From Strong to Justice, meet some of the top freshmen in women’s basketball

UConn’s Sarah Strong doesn’t need to look far to find inspiration as she gets ready to begin her college career.

“Every time you walk into the gym, you just see like the great names,” Strong said, referring to a practice facility that features banners for every national player of the year, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American and Olympic gold medalist in UConn’s storied history. “I kind of use that as motivation because that’s where I want to be one day.”

Strong was the nation’s consensus No. 1 recruit in her class and was named the 2024 Naismith national high school player of the year. The 6-foot-2 forward is the daughter of former N.C. State player Danny Strong and former Harvard star Allison Feaster, who played in the WNBA from 1998-2008.

After spending her first 10 years in Spain, Strong moved to North Carolina and helped Grace Christian win three North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association state titles. Now she begins her college career with the second-ranked Huskies, who are seeking their first national title since 2016.

UConn coach Geno Auriemma told reporters that Strong is shy, introverted and studious off the court. Auriemma said Strong had that same cautious approach on the floor in September and early October but has become more assertive lately while showcasing the skills that made her such a prized recruit.

He can’t wait to see what’s next from her.

“I can honestly say that she’s probably as impressive as any freshman that we’ve had in a long, long time with all the things that she’s capable of doing on the court,” Auriemma said. “I’m excited because every day she does something I haven’t seen before from her. I’m anxious every day to go to practice to see what’s the next step that she can take – a little baby step, but the next step.”

Here’s a look at some other freshmen who should make an impact this season, following a 2023-24 season in which two freshmen (USC’s JuJu Watkins and Notre…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/strong-justice-meet-top-freshmen-155557642.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-11-01 15:55:00

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