The tournament loss three years ago concluded an injury-marred season for Bueckers, who’s expected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. A UConn win Sunday would deny South Carolina’s bid to become the first repeat champion since the Huskies won four straight from 2013 to 2016.

TAMPA, Fla. — Something is going to happen on Sunday afternoon that is going to feel more than a little weird. We’re going to see Paige Bueckers in a Connecticut basketball jersey for the very last time.

It’s like the most subtle flex of a musical chairs game for a basketball fan. Higher on the walls hang the banners for All-Americans and national championships. The names that look down on players from those banners aren’t just well-known,