It feels like forever since we’ve seen UConn Huskies at its strongest. Injuries have been the unwelcome guest haunting the team for years, leaving Coach Geno Auriemma scrambling to make do with what he had. Last season, things hit a low point when only eight out of 14 players were healthy for the postseason. But finally, things are getting back on track. And we have major good news as Aubrey Griffin seems to return super soon.

Auriemma recently gave an update about Griffin’s recovery, confirming that the plan is for her to return before the new year. “That’s the plan, that’s the schedule that she’s on,” he said. He went on to explain that Griffin has been participating in controlled simulated games, but just the other day, she joined in a more intense game. 

“It was like a real game, no holds barred. It didn’t take long- and it’s only about 20 minutes or so- but she looked like her old self more than at any other time since the surgery,” the HC added. This shows that the fifth-year senior is getting closer to her full form.

Last season, Griffin’s injury was a tough blow not just for her but for the team. On December 3rd, during a game against Creighton, she tore her ACL, abruptly ending a solid season in which she averaged 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds. But this wasn’t the first time she’d had to battle through adversity.

She’d previously missed games with back surgery during her career at UConn. Yet despite the setbacks, she’s always found a way to bounce back stronger. In her 110 games for UConn, the forward has racked up 916 points, shooting an impressive 52.9% from the field. 

Who could forget her record-tying performance last season, matching Rebecca Lobo’s 11 consecutive field goals in a single game? Auriemma once said, “Aubrey’s had to overcome a lot. You’re heartbroken for a kid when it’s their last year, and something like this happens.” 

But, thanks to the NCAA’s COVID-19 rule, she is returning for one last year. And she is just one final piece of the puzzle for a Huskies team that is finally regaining its strength.

Griffin’s return will complete Geno Auriemma & Co.’s path to a healthy roster

Aubrey Griffin is the last of four key players returning, which is a big reason why this is such a highlight. Alongside Griffin, Azzi Fudd, Jana El Alfy, and Morgan Cheli stepped back onto the court this season. In October, the head coach confirmed the news of all returning this season as they recover individually. 

However, Jana El Alfy, the 6-foot-5 forward who ruptured her Achilles during the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, was the only one to return at full strength. Auriemma couldn’t hide his excitement about her return, saying, “Jana’s like a bull in a china shop… She’s so physical, but she’s trying to make up for lost time on every possession.” 

With seven games under her belt this season, she averages 7.3 points in 15.4 minutes of play. Then it was freshman Morgan Cheli, recovering from a hamstring injury, who made her debut. She is currently averaging 3.3 points in 12.2 minutes per game but shows promise as she finds her footing.

Then we saw the star player Azzi Fudd’s return. She is the sharpshooter who missed the early games this season while recovering from an ACL and meniscus injury. But she’s back in action now, averaging 8 points and 2.5 rebounds over four games, and has already secured her spot in the starting lineup.

Finally, there’s Griffin. The coach previously said, “Aubrey said she’ll be back by Jan. 1st, which was a surprise to me.” But it looks like she knew her potential. With Paige Bueckers leading the way, UConn has already had a 7-0 start this season. As the team comes back to its healthiest forms, we can only expect more victories pouring in.