Paige Bueckers does not doubt that UConn’s success will continue long after she moves on. With freshman forward Sarah Strong making an immediate impact, the Huskies appear to be in excellent hands for the future.
Paige Bueckers Confident in UConn’s Future With Sarah Strong at the Helm
Playing alongside Strong has been a rewarding experience for Bueckers, who have been impressed with the freshman’s rapid development. When asked to describe Strong’s first season in one word, Bueckers responded without hesitation: “Sensational.”
Her versatility and poise have led Bueckers to believe she could leave a lasting mark on UConn’s storied history. The X page of College GameDay posted a video where she said:
“I think by the time Sarah is done here at UConn, she could definitely be on the Mount Rushmore and be one of the top five players to wear a UConn uniform,” Bueckers said. “I’m very excited for the future of UConn after I leave with Sarah Strong taking over. She’s already doing an amazing job now.”
“I’m very excited for the future of UConn after I leave, with Sarah Strong taking over.”
—Paige Bueckers on UConn freshman Sarah Strong’s first season with the Huskies 💪 pic.twitter.com/MJSHbRhWyV
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) February 16, 2025
Adjusting to the demands of playing for an elite program like UConn is no easy task, but Strong has handled the pressure with ease. Bueckers highlighted the challenge of joining a team with such high expectations:
“People like to say that choosing UConn is an easy choice, but I think it’s one of the hardest decisions you can make in your life just with the pressure, the expectation, and the standard you set for yourself. Sarah checks all those boxes.”
No. 7 UConn made a powerful statement on Sunday with an 87-58 victory over No. 4 South Carolina, snapping the Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning streak. The win pushed the Huskies’ record to 24-3 and solidified their dominance as they neared the postseason.
Strong delivered a standout performance in the high-stakes matchup, recording 16 points and 13 rebounds to lead the team. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor was crucial in dismantling South Carolina’s defense.
Meanwhile, Bueckers—despite an off-shooting night, making just 3 of 12 attempts—played a key role as a facilitator, dishing out 10 assists and controlling the offense.
Sarah Strong’s Impact on UConn’s Legacy
Strong has wasted no time proving herself at the college level. Averaging 16.1 points per game on an efficient 57.4% shooting, along with 8.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists, she has emerged as one of the most dominant freshmen in the country.
UConn currently leads the Big East with a perfect 14-0 conference record, with the Bueckers and Strong forming one of the most effective duos in college basketball. Their connection on the court has been seamless, making them a nightmare for opposing defenses.
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“I think our on-court chemistry is really natural,” Bueckers said.
She also added, “It’s very fun because we have this unspoken understanding between us where we just look at each other and make eye contact and know exactly what each other wants to do.”
With Strong continuing to develop and UConn poised for another deep tournament run, the Huskies’ future looks just as bright as their present.
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