The Primer:
2023-2024 Record & Results: 33-6 (18-0 Big East) NCAA Final Four
Who graduated:
Aaliyah Edwards: 17.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.7 SPG
Nika Muhl: 6.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.3 SPG
Who transferred out:
Ines Bettencourt: 0.6 PPG, 0.8 RPG, transferred to Gonzaga.
Amari Deberry: 1.0 PPG, 0.7 RPG, transferred to Maryland.
Who transferred in:
Kaitlyn Chen: 15.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, transferred from Princeton.
Who is coming back:
Paige Bueckers: 21.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.2 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Ashlynn Shade: 11.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.4 APG
Azzi Fudd: Only played 2 games due to injury.
Aubrey Griffin: Only played 14 games due to injury.
KK Arnold: 8.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.3 SPG
Qadence Samuels: 5.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.5 APG
Ice Brady: 4.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.1 APG
Caroline Ducharme: Only played 4 games due to injury.
The Players You Know:
Everyone already knows Paige Bueckers. The redshirt senior had the summer tour of a lifetime, making appearances at the WNBA Draft, US Open and New York Fashion Week. The 6 foot guard is adamant about being known for the work she put in during the offseason in what will surely be her last opportunity to bring a national championship back to Storrs.
The Players You Need to Watch:
A healthy Azzi Fudd changes the entire make up of this team. How will Auriemma reintegrate a player with her incredible skillset back into a deep guard rotation? How do you balance a player’s need to prove that she can stay healthy and aggressive to earn a spot in the WNBA Draft come April? Jana El Alfy has been in America for almost 2 years and is finally ready to play in her first collegiate game. The redshirt freshman impressed the last time she played basketball before rupturing her Achilles with her Egyptian national team and gives UConn size and physicality in the post that they haven’t had in a long time. Freshman Sarah Strong, the top recruit in this year’s freshman class dazzled while playing over the summer for USA Basketball showing off her extended range and versatility to finish down low. She’s been encouraged by Auriemma and the coaching staff to make a play every time she touches the ball for the Huskies.
Season Expectations:
National championship or bust. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Games You Can’t Miss:
All of them!
This is Geno Auriemma and Chris Dailey’s 40th season together. This is never happening again folks. But if I’m forced to choose, Geno has a shot to break Tara VanDerveer’s coaching wins record Nov. 20th vs. Farleigh Dickinson.
The Huskies visit Notre Dame on Dec. 12th in an attempt to avenge an embarrassing loss against the Hannah Hidalgo led Fighting Irish. An Elite 8 rematch on Dec. 21st vs. Juju Watkins and a retooled USC team over winter break. The annual matchup against the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks on Feb. 16th.
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