New-Look UConn Brings Talent, Youth Into Big East Return

[RoadWarrior]

New Sports Illustrated article:

One of Geno Auriemma's youngest Huskies teams ever still boasts plenty of promise, including heralded new addition Paige Bueckers.

New-Look UConn Brings Talent, Youth Into Big East Return

One of Geno Auriemma's youngest Huskies teams ever still boasts plenty of promise.

www.si.com

"Geno Auriemma is approaching his 35th season as coach of the UConn women’s basketball program, but this year’s team brings a challenge he has not faced in quite some time."

 

[Zinethar]

Nice article but sure hit the "out of sight, out of mind" element with no mention of Megan Walker. I think a page (no pun intended) turned in Geno's mind when she turned pro and the frustrations that boiled over with that class are now behind him. He sure seems to be more at peace and happier than I've seen in the last few years.

 

[huskyd]

Nice article but sure hit the "out of sight, out of mind" element with no mention of Megan Walker. I think a page (no pun intended) turned in Geno's mind when she turned pro and the frustrations that boiled over with that class are now behind him. He sure seems to be more at peace and happier than I've seen in the last few years.

For some reason, the last two seasons seemed a bit off. We stopped hearing the old refrain that suggested that losing was not an option, especially at UConn with its peerless history. When I think about regular interviews with 'Phesa and Lou, I remember that they always made the point about winning and maintaining Husky culture. That seemed to end with their graduation.
Last night I spent fully an hour watching videos of Azzi and Paige. I loved it, and felt the return of the old UConn spirit of can-do. Let's hear more of our historical success and the need to extend it far into the future. We are blessed to have these 2 new cheerleaders.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Sports Illustrated's top-10 and burning questions:


3. UConn: The Huskies will be powered by youth with a roster made up of seven new players and zero seniors as they make their return to the Big East. Top-ranked recruit Paige Bueckers leads the incoming group while junior guard Christyn Williams is slated as the team’s leader. UConn will have to make up for the loss of leading scorers Megan Walker and Crystal Dangerfield, but the team can have a high ceiling if its young core can mesh under Geno Auriemma’s leadership

*

2. What can be expected from top recruit Paige Bueckers as UConn returns to the Big East?

UConn is no stranger to recruiting top talent, and Bueckers enters the season with high expectations after a standout high school career. During Buecker’s senior season in 2019, the incoming guard averaged 21.4 points, 9.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds while standing out defensively with 5.4 steals per game.

Auriemma has made it clear that Bueckers, though talented, is not going to single-handedly lead the Huskies to a championship. The Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year is expected to run point for UConn as the team will be without Dangerfield, who averaged a team-high 3.9 assists per game. Additionally, Buckers has discussed that she has tried to take on a leadership role among the incoming class of seven players, including six freshmen.

UConn, coming off a down season compared to the program’s standard, is entering 2020–21 looking for its first championship since 2016. Bueckers brings high talent to the Huskies, but she has said the team’s overall success is what matters most to her this season. UConn will be tasked with finding chemistry among its young roster, and Bueckers will not be alone as juniors Williams and Olivia Nelson-Ododa look to lead the way.

Women’s Basketball Preview: Rankings, Burning Questions

From South Carolina at No. 1 to UConn's return to the Big East, previewing what should be a thrilling 2020-21.

www.si.com

 

[Sluconn Husky]