A roster void of its star players has been a well-adjusted sight for Geno Auriemma. Just last season, he was left with nine available players as Caroline Ducharme joined Jana El Alfy, Azzi Fudd, Aubrey Griffin, and Ayanna Patterson on the injury list. While this campaign looked much brighter with 4 of them returning, the head coach better not get used to it. UConn might soon be losing its mains again– only this time, there’s no chance of a return because they’re heading to the pros.

But before that happens, let’s take a moment to appreciate the fact that Geno Auriemma is finally getting to see his team healthy again. There was a time when he genuinely thought this wouldn’t happen, especially when he lost hope in two players—Caroline Ducharme and Aubrey Griffin.

Auriemma admitted there was “absolutely” a time when he doubted whether Ducharme and Griffin would ever suit up for UConn again. But to their credit, both players defied the odds and battled their way back to the court. 

Ducharme made her return in the final minutes of UConn’s game against Butler on February 28—the first time she had played since November 19, 2023. Her journey has been inspiring, having fought through head and neck injuries that kept her sidelined for over a year.

Paige Bueckers summed up the moment perfectly, saying, “It brings you to tears because of everything she’s been through and everything she has overcome.” Meanwhile, Aubrey Griffin made her own comeback on January 19 against Seton Hall.

She brought back a strong post presence on both ends of the floor. Since returning, she has played 10 games, with a couple of good performances. While Ducharme will be back next year and is expected to take on a bigger role, Griffin is playing out her final days in a UConn jersey.

And so is Azzi Fudd—or maybe not? UConn will honor its seniors on March 2 before their game against Marquette, celebrating Paige Bueckers, Fudd, Griffin, and Kaitlyn Chen. 

While it’s widely expected that Bueckers will declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft, Fudd’s future is still up in the air. On February 28, it was revealed that while the senior will participate in the Senior Day festivities, she hasn’t decided whether she will enter the WNBA Draft or return for another year of college ball.

There’s no denying Fudd’s talent—when healthy, she’s one of the best guards in the country. But her time at UConn has been riddled with injuries. Another year in college could give her a chance to develop further.

Even Auriemma seems torn, saying, “Part of me is planning for Azzi to come back and part of me is planning for Azzi to go.” You can’t blame him. Seeing players move on to the next level is rewarding, but letting go is never easy.

One thing’s for sure—UConn will need to reload, but they just took a big hit on the recruiting trail. 

Geno Auriemma loses a key piece to Dawn Staley

For only the second time since 2002, UConn did not sign a McDonald’s All-American in their incoming freshman class. They lose out on Agot Makeer, the No. 4-ranked recruit in the Class of 2025, who committed to South Carolina over UConn and Michigan State.

The 6-foot-1 forward from Thunder Bay, Ontario, was considering six schools—South Carolina, Duke, Michigan State, UNC, Kentucky, and UConn. “Genuine relationships are big for me,” she said, back in August. “My top six schools are those because I have genuine relationships with the coaching staff and they’ve taken time to build relationships with my family as well.”

It’s tough for UConn fans to hear, especially since Makeer once called the Huskies her “dream school.” But ultimately, her connection with South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley won out. “I have a pretty good relationship with Coach Staley,” she said, and that bond proved to be the deciding factor, it seems.

Makeer was UConn’s last shot at landing a top-tier recruit in the class of 2025 after already securing three commitments. The Huskies did sign Kelis Fisher (No. 27), Gandy Malou-Mamel (No. 73), and Ecuadorian native Blanca Quiñonez, who is unranked due to her international status. 

But, despite missing out on Makeer, ESPN still ranked UConn’s 2025 recruiting class as the fifth-best in the country, while South Carolina continues to stockpile talent. 

Now, with Senior Day approaching and key players making big decisions, UConn’s future remains uncertain. Will Azzi Fudd stay or go? And what will the Huskies look like next season without their beloved seniors? Only time will tell.