Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies are poised to defend their title, even with Paige Bueckers and other players already gone. The Huskies are boasting a great freshman class, including one underrated international freshman from Ecuador named Blanca Quinonez.
The Prime Field YouTube channel called her the “most versatile player to enter college this year,” emphasizing her taking on professional players in Italy while others from the Class of 2025 are still only playing against fellow high school students. She was also described to be one of the most difficult players to guard against from her class.
“Here’s something that sets Blanca apart from every other player in her freshman class. Her resume, while most 2025 recruits were playing AAU tournaments, Blanca was lacing up against professional players in Italy’s Serie A1 League,” said Prime Field. “Let that sink in for a moment, we’re talking about grown women who play basketball for a living, and here was 36 Blanca holding her own and then some in her final season with Magnolia Kabaso.”
“Her numbers tell a story of remarkable impact in Serie A1 play, as she averaged 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and a staggering 2.9 steals per game. She did this while shooting an efficient 49% on two-pointers and over 80% from the free throw line. Those aren’t just good numbers for a young player, those are elite professional numbers,” he added.
As the hoops analyst noted, she only increased those numbers in Euro Cup play, when she was going up against the best that Europe has to offer. This makes her probably the biggest steal from her class, as she has shown to be able to dominate players five or even ten years older than her.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma is all praises for Colombian star Blanca Quinonez
Quinonez joins an elite freshman class at UConn, with the defending national champions also welcoming Kelis Fisher and Gandy Malou-Mamel. Head coach Geno Auriemma is already looking forward to seeing his freshman shine, including the Colombian:
“Blanca is mature, and her game has matured because she’s playing against high-level competition over in Europe that you wouldn’t get at a normal high school,” said the coach. “She’s a physical player and she’s skilled in knowing how to play because you have to be older than your years to play in a pro league. I’m excited to see what she brings because it’s different.” (via the UConn Huskies website)
Quinonez might still have to adjust to living in the US, but she and the other freshmen are expected to make an impact come this fall.
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