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Debate

Is the WNBA's grueling schedule too much for college stars like Nika Muhl to handle?

Before becoming the second 14th pick of the Seattle Storm in the 2024 WNBA draft, Nika Muhl was one of the most important players on Geno Aurriemma’s squad. It took her some time to get there, but she finished as the greatest passer in the program’s history, dishing out 660 career assists. “The best year of life,” she said as she exited the Huskies court to turn pro. But the WNBA schedule would make her realize there was one thing better. Ironically as it may be.

The 23-year-old guard recently sat down for a chat with team veteran Sami Whitcomb. Given their experience gap, Whitcomb was curious to hear what surprised the rookie most about making the jump from college basketball to the WNBA.

Well, Muhl’s response shed light on the WNBA challenges. Ooh that’s a good question. Okay. I will say the most surprising thing for me was how quickly you have to get over a loss and get ready for the next game.” Suggests the hectic schedule, but it turns out to be better than dwelling on a defeat for a longer period. “It’s like in college, I would be depressed for like a week until we have the next game.” With a playful smile, Whitcomb pressed further, asking if the UConn alum ever shed tears in the locker room during her college days.

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USA Today via Reuters

“Yes, like quiet. Like nobody’s hanging out with nobody for like 3 days. Like coaches… you don’t want to look them in eyes like that,” the Storm guard replied to teammate’s follow up question. Her comments highlight the grueling schedule that WNBA players must adapt to, especially those transitioning from college basketball.

Each team faces a demanding slate of 40 games over five months, punctuated by an All-Star break. Even during the playoffs, all three rounds—first, second, and the finals—wrap up in just a month, featuring series that can range from three to five games. Nevertheless, Muhl’s emphasis on the demanding schedule is a point that has been echoed by another WNBA rookie as well.

But, looking into Auriemma’s eyes after a defeat was no easy task either. During her freshman year, she had felt the wrath of the HC after she had failed to convert her threes in multiple games in a row while also recording numerous turnovers. In the next game, she was benched throughout. “I’ll never ever forget that,” she said via UConn WBB Weekly. But she admits she felt Auriemma’s love and it only helped her grow; difficult as it may have been.

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“What she brings is unique and she’s the one player on our team who has it,” Auriemma would end up saying the following year. But how has the Huskies prized star performed after her transition to WNBA? It’s another thing she might worry about.

What’s your perspective on:

Is the WNBA's grueling schedule too much for college stars like Nika Muhl to handle?

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Nika Muhl’s transition to the WNBA from UConn

The Seattle Storm chose Muhl as the No. 14 pick in the second round of the draft, and she stepped into the league with high hopes after leading UConn in assists for two straight years. Her talent caught the eye of  Auriemma during a visit to Croatia, where Muhl had been playing since she was 15. While she marked her time at UConn over four years, she has faced a different story in the first year of her WNBA run.

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So far, Muhl hasn’t got the opportunity to make the impact she hoped for with the Storm. She appeared in just 16 games and averaged a mere 3.6 minutes off the bench in her rookie year. This is a stark contrast to her days at UConn, where she was a regular starter. In her rookie year in the WNBA, she managed to score a couple of points, along with 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and a couple of steals.

With limited playing time here, Muhl opted to return to her home continent, signing with the Turkish club Beşiktaş JK. Unfortunately, her luck didn’t improve there, as she suffered a serious injury. Yet, Nika remains optimistic; she knows that with time and experience, she can turn these setbacks into valuable lessons for her future success.

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