UConn has firmly established itself as one of the great powerhouses in women’s college basketball. Its ability to attract a wide array of talent and star power has allowed the program to stand out. This season’s roster is no different with plenty of experience, star power, and young talent.
That depth is an advantage in many ways. It means the team is better prepared to deal with in-season injuries or illnesses. It also allows UConn to play a fast-paced, intense style without asking too much of its key players. Against USC, for example, UConn played a full-court press on most possessions and all twelve players stepped onto the court at some point.
At the same time, however, that depth can pose a tricky challenge for Geno Auriemma. After his team’s 79-51 win over USC, he said, “There’s a benefit to it because we can play a certain way, but it’s a challenge getting all the players all the minutes that they want and that they need.”
UConn has a ton of talent on the roster this season
UConn has one of the best starting lineups in women’s college basketball. The stars of the show are obviously Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong. Fudd is one of the best 3-point shooters in the country and is projected to leave UConn as a lottery pick. Strong was the best freshman in the country last season and hasn’t slowed down yet. Serah Williams, KK Arnold, and Ashylnn Shade also earned their spots in the starting lineup.
Moreover, UConn has a strong bench that averages 31.5 points per game. Kayleigh Heckel averages the most minutes of any reserve with just over 20 and puts up 7.7 points, 3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. UConn’s roster is so deep that Jana El Alfy, who played 23 minutes in last season’s Final Four matchup with UCLA and 12 minutes in the championship game against South Carolina, only averages 10 minutes per game.
The most fascinating UConn reserve this season is undoubtedly Blanca Quiñonez, who is still finding her footing but already looks like a future star.
On top of just having a lot of talent, UConn also hasn’t had to deal with the same injury bug that plagued the team in recent seasons. Aubrey Griffin had to sit out the 2021-22 season with a back injury. That same season, Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers combined to miss 30 games, and Dorka Juhasz had to miss the Final Four due to a fractured wrist. The next season, Bueckers tore her ACL, and freshman Ice Brady never even got to play due to a dislocated patella tendon. Fudd also missed significant time with a knee injury that season, and Caroline Ducharme had to miss 14 games with a concussion.
Fudd and El Alfy both missed most of the 2023-24 season, and Ayanna Patterson had to sit out her sophomore and junior seasons due to knee and shoulder injuries.
Without major injuries like that, Auriemma currently has to balance a deeper rotation.