Paige Bueckers vs. Sue Bird: A Statistical Comparison of Two UConn Legends After 118 Games
The University of Connecticut (UConn) has long been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, producing some of the sport’s greatest players. Among them, Sue Bird and Paige Bueckers stand out as two of the most electrifying guards in program history. Bird, a Hall of Fame inductee and four-time WNBA champion, set the standard for excellence at UConn in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Meanwhile, Bueckers, inspired by Bird’s legacy, has carved out her own path as one of the most dynamic players in recent memory. After 118 games—the number Sue Bird played during her UConn career—how do their numbers compare?
Scoring and Efficiency
Paige Bueckers has established herself as an elite scorer, boasting a career average of around 17-18 points per game. Her offensive skill set is diverse, featuring an impressive mid-range game, three-point shooting, and the ability to finish at the rim. In her freshman season (2020-21), Bueckers shot a remarkable 52% from the field, 47% from three, and 86% from the free-throw line, showcasing her efficiency and shot-making ability.
By contrast, Sue Bird, while not as prolific a scorer, was known for her incredible efficiency and ability to control the game. Over her career at UConn, Bird averaged approximately 11-12 points per game but did so with elite shooting percentages—over 50% from the field and around 45% from three-point range. Her scoring impact was often overshadowed by her leadership, but her ability to knock down clutch shots was undeniable.
Playmaking and Assists
Both players are renowned for their passing and court vision, but their styles differ. Sue Bird, a quintessential point guard, was a pass-first leader who facilitated UConn’s offense masterfully. She averaged roughly 5 assists per game over her career, ensuring that teammates like Diana Taurasi, Swin Cash, and Tamika Williams thrived. Bird’s assist-to-turnover ratio was among the best in NCAA history, a testament to her decision-making and composure under pressure.
Bueckers, while also a gifted playmaker, operates as more of a scoring guard who can facilitate when needed. She has averaged between 4-6 assists per game, depending on the season, and is known for delivering flashy, highlight-reel passes. While she’s an outstanding distributor, her game leans more toward a balanced attack, where she scores and creates in equal measure.
Defense and Impact
Defensively, both players excel in different ways. Bird was a smart, disciplined defender who used her quickness and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes. While she was not a high-volume steals player, she played a key role in UConn’s defensive schemes, often guarding top perimeter threats.
Bueckers, on the other hand, has a more aggressive defensive approach. She has averaged over 2 steals per game for much of her career, using her length and instincts to create turnovers. Her ability to pressure opposing guards and play passing lanes makes her a more impactful defender in terms of raw statistics.
Leadership and Legacy
Sue Bird led UConn to two national championships (2000, 2002) and was the heart of an undefeated team in her senior season. Her leadership and poise became the blueprint for future UConn guards.
Paige Bueckers, despite dealing with injuries, has been the focal point of the Huskies whenever she’s on the floor. If she can lead UConn to a national championship, she will further solidify her legacy alongside Bird.
While their playing styles differ, both players embody the excellence of UConn basketball, leaving lasting legacies in the sport.
