On May 20, it was announced that University of Connecticut women's basketball standout Blanca Quinonez underwent surgery to repair a torn left labrum. Quinonez played the entirety of the 2025-26 season with the ailment, though she did miss eight games as the Huskies eventually advanced to the Final Four before losing to South Carolina.

The news release said that Quinonez was expected to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season, and she's moved another step closer to that this week. Huskies reporter Jake McCreven said that Quinonez is no longer in a sling, but added that she won't be able to undergo full contact until September or October.

Obviously, she could be a little rusty or impacted by the layoff when the Huskies begin practice, but this is an excellent sign for the program.

A rising sophomore from Ecuador, Quinonez was one of the most impactful players on the Huskies group that went unbeaten in the regular season and then swept through the Big East tournament. At 6-foot-2, she played alongside Sarah Strong in the frontcourt, giving UConn one of the best frontcourts in the entire nation. In 31 games, she averaged 10.7 ppg and 3.1 rebounds while also dishing out 2.1 assists.

She shot 53.6 percent from the floor and 39.5 percent from three-point range, taking nearly three 3's per night.

She was named the Big East Freshman of the Year as well as the league's Sixth Woman of the Year.

After going 38-0 before losing to South Carolina, the Huskies will return to the floor next season with more big expectations. Strong, the reigning National Player of the Year, will be at the forefront of those expectations, especially without Azzi Fudd in the back court. Fudd was drafted No. 1 in the WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings.

Without Fudd, there's a chance for Quinonez to assume the No. 2 role behind Strong.

--Jamelle Elliott, a longtime assistant to head coach Auriemma, announced her resignation last week, saying she was looking for her next opportunity. Given her level of experience, it’s going to take someone with an impressive career to replace her. The Huskies have a job posting for a new assistant coach up now.

--The UConn football team is set to usher in the Jason Candle era on Sept. 5 against Lafayette. We took a look at the biggest question for Candle in his first season as the program's head coach on Wednesday. Do you agree with our assessment?

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