The UConn Huskies are off to an impressive start this season. They remain undefeated through the first eight games. This streak is especially notable given the lofty challenges the team faced. Expectations were uncertain with several key players dealing with injuries and many roster members lacking experience on the big stage.

However, freshman Sarah Strong quickly made her mark, easing some of head coach Geno Auriemma’s apprehensions about inexperience. Well, Auriemma still has one key demand for Strong, having previously drawn parallels between her and UConn alumna Breanna Stewart.

In their latest game, the UConn Huskies secured a win against Louisville. Undoubtedly, freshman Sarah Strong stole the spotlight by scoring a game-high 21 points. When head coach Geno Auriemma spoke to the media ahead of their upcoming game on Thursday, reporters asked him whether Strong still needs to improve. While he didn’t pinpoint a specific area for improvement, Auriemma did have one clear expectation.

“I think — this will show itself before the end of the season. I’m convinced. Act like you’re a first-team All-American as opposed to  you know ‘I’m new here I’m a freshman and we have a lot of really good players and this is UConn so let me just blend in’ which you know it’s hard for somebody like that to just blend in,” stated Auriemma.

Despite being just a freshman, Sarah Strong has already secured a spot in UConn’s starting five quickly proving her value on the court.

With an impressive average of 16.3 points per game, she currently ranks as the second-highest scorer on the team, with only Paige Bueckers ahead of her on the leaderboard. Auriemma also added, “You know so accepting that you’re really really really good and without putting a lot of pressure on her there’s not many freshmen in America that are doing what you’re (Strong) is doing at a level that we’re trying to play at so act like it.”

Strong has already recorded three 20-point games, adding much-needed strength to UConn’s roster, especially as the team deals with injuries to senior players like Azzi Fudd. In the meantime, Auriemma has set expectations for her growth. He previously compared Strong to one of his former mentees, Breanna Stewart.

Geno Auriemma sees Sarah Strong as UConn’s next superstar

It’s hard to believe Sarah Strong is just a freshman when you watch her play for UConn. The team remains stacked with 11 former McDonald’s All-Americans. In just her first eight games, she’s often looked like one of the best players on the floor, impressing everyone who watches. Significantly, Auriemma has already pegged her as the next star for the Huskies.

Auriemma hasn’t been shy about praising Strong since she first stepped on campus, calling her early impact as a freshman nothing short of remarkable. He even compares her to one of UConn’s all-time greats, Breanna Stewart, noting how both players immediately splashed on the court when they joined the team as top recruits. It’s clear—Strong is quickly becoming a force at UConn.

Though fans know Breanna for her shot-blocking ability, Strong excels as a facilitator. Their stats through the first eight games of their respective careers are strikingly similar. In 2012-13, Stewart averaged 15.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and shot 58% from the field. In addition, she posted a double-double during an 8-0 start. Strong’s early performances have mirrored this impressive production.

As the season progresses, Sarah Strong’s continued growth will be key to UConn’s success. It will be interesting to see if UConn can end their eight-year drought. They will face out for the next big game against Notre Dame on Thursday, December 12.