Move over, game analysts—Reddit has entered the chat. Paige Bueckers, the UConn star who hasn’t even stepped onto a WNBA court yet, has already become a favorite topic for armchair experts. Forget draft predictions; the latest debate pits her so-called “passiveness” against the fiery personas of WNBA legends like Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart. The verdict? Well, it depends on which Reddit rabbit hole you find yourself scrolling through.
“Passive Paige” vs. “Chill Stewart” – A Tale of Two UConn Stars
The debate began with a December 13 post by Reddit user u/Putrid-Author2593, who casually dropped a hot take questioning if UConn players lack the guts to “take over games” or if the “passiveness” tag is a Paige Bueckers exclusive. Spoiler alert: the thread exploded faster than a Taurasi buzzer-beater.
Some fans were quick to clap back, citing UConn’s alumni roster of stone-cold killers—Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart, to name a few. Reddit user u/FallenTorch, apparently a walking WNBA encyclopedia, dismissed the notion:
“UConn players are the most WNBA-ready out there. Taurasi passive? LOL. Stewie? She’s a quiet storm—deadly, but calm.”
Is Stewart Really a Walking Yoga Class?
While Taurasi’s fiery demeanor is universally accepted, Breanna Stewart got dragged into the debate for being a little too chill. “Stewie is absolutely passive,” claimed u/dawnsearlylight, adding, “She could’ve been the face of the WNBA but doesn’t have that killer external fire.”
Ouch. But honestly, isn’t there something terrifying about a player who destroys teams with a Zen-like calm? Who needs theatrics when you can just silently dominate?
Paige: Passive, or Just Playing Smart?
Paige Bueckers, on the other hand, had her defenders. Many fans highlighted that last season, UConn was basically running a M.A.S.H. unit with “32483204902394 injuries” (thanks for the precise stat, u/NerdyReligionProf). Paige had to juggle roles, including power forward—a position she played with grit despite being built more like your friend who’s really into Pilates.
User u/NoPsychology8664 also dropped some tactical insight: “Paige doesn’t dominate the ball like others because UConn’s system doesn’t let her. She’s playing the game the way it’s designed.” Translation: blame the strategy, not the player.
Notre Dame Loss: Blame Game Intensifies
Of course, the drama wouldn’t be complete without some finger-pointing. Bueckers’ critics zeroed in on UConn’s recent loss to Notre Dame, implying she didn’t step up. But her defenders weren’t having it, chalking the loss up to being outcoached by the Fighting Irish. “Paige can’t do it all, people!” might as well be the thread’s unofficial slogan.
Looking Ahead: Paige’s WNBA Buzz
With Bueckers likely to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Reddit chatter is just a preview of the hot takes waiting for her in the pros. Will she carry the so-called “passiveness” into the WNBA, or will she unleash her inner Taurasi and make critics eat their words?
Either way, if she’s already sparking debates alongside names like Taurasi and Stewart before even playing a single WNBA minute, one thing’s for sure—Paige Bueckers is living rent-free in the minds of WNBA fans everywhere.
