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In 2023, Paige Bueckers added to her impressive career stats, surpassing 80 games played with 229 free throws. But even these numbers appear modest compared to players such as Caitlin Clark, who recorded 234 free throws in just 34 games and Juju Watkins, with 253 free throws over 31 games.
Head coach Geno Auriemma has not been shy about sharing his frustration over the officiating Bueckers faces.
"Oh my god... When you watch how she's officiated relative to how other people are officiated and her star power, people get away with murder against her," Auriemma said.
In a recent game against USC, where Bueckers put up 22 points, Auriemma's concerns were evident. One particular play stood out, when Bueckers made a quick dribble move, set up for a three-pointer, but before the shot counted, a whistle for a three-second violation erased the basket.
Although Bueckers finished with only two fouls, Auriemma believes her physical treatment on the court often goes unchecked.
"That's why I lose my mind," Auriemma said.
"A bump that's a foul on her is not a foul on someone else because that's Paige Bueckers, and she'll score anyway. You get hit, you get hit. No. I've said this: she's probably the most mis-officiated great player today."
Bueckers' reaction
After a late-March game, Bueckers stayed composed despite clear signs of rough play, as scratches on her shoulder told a different story.
"I definitely feel like teams try to be aggressive with me," she said.
"They probably know that they can get away with a little bit in terms of referees not calling a foul on every possession for the game to continue to flow.
"So I have to continue to not let the officiating or the physical play get to me and play my game."