Sarah Strong

[Next 12]

I don't think so. The team will definitely take a step back next season without Paige, and we're not going to have much of a bench next season. Much of the rotation from this season will either be in the starting lineup or is moving on after the season. No one's going to feel bad for Geno trying to build a team around a core of Strong, Fudd, Shade, KK, and Jana, but make no mistake Paige is the straw that stirs the drink and there's no one with her leadership qualities on this team or coming to this team anytime soon.

You are forgetting a few names that will be on the team next year.Uconn has Sarah, Azzi,JANA, Shade KK, Morgan ,Brady, Caroline, Allie, Kellis Fisher. Gandy Malou , Q and one other that escapes me now. Plus a pick-up from the portal. Uconn has 3 positive scorers, the still the best defense in the game and I remembered the one I couldn't Bianca Quinonez, A bonefied starter and scorer. I believe Uconn will not lose anything as we still have GENO and CHRIS to not let that happen. Think positive, have faith in the team and believe in them as I do!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!

 

[DEpup]

I really liked the Jokic comparison DT made last night for Sarah. It makes perfect sense. They share so many similarities.

 

[Scoe]

You are forgetting a few names that will be on the team next year.Uconn has Sarah, Azzi,JANA, Shade KK, Morgan ,Brady, Caroline, Allie, Kellis Fisher. Gandy Malou , Q and one other that escapes me now. Plus a pick-up from the portal. Uconn has 3 positive scorers, the still the best defense in the game and I remembered the one I couldn't Bianca Quinonez, A bonefied starter and scorer. I believe Uconn will not lose anything as we still have GENO and CHRIS to not let that happen. Think positive, have faith in the team and believe in them as I do!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!

Potentially could be better perhaps a 1 or 2 loss team, hard to believe they can be better then we currently are at the present moment, losing not just Paige but Chen, Aubrey would be huge losses leadership wise. Who really cares right now let’s go win tomorrow.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

The Relentless Sarah Strong

UConn's Freshman Forward Sarah Strong is one of the best players in NCAA Basketball, paving a path for the era after Paige Bueckers.

5wins.com

 

[DefenseBB]

For sure she’s the most skilled and fundamentally sound at this point in her career. 22 and 8 from a freshman in the final four is unreal, nevermind the lockdown defense she plays. Special.

I am not a believer BUT if she can put up similar numbers and we win Sunday, I will wholeheartedly agree…

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

IMHO Sarah passes the eye test!
You just know by watching her that she's special!
Think back to Rebecca, Jen R, Sue, Shea, Svet, Swin DT, Maya, Stewie, Naphessa, and Paige, they shined as if they had an aura around them!

 

[Aluminny69]

A young Sarah Strong with her Mom playing overseas.

 

[huskeynut]

Sarah is the real deal. Her basketball skills are way ahead of most. Her basketball IQ is up there with Paige's. She plays with such a calm demeanor that belies her age. And we are finally starting to see some emotional breaks outs!!

As to her potential for team leadership, it's there. She knows Paige is this team's leader. She is learning from Paige. Her time will come and she knows it.

She will be one of all-time greats for UConn. And she does remind me a lot of Maya.

As to next year and who's the numbers 1's, UConn will be right there in the discussion. We have to see how at portal plays out and what players decide to move on. And if JuJu returns next season, which I seriously doubt. If Southern Cal is smart, they will not let her play.

 

[Bone Dog]

As to her potential for team leadership, it's there. She knows Paige is this team's leader. She is learning from Paige. Her time will come and she knows it.

I hope she doesn’t dread it.

When I think of team leaders, there’s not just one kind. Some lead by example, and some lead with their voice. Personally, I don’t see Sarah giving direction in team huddles next season or barking out orders from the high post in games or even in practices. But she will probably lead by example all the time.

Also, in my experience, which is admittedly limited, great teams tend to be loud. Someone’s voice gives direction on the court and in the on-court huddles. Will UConn have a loud voice in games next season? If so, who will it be? Maybe it will be KK, since it seems natural for a PG to yell a lot. It tended to be Nika the previous couple seasons, and Paige gradually took over the role. Maybe it will be Azzi, since she has the natural cred for the role even though she doesn’t seem naturally loud. Are there other candidates?

 

[Jim]

scary thought:

i think uconn will be better next year.

Let's see --

We lose Paige, Kaitlyn, and Aubrey
We get back (hopefully healthy) Caroline, Morgan, and Ayanna
We add freshmen Blanca, Kelis, and Gandy (and possibly someone from the portal.)

I don't know. We lose a lot of talent and experience, and some teams, like UCLA, don't lose anyone. But there certainly is a lot of fresh, young talent coming in. Roles will have to change. I think we will just have to wait and see what happens when Geno hands KK the keys to the Ferrari.

 

[uh-no]

Let's see --

We lose Paige, Kaitlyn, and Aubrey
We get back (hopefully healthy) Caroline, Morgan, and Ayanna
We add freshmen Blanca, Kelis, and Gandy (and possibly someone from the portal.)

I don't know. We lose a lot of talent and experience, and some teams, like UCLA, don't lose anyone. But there certainly is a lot of fresh, young talent coming in. Roles will have to change. I think we will just have to wait and see what happens when Geno hands KK the keys to the Ferrari.

it's down to how much better strong and el alfy and shade will be next year.

i think azzi is known entity at this point.

Geno was already running the lineup during the ucla game. he ain't dumb... get that lineup minutes against an elite team now

 

[Ron and Vida]

shrug. strong is arguably already a binafide star, and fudd is returning. el alfy is on a huge upward trajectory, and shade is nearly ready.

If el alfy only had Sarah’s hands……..

 

[uh-no]

If el alfy only had Sarah’s hands……..

can we borrow a jugs machine from Coach mora?

 

[superjohn]

Baby Jokic is incredible.

 

[bballnut90]

24 points, 15 boards, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals in the national championship game going up against a very good South Carolina frontcourt is just insane. I would’ve picked her for MOP but Fudd was incredible too. Congrats.

 

[ec33]

I don't think so. The team will definitely take a step back next season without Paige, and we're not going to have much of a bench next season. Much of the rotation from this season will either be in the starting lineup or is moving on after the season. No one's going to feel bad for Geno trying to build a team around a core of Strong, Fudd, Shade, KK, and Jana, but make no mistake Paige is the straw that stirs the drink and there's no one with her leadership qualities on this team or coming to this team anytime soon.

Wait until you see Blanca Quinonez.

 

[boontonbomber]

24 points, 15 boards, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals in the national championship game going up against a very good South Carolina frontcourt is just insane. I would’ve picked her for MOP but Fudd was incredible too. Congrats.

Agree

 

[Sluconn Husky]

24 points, 15 boards, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals in the national championship game going up against a very good South Carolina frontcourt is just insane. I would’ve picked her for MOP but Fudd was incredible too. Congrats.

Only player in NCAA history with 20 points, 15 rebs, and 5 assists in a title game.

 

[Dove]

When I saw Sarah and Alfy in game 1, I knew they were the keys to beat South Carolina. Its happening

It happened.

 

[Kaizen]

You are forgetting a few names that will be on the team next year.Uconn has Sarah, Azzi,JANA, Shade KK, Morgan ,Brady, Caroline, Allie, Kellis Fisher. Gandy Malou , Q and one other that escapes me now. Plus a pick-up from the portal. Uconn has 3 positive scorers, the still the best defense in the game and I remembered the one I couldn't Bianca Quinonez, A bonefied starter and scorer. I believe Uconn will not lose anything as we still have GENO and CHRIS to not let that happen. Think positive, have faith in the team and believe in them as I do!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!

Only Paige and Chen are out in 2025-2026 years,

UConn Huskies Women's College Basketball Roster - ESPN

Explore the %{year} UConn Huskies NCAAW roster on ESPN. Includes full details on point guards, shooting guards, power forwards, small forwards and centers.

www.espn.com

 

[Jaydumo20]

I'm just a casual fan of the women's team. I don't watch all the games but get into all the big games. I said it earlier in the season, I think Sarah Strong is going to be the best player UConn has ever had.

This is also the most fun team I can remember. So glad they're finally healthy or close to it.

Dominant performance.

You're not a "casual fan" of any uconn team. Don't be silly.

 

[Dove]

This kid is ushering in a new dynasty. Breathtaking poise. My my.

 

[sno-cat]

Sarah is becoming Maia Moore Rev 3 because she already passed Maia Moore Rev 2.

 

[dtbtbtb]

Truly a jaw dropping performance by Sarah in the Championship game!

 

[heavyhusky]

In the Final Four, Sarah led the team in minutes played, scoring, shooting percentage, 3 pt percentage, rebounding, and blocks. She was second to Chen in assists. An MOP performance, but I am glad that Azzi got it, as Sarah will have her chance again.