UConn secured its 12th national title with an 82-59 victory over South Carolina, but it was star player Paige Bueckers' emotional embrace with coach Geno Auriemma that stole the spotlight and likely made him reconsider his parenting strategy.

While UConn's triumphant return to championship glory after an eight-year drought showcased the team's prowess with Bueckers scoring 17 points and solidifying her legacy as a three-time All-American, it was the heartwarming moment between Bueckers and Auriemma that truly resonated—poignantly prompting the veteran coach to evaluate his life choices and the complexities of sports affection. After all, in a world where 'I hate you' is an expression of endearment, parenting just got a lot more complicated.

In a game that many predicted would be a nail-biter, UConn seemingly took matters into their own hands, demonstrating dominance over South Carolina right from the tip-off. The 82-59 victory not only marked UConn's first national title since 2015 but also emboldened their status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. The game wasn't just about the score; it was about the legacy—one that is now so firmly tied to Bueckers that she might as well consider changing her last name to UConn.

Bueckers, who has been the talk of the town since she stormed onto the court, proved invaluable by contributing 17 points in the championship game. With this game, she added another chapter to her already illustrious collegiate career, holding the record for the most points scored in March Madness throughout her career, ranking her third all-time among NCAA Division I players. After the game, Bueckers jokingly told coach Geno Auriemma, 'I hate him,' reflecting her emotional and humorous connection with her coach.

The emotional aftermath of this championship game saw Bueckers sharing a tender moment with coach Auriemma. Their affectionate embrace was marred only by Bueckers' characteristic humor as she jokingly told Auriemma, 'I hate him,' immediately after he told her he loved her. One can only speculate whether this kind of sarcasm is taught in the annals of sports coaching or if it arises from the sheer depth of their relationship, which has seen its fair share of ups, downs, and motivational speeches that could rival Shakespearean plays.

Reflecting on her journey, Bueckers reminded interviewers not to take moments like these for granted, emphasizing the gravity of competing in a national championship game. Her candid admission showcased not only her maturity as an athlete but also her love for the sport. As the crowd erupted for their team, she thanked her younger self for every exhaustive practice and ice pack used to soothe her sore muscles during her rise to stardom. In a lighthearted moment, she jokingly told coach Geno Auriemma, 'I hate him,' before expressing her deep connection with him during their emotional embrace.

As if the championship win didn't add enough accolades, Bueckers' performance solidified her status as a projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft. Prospects hint at a bright future, and while she might have joked about Auriemma being insufferable, it's clear that UConn's investment in her has paid off significantly, both for the players and the festivities surrounding the win.

In the post-game press conference, Auriemma expressed his own hope that Bueckers would capture the title, highlighting her unwavering dedication to the team. He seemed to realize she is not just his player but potentially the key to not making any awkward 'you went pro now' dinner conversations over the next few years. Bueckers' contributions couldn't be understated, signaling her role as a linchpin in UConn's success and a beacon for aspiring young athletes who might still be figuring out their own techniques for endearing their coaches while managing their sarcasm.

In the end, the championship victory was a culmination of hard work, emotional ties, and perhaps a slightly overprotective coach. And while Bueckers exemplifies all that is good about college basketball, her playful banter highlights that even in moments of triumph, one mustn't forget the humor that binds teams together and keeps the experience relatable. Now, UConn will look to maintain this momentum, and perhaps Auriemma will take a crash course in handling heartwarming player-coach relationships, all while preparing for the next class of promising talent—who might just tell him they hate him, too.