The Huskies lost in the Final Four in 2025-26, so what do they have for an encore.
We are still almost four months away from the UConn women's basketball team tipping off for the first time in 2026-27, but in Storrs, Conn., the Huskies are never far from the top of mind.
We've heard Geno Auriemma and some players speak this offseason, we've seen the videos of summer practice, and we've read the recruiting information. The ingredients are all being prepped, but before the meal can get made, we do have a few questions for the Huskies moving forward.
How do they handle the pain of last season?
This is more a question of human nature than it is anything else. UConn put together an unbeaten regular season and then steamrolled through the Big East Tournament. The presumptive favorite for another national title, the Huskies were upset by South Carolina in the Final Four. Not only were they upset, they were generally embarrassed by Dawn Staley's team.
Can the Huskies overcome that disappointment? How do they channel that heartache? How do they use it as motivation to move forward?
Are they able to be intentional about the process once again? Are they able to look at the season as a day-by-day grind, or do they get caught looking too far ahead? Only bad things happen when you do that.
Connecticut Huskies forward Sarah Strong (21) drives in to the lane as South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) defends during their NCAA Women's Final Four semifinal game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 3, 2026. Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesHow healthy is the group?
With Azzi Fudd and Serah Williams gone to the WNBA, the Huskies will clearly be led by Sarah Strong and Blanca Quinonez. The reigning National Player of the Year, Strong is the best player in the nation, but she revealed this offseason that she's been hampered by a sore Achilles.
Does that have any impact on her moving forward?
Quinonez, the top freshman in the Big East last season, had shoulder surgery this offseason. She is expected to be ready for the start of the season, but is she limited in any way in the preseason? Will she be fully comfortable right away next season or will there be an adjustment period?
She will likely be fine, physically and mentally, but until you see it, there will always be a question.
Who is the top guard option for this group?
Replacing Paige Bueckers and Fudd in back-to-back years is no small task, but that's what the Huskies are faced with. Both guards went No. 1 in the WNBA Draft (2025 and 2026), and does Auriemma have another ace up his sleeve in their absence?
It doesn't seem like it, at least not right away. Strong and Quinonez will make this an inside-focused group, but can one of Ashlynn Shade (7.6 ppg), Allie Ziebell (7.2), KK Arnold (6.9) and Kayleigh Heckel (6.9) step up and assume the mantle? Or, could a newcomer possibly step up?
It remains to be seen.
Join the Conversation
Remember to join our UCONN on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Huskies fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!
