What Makes Sarah Strong So Special

[Sluconn Husky]

Strong leads the Huskies in scoring, rebounding, steals, blocks and field goal percentage, and already has three games with at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks. (Notably, those performances have come against Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame.) Every other player in NCAA Division I women's basketball this season has a combined six such outings. And forget the 50/40/90 club, Strong is on pace to be the founding member of the 60/40/90 club.


But she leads the country in win shares (6.4), box score plus-minus (plus-30.2), and PER (47.2). Her per-100 possession numbers are also out of this world: 37.2 points, 16.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 7.3 steals and 3.2 blocks. She's on pace to become the first player in NCAA Division I women's basketball history to have a season with per-100 numbers of at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, five steals and three blocks.

UConn star Sarah Strong passes 1,000 points: What makes the sophomore so special

Breaking down Sarah Strong's game after she became the third-fastest Husky to score 1,000 points

www.cbssports.com

 

[Suebird10fan]

Great synopsis @Sluconn Husky. True unicorn for whom the normal superlatives seem so inadequate.

Qualitatively I’m amazed how often there are plays where she does two things, either of which only a handful of players in the country could do. An amazing block followed by an incredible pass, a stunning catch of a bad pass followed by a mind boggling shot. You all know what I’m talking about. I would pay good money to see a good compilation. Her balance, court awareness, passing touch, hands, footwork and ability to find the optimal shooting angle when she is anywhere near the basket are all beyond category.

 

[WBBZen]

I'm still waiting for a true Sarah Strong takeover breakout game. Like, we've seen flashes of it, when the other team will go on a run and Sarah will just take over and get a basket or two by herself. But, we haven't truly seen Sarah takeover a game, like say Paige had to do against Oklahoma in March last year. Granted, she hasn't needed to, and hopefully we are fully firing on all cylinders into March so she doesn't have to.

I think this is why Geno says we've only seen 50% of what she can do

 

[BRS24]

There was a social media post a while back, explaining Sarah's demeanor in relation to her playing chess. Between that mental skill, and the guard and forward skills her parents gave her? Wowser.

 

[fomalhaut]

For comparison with the best player in the world, Nikola Jokic (per 100 possessions, 2025-2026):
42.0 points, 15.5 assists, 17.2 rebounds (all somewhat ahead of Sarah), 1.9 steals, 1.1 blocks (both well behind Sarah). No wonder some people call her Baby Jokic. (Her 7.3 steals are far ahead of the top NBA total of 3.9 by Dru Smith).

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Her parents/upbringing.

 

[Henry]

What amazes me is how effortless she makes it seem.

 

[jabstep]

What truly amazes me about Sarah is her ability to block shots, steal the ball, and rebound the ball. Her hands are so strong . You never see her have trouble catching an entry pass.

 

[Majic Hands]

Her parents/upbringing.

Be careful. I got deleted mentioning this dynamic as political.

 

[my2cents]

Sarah has some skills that make her a generational talent.
Her number one attribute is the way she anticipates, not what is happening, but what is going to happen.
Where the ball will come off the rim so she can be there to rebound it. Where the player is going to pass, so she can intercept it.
Number two attribute is her hands, if it hits her hands she will not fumble it. They are also quick where she pokes it away from the opposition.
Lastly, for her size she is extremely quick. Her quickness is so smooth she never looks rushed. That allows her to make a lot of shots.
It is a pleasure to watch her play.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Be careful. I got deleted mentioning this dynamic as political.

Its not. Rebecca Lobo brought up this very point during the USCe game last year. Her mom is a hs valedictorian and Harvard grad All-American, led nation in scoring her sr. year and scored 38 in a 16th seeded win over a no. 1 Stanford. A first. WNBA veteran and played in Europe. Her father was a NC State player and played professionally also in Europe. By her own account they were wonderful mentors of the sport, very supportive, loving and always asking if things got to be too much. Folks can find that on YouTube if one cares.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[WiseWillie]

Sarah has some skills that make her a generational talent.
Her number one attribute is the way she anticipates, not what is happening, but what is going to happen.
Where the ball will come off the rim so she can be there to rebound it. Where the player is going to pass, so she can intercept it.
Number two attribute is her hands, if it hits her hands she will not fumble it. They are also quick where she pokes it away from the opposition.
Lastly, for her size she is extremely quick. Her quickness is so smooth she never looks rushed. That allows her to make a lot of shots.
It is a pleasure to watch her play.

Well said, my2cents. Sarah's superior skills, speed and versatility sets her above everyone else. Her ability to deliver in the clutch when a basket is needed cements her status of almost being impossible to beat and serving as the benchmark and clear frontrunner for the NPOY.

 

[hoophuskee]

She understands how to exploit her srengths and has the overall skills along with athleticism to execute them. This is why she has dominated so many games this early in her career. .