UConn Huskies great Azzi Fudd's departure meant the leadership baton was now passed to the next upcoming star, Sarah Strong. But head coach Geno Auriemma believes Strong needs some time to adapt to such responsibility.

After an unbeaten season last time around, the Huskies lost the Final Four against Dawn Staley's South Carolina in a convincing manner. The 72-year-old HC has been coaching UConn for four decades, so he knew a thing or two about how Strong was affected following the disheartening loss.

“That’s gonna take time because she didn’t practice much in March… Just trying to get her to be 100% come October. Being a vocal, demonstrative kind of leader doesn’t come natural to her. She’s more laid back and more quiet,” Auriemma answered when asked about Strong’s leadership skills during his annual charity golf tournament, via an X post from Storrs Central.

“But I sense that she’s more intentional with what she says, who she says it to. And I do think she understands there’s being unselfish and then there’s winning. That game left a lasting impression on her,” Geno concluded.

While USC snatched the Huskies' 38-game winning streak in the Final Four, that does not mean Sarah Strong's contributions throughout the season should be ignored.

First of all, the generational forward for UConn swept all National Player of the Year awards last season, including the Naismith and Wooden honors. The sophomore went on to average 18.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 58.2% from the field.

With no Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers in her third year, Strong has big shoes to fill. While Auriemma does not doubt her talents, it remains to be seen whether Strong can manage being the team's best player as well as a leader to the others.

What does UConn's Team Look Like Going Into Next Season?

With Fudd gone, the Huskies' leadership now comes to Sarah Strong.

Geno has often shared his desire for Strong to become more vocal and more selfish with the ball. For next season, despite losing Fudd, Geno still has a lot of quality on that roster and expects his team to remain national championship contenders.

“I think my team is going to be way better prepared this year,” he said. “It's okay every once in a while to come up short, it's no disgrace, it's no embarrassment. It's another opportunity to learn.”

Auriemma and the Huskies have added French international Marine Dursus, a 5'10" shooting guard who won gold at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket in 2024.

Additionally, Serbian point guard Jovana Popovic has already started training with the Huskies, while 6’4" center Olivia Vukosa had committed to UConn last year.

While the Huskies did not sign anyone from the transfer portal, do you believe this much talent and giving Sarah Strong leadership duties would be enough to replace Azzi Fudd? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy