, one fan theory that caught fire on social media suggested that the team's bond-not just their play-was the real reason they came out on top.
"I saw on social media, they were saying UConn won based on the power of friendship. It's so accurate," Bueckers said, according to her interview on "The Tonight Show." "Just how much we love each other, how much we're connected, how much we've been through as individuals, as a team, and how much it has bonded us and helped us become national champions. So I wouldn't trade it for anything."
That closeness paid off in a big way. UConn ended the season with a perfect 18-0 record in conference play, finished on a 16-game win streak, and defeated the reigning national champions twice along the way. With Bueckers leading the charge, the Huskies proved their dominance was no accident.
The champion's wardrobe stirs up a different kind of debate
As clips of Bueckers' appearance on Fallon circulated online, fans didn't just praise her poise or her team-first mentality-they also had a lot to say about her outfit.
"Ummmm what is she wearing," one fan asked, according to comments online.
Another added: "dk man some of yall are dtm cause I lowkey mess with it," referencing the bold fashion choice that split opinion across social platforms.