In case you missed it, UConn is back.
The success of the Huskies' 2025-26 season hinges on the play and leadership of fifth-year senior Azzi Fudd. As the team's elite scorer, Fudd is the backcourt cornerstone and critical offensive pressure relief. Her ability to operate both on and off the ball will be vital for the team, especially as KK Arnold steps into the starting point guard role; Fudd's veteran presence will help instill confidence in running the high-powered offense.
Her explosive exhibition performance, highlighted by five three-pointers in the third quarter, serves as a clear reminder of her ability to single-handedly take over a game. Fudd is one of the nation's premier shooters, she trains with Stephen Curry in the offseason and reportedly beat him and his brother Seth in a three-point contest, and her presence forces defenses to guard the perimeter, preventing them from collapsing on the paint. If the Most Outstanding Player of last season's Final Four can remain healthy throughout the entire season, her automatic release will unlock the rest of the Huskies' offensive potential, providing the consistent shooting needed to complement their size in the paint.
The Advantage of Added Size
The most notable difference for UConn this season is the sheer amount of size on the roster, which was a clear factor in the game. With nine players listed at 6'2" or above, they possess a physical advantage not seen since the days of Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier sharing the floor between 2014 and 2016.
This depth corrects a weakness that developed in recent, injury-plagued years, where the Huskies relied heavily on Paige Bueckers, who played almost every position on the floor sometimes. The added height, anchored by sophomore and last year's National Freshman of the Year Sarah Strong (17 points) and senior Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams (15 points), immediately bolsters their interior game.
UConn can now dominate the paint through rebounding, post-scoring, and elite rim protection, a style they often come up against when playing national powers like South Carolina, UCLA, and USC. Critically, this depth provides rotational flexibility and resilience against the physical toll of a full season, ensuring the Huskies can sustain a powerful presence on the court the whole game.
Preview of a Championship Contender
While the game didn’t count, the exhibition against Boston College provided a compelling sneak peek into the Huskies' identity for the 2025-2026 season. The win showed off a powerful foundation built on two complementary pillars: the proven perimeter scoring of Azzi Fudd and game-changing interior size. Fudd's explosive offense means she will be both the essential X-factor and primary floor spacer. The depth of nine players at 6'2" and taller, led by Sarah Strong and Serah Williams, also finally gives UConn the physical presence to consistently dominate the paint.
The potential for this roster is massive. Strong is also an incredible three-point shooter, and if she, Fudd, and guard Ashlynn Shade, a junior, can be reliable threats from deep each night, this lineup will be one of the most dominant and versatile that UConn has had in years. The next step for Coach Auriemma will be solidifying the rotations to maximize these combinations while managing the roster's overall depth, especially by decreasing unnecessary mileage on Fudd as they push toward another successful March Madness run.
The unique combination of an elite backcourt scorer and an imposing frontcourt shows that the Huskies are ready to challenge for a second consecutive national championship, adding much-needed size and physicality to an already lethal perimeter attack.