Minnesota native Paige Bueckers wins NCAA championship with UConn

Hopkins alum Paige Bueckers, one of the fastest-rising stars in women's basketball, finally has her NCAA title.

Driving the news: The redshirt senior dropped 17 points in UConn's 82-59 drubbing of South Carolina in yesterday's national championship game.

• She received a stirring ovation and an emotional embrace from coach Geno Auriemma after exiting the game in the fourth quarter.

What they're saying: "To be rewarded with something like this, you can't even put it into words," Bueckers told reporters post-game.

The big picture: Bueckers is widely projected as the top pick in next week's WNBA Draft — and until Sunday, a championship was the only thing missing from her college resumé.

• She came up just short in three previous tournament appearances and battled back from a major knee injury that sidelined her for the 2022-23 season.

What we're watching: Where Bueckers ends up. The Dallas Wings own the No. 1 pick, but speculation has persisted that she may try to maneuver out of playing for them.

• When asked to address the rumors earlier this week, Bueckers was noncommittal, telling reporters her future is "in God's hands."

Plus: Albertville native Tessa Johnson co-led the Gamecocks with 10 points in Sunday's contest.

Go deeper: Paige Bueckers eyes glory.