This year could potentially witness the Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team stunning the world, showcasing that setbacks are just stepping stones for comebacks.
Out of the seven available players competing for the Big-East title, four are rookies.
Despite coach Geno Auriemma humorously suggesting that his team might have a touch of “delusion,” each player in the squad firmly believes in their skills, even amidst the adversities they have encountered this season. With Saint Peter’s surprising the world in 2022, it becomes challenging to underestimate any team, particularly Connecticut.
The UConn Huskies are widely acknowledged as one of the most successful programs in NCAA women’s basketball, boasting an impressive tally of 11 national championships. Under the guidance of coach Auriemma, UConn last secured a title in 2016 and came close to claiming the championship two years ago with a defeat against South Carolina. The memory of Paige Bueckers single-handedly propelling her team to the finals lingers on.
While Auriemma boasts one of the most successful coaching records in Division 1 basketball, UConn’s narrative is built on their resilience and resolve to overcome numerous injuries not only this season but in past seasons.
Prior to the season commencement, UConn held the no. 2 ranking in the nation by the Associated Press. However, the high expectations were met with a series of injuries, reflecting a distressing recurring pattern. Particularly in the last few seasons, Auriemma and the Huskies have encountered unfortunate circumstances beyond their control.
UConn epitomizes resilience
This group has embodied resilience through and through. Following a turbulent 4-3 beginning, UConn suffered defeats against NC State, UCLA, and Texas within the initial two weeks. Nonetheless, they rebounded to win 25 of the next 27 games, finishing strongly with nine consecutive victories, including the Big East Championship match. Perhaps, the motto for this season should be “impossible is nothing,” coined by Nike.
With regards to the Big East, over 7,000 spectators packed the Mohegan Sun Arena to witness Connecticut face off against Georgetown for their 22nd Conference championship showdown.
With a season record of 25-9, the Huskies clashed with a Georgetown side making its inaugural appearance in a Big East Conference championship game. Overpowering the Bulldogs 78-42, the narrative primarily revolves around UConn’s dominant defense and discipline.
Within all of Division 1 basketball, the Connecticut Huskies hold the 23rd spot in the nation, tied with South Carolina in terms of opponent points permitted per game (56.3).
By restricting Georgetown to merely seven points in the final quarter, the Bulldogs concluded with an 11% three-point shooting accuracy and a 32% field goal percentage. Not only did Connecticut exhibit stellar defensive play on the perimeter, but they also dominated on the boards and in the paint.
By forcing 17 turnovers, the Huskies’ starting lineup collectively amassed 12 steals. In the backcourt, Bueckers and KK Arnold combined for seven steals alone.
Auriemma hails this team as “remarkable”
For coach Auriemma, who has orchestrated 34 years of NCAA tournament campaigns, leading the Huskies to victory in March is no easy feat. Despite South Carolina and LSU commanding the limelight as the most dominant teams, UConn’s resurgence this year has somewhat been overshadowed amidst the fervor across women’s basketball.
In a matter of days, the Huskies encountered a fresh set of challenges. Despite Aliyah Edwards‘ injury, they showcased a dominant 86-53 victory against Providence. Even in the absence of Edwards, they successfully overcame Marquette, limiting them to a mere 29 points.
“Obviously, these have been three pretty interesting days,” coach Auriemma said about the Big East Tournament. “The energy that it took to finish this off was really pretty remarkable. Couldn’t be prouder of them.” (UConn Huskies PR).
The Huskies grappled with multiple injuries this season
The spotlight has predominantly shone on Bueckers’ determination to return to the court following various injuries over the years. With a deep-rooted connection to her faith, she made a comeback to action merely 19 games following a meniscus tear, only to suffer an ACL tear later in the season. Bueckers, who symbolizes the heart and soul of the Huskies, endured a sidelined 2022-2023 season due to the ACL injury.
Marking her healthiest season thus far, she concluded her third year with a career-best 21.3 points and 1.4 blocks per game. Bueckers excelled on both ends of the court, averaging 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 2.7 assists.
Across a record 34 games, she boasted an impressive 53.8% field goal accuracy and a 42.4% three-point shooting percentage. Bueckers’ stellar two-way display persisted during the Big East championship game, where she led with 27 points and five blocks.
Initially, rookie Jana El Alfy grappled with an Achilles injury that sidelined her for the entire 2023-2024 season. With Fudd already out, junior Caroline Ducharme featured in only four games before her season was cut short due to injury. Further complicating matters, guard Aubrey Griffin tore her ACL in January.
Despite slipping to the 17th ranking, UConn bounced back and now stands at no. 10 heading into the NCAA National Tournament.
The reliable freshman core has risen to the occasion for UConn
Auriemma relied on senior Edwards and Bueckers initially, but the spotlight shifted to rookies Ashlynn Shade, KK Arnold, and Ice Brady who stepped up during crucial moments. Despite a shallow bench, UConn’s dependable unit has played a pivotal role. Operating with only seven healthy players, the Huskies now eye another chance at a championship title.
Moreover, several freshmen now have the opportunity to shine on the grandest stage alongside Edwards, Bueckers, and Nika Muhl. Let’s not overlook freshman Qadence Samuels, who contributed with 9 points and 5 rebounds for the Huskies.
Brady, hailing from California, showcased significant progress throughout the tournament. Managing just 4.6 points on average throughout the season, the forward accumulated 23 points combined across the tournament matchups versus Georgetown and Marquette.
Remarkably, on back-to-back games, Brady led UConn with 40 minutes of play. As a member of the “stay ready” brigade, she demonstrated dominance on both ends of the court, especially with Edwards unavailable.
For Auriemma and the Huskies, maintaining confidence amidst the highs and lows is key.
The Huskies exude unwavering confidence regardless of the obstacles thrown their way
“Nothing good is going to happen unless you’re confident in yourself that you can make it happen, ” coach Auriemma told SNY. “It would have been easy to feel sorry for yourself, why us again? Why are we dealing with this again? The resilience is remarkable. They inspire me, a lot of times, to be better for them because of how positive they are.”
As we approach Selection Sunday this weekend, the Connecticut Huskies are gearing up for the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, set to commence on Mar. 22. With Edwards and Muhl likely to declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft, Bueckers has announced her return to UConn for a final season. Although Edwards missed the last two matches, she’s set to make a return, donning the mask once more.
