- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,263,801
- Reaction score
- 59
With 12 national championships and seven No. 1 overall picks in the WNBA Draft under their belts, fans of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team certainly don't have much to complain about.
And with National Player of the Year Sarah Strong returning in 2026-27, fans have plenty of hope and optimism heading into the new season as well, even despite the loss of Azzi Fudd to graduation.
But beyond Strong and the hope of another national championship, Huskies fans now have another long-term hope to hitch their star to: Incoming first year player Olivia Vukosa, who continues to provide her own reasons for optimism.
The New York native recently suited up for Croatia at the FIBA U-18 championships, earning All-Tournament honors after leading the tournament with 24.9 ppg and 14.3 rebounds. She scored a tournament-record 46 points against Czechia on Aug. 9. Now, she struggled at times in this tournament with her efficiency, but she showed her ability to score in bulk.
And when she gets to campus and doesn't have to be the main focal point of the offense? She should be able to succeed even more.
Well, championship No. 13 is a start. With Strong, Blanca Quinonez and Vukosa in the mix right away, there's a chance for UConn to take another title this year.
And then? Perhaps Vukosa can take the reigns and keep UConn at the top of the sport for an even longer run after Strong departs.
After that? Could she become a Player of the Year like Strong, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers and others? Could she also be the No. 1 pick in the draft? The sky is the limit, and that's why following Vukosa's career will be so much for Huskies fans.
Albertus' Julia Scott (22) and Christ the King's Olivia Vukosa (25) fight for possession during the 8th annual Slam Dunk Showcase at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Saturday, January 3, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The schedule is filling up, with only one slot remaining for a non-conference game now that two have been added.
On Monday, UConn announced the Huskies will host old rival Tennessee on Dec. 12. That came after they announced they'd play LSU on Dec. 20.
And UNLV, of the Mountain West, put out its nonconference schedule, listing an East Coast road trip at UConn on Dec. 2 and Boston University on Dec. 5.
That makes nine nonconference games of the 10 to be scheduled. The Big East season will consist of a 20-game slate, yet to be announced.
Continue reading...
And with National Player of the Year Sarah Strong returning in 2026-27, fans have plenty of hope and optimism heading into the new season as well, even despite the loss of Azzi Fudd to graduation.
But beyond Strong and the hope of another national championship, Huskies fans now have another long-term hope to hitch their star to: Incoming first year player Olivia Vukosa, who continues to provide her own reasons for optimism.
The New York native recently suited up for Croatia at the FIBA U-18 championships, earning All-Tournament honors after leading the tournament with 24.9 ppg and 14.3 rebounds. She scored a tournament-record 46 points against Czechia on Aug. 9. Now, she struggled at times in this tournament with her efficiency, but she showed her ability to score in bulk.
And when she gets to campus and doesn't have to be the main focal point of the offense? She should be able to succeed even more.
So what can UConn fans dream about now?
Well, championship No. 13 is a start. With Strong, Blanca Quinonez and Vukosa in the mix right away, there's a chance for UConn to take another title this year.
And then? Perhaps Vukosa can take the reigns and keep UConn at the top of the sport for an even longer run after Strong departs.
After that? Could she become a Player of the Year like Strong, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers and others? Could she also be the No. 1 pick in the draft? The sky is the limit, and that's why following Vukosa's career will be so much for Huskies fans.
You must be registered for see images attach
Albertus' Julia Scott (22) and Christ the King's Olivia Vukosa (25) fight for possession during the 8th annual Slam Dunk Showcase at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Saturday, January 3, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Also in the news for the UConn women's team
The schedule is filling up, with only one slot remaining for a non-conference game now that two have been added.
On Monday, UConn announced the Huskies will host old rival Tennessee on Dec. 12. That came after they announced they'd play LSU on Dec. 20.
And UNLV, of the Mountain West, put out its nonconference schedule, listing an East Coast road trip at UConn on Dec. 2 and Boston University on Dec. 5.
That makes nine nonconference games of the 10 to be scheduled. The Big East season will consist of a 20-game slate, yet to be announced.
Continue reading...
