UConn’s Bueckers is AP women’s player of the year

SAN ANTONIO » Paige Bueckers is in a class all by herself.

UConn’s star guard became the first freshman ever to win The Associated Press women’s basketball player of the year award Wednesday.

Bueckers helped lead the Huskies to their 13th consecutive Final Four with 28 points in the regional final win over Baylor on Monday, just the latest star turn for the phenomenal 19-year-old Minnesota native.

“It’s amazing, surreal for people to think of me that highly and to be in that position as a freshman,” Bueckers said. “To get this award, I’m extremely humbled and grateful.”

Bueckers was informed she won the award by coach Geno Auriemma during a team video session on Monday. She broke down as she accepted it in front of her teammates.

“A lot has happened over the past year things that could bring people down,” Bueckers said. “To get a reward and find something positive in these times, you cherish them. I was there with my teammates and coaching staff and to get that award with them around me makes you be so grateful for the position I’m in.”

Former UConn greats Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart both won the award as sophomores. All other winners have been juniors or seniors since the AP started honoring players in 1995.

“That’s crazy to think about, all the great college players who ever played,” Bueckers said. “The great freshmen who had done

great things in their first year in college basketball, It really is surreal that it’s never been done before.”

It’s the 12th time a UConn player has been honored.

Maryland’s Frese is coach of the year

SAN ANTONIO » Maryland coach Brenda Frese was honored as The Associated Press women’s basketball coach of the year for the second time in her career.

Frese received eight votes from the 30-member national media panel that votes on the weekly AP Top 25.

“It’s special. Obviously its going to be one I never forget,” said Frese, who also was AP coach of the year 19 years ago when she was at Minnesota. “What makes it so special is having this journey through a pandemic with the most selfless group of people you could go through a pandemic with. No one had Maryland doing anything this season after the graduation and losses of all five starters last year.”

Maryland lost five starters from last year’s Big Ten championship team, but didn’t miss a beat, winning the conference for the sixth time in seven years and going 26-3.