With Prowess of Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, Can UConn Win NCAA Title after Angel Reese’s Superteam

Chances and circumstances didn’t favour the University of Connecticut last season due to string of injuries. Their star player Paige Bueckers tore an ACL during a practice game whereas five-star recruit Ice Brady suffered a serious tendon dislocation. But while their most efficient players had to be benched post-corrective surgeries last time, how do things look this season when Angel Reese-led Lady Tigers are looking to repeat the previous season’s feat?

The Huskies had a decent 31-6 record before losing their Sweet 16 game to the Ohio State in the previous season. While three graduates from the Connecticut officially made it to the 2022 WNBA draft, there were six returning starters including Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. But now, all eyes are on the upcoming season.  

What are the Huskies up to this season?

The UConn have already lost their forward Juhász and guard Lou Lopez Sénéchal to the Minnesota Lynx and the Dallas Wings respectively. Still, they possess six dependable starters namely – Mühl, Aubrey Griffin, Edwards, Ducharme, Fudd and Bueckers. Other than that the UConn has three more players who have plied their trade for a substantial time and also have another incoming recruiting class.

Though the injuries haven’t seemed to ward off for this season with Freshman forward Jana El Alfy picking up one during her time with her national team, the Huskies look in a relatively better position than that of the previous year.

It is an obvious fact that they haven’t spent a considerable time at the court yet but still, their return is a sign of coming prosperity for the UConn. Furthermore, their astounding forward Edwards who played all 37 games last season and averaged a decent 16.5 points with 9.8 rebounds per contest and 2.8 assists per match will continue to contribute her part for the Connecticut team. 

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The best possible outcome for the Huskies is – if everyone in the team stays healthy and blends in well as per circumstances – being a tough competitor for the Angel Reese’s led LSU Lady Tigers. They have an advantage over most of the teams as every player of the UConn is an expert at her skill. They can rebound, defend, score, and pass proficiently which makes them a force to reckon with.  

Beuckers would also be looking to make it to the WNBA after emerging triumphant in the championship.

Is Silverware coming to UConn?

The Huskies’ chances of clinching the silverware would be increased if Bueckers shows signs of more maturity than her freshman year, and Fudd materializes the dreams of her fans by being an astute shooter. To add wings, Edwards holds up on the opportunity and ups her ante, making her one of the most sought-after picks during the WNBA draft. If all the things go as expected then the Huskies will bring home their 12th national title.

However, if the journey is not a smooth one, then everything and in fact anything can go wrong for the UConn. Health could be a probable party spoiler by remaining an issue even this season. The coaching staff would then find it difficult to rotate players who also fall flat on expectations.

Nevertheless, they might still win the Big East but fail to defy the odds during their clashes with the UCLA and the South Carolina. In the end, the UConn can end up committing horrendous blunders in the Elite Eight and thus miss the Final Four.

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Therefore, the UConn will have to take a look at their rooster and also the health of players to make it big this time and prove their mettle to the basketball world.