Overview
- The defending champions enter the season atop the AP preseason poll, seeking the first repeat since UConn’s 2013–16 run.
- After a 105–39 exhibition rout of Southern Connecticut, Auriemma said there is no hangover from last year and forecast “a lot of learning” ahead.
- UConn retooled after key departures, with Paige Bueckers, Aubrey Griffin and Kaitlyn Chen moving on and Qadence Samuels transferring.
- All-America forward Sarah Strong and guard Azzi Fudd are set to anchor the group, with Auriemma praising Fudd’s heightened aggressiveness.
- The roster adds include Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams and freshman Blanca Quiñonez, as the season opens Nov. 3 and contenders South Carolina, Texas and UCLA loom with USC star JuJu Watkins sidelined.