3 UConn players who impressed the most vs Fort Hays State other than Paige Bueckers
Paige Bueckers stole the show in UConn's impressive 89-44 victory over Fort Hays State in an exhibition game on Sunday. While the Big East Preseason Player of the Year finished the game with 27 points and nine rebounds, she was ably supported by her teammates, some of whom showed their individual brilliance against the Tigers.
Here, we look at three players apart from Paige Bueckers who shined for the Huskies in their victory over the Tigers.
3 players who impressed for the Huskies besides Paige Bueckers
3. Kaitlyn Chen, Guard
After four strong seasons at Princeton, Chen decided to hit the transfer portal during the offseason this year. She chose to sign up to play her final season of eligibility at Storrs, which bolsters the depth of the Huskies' backcourt.
Chen had a solid outing against the Tigers, with her 35 minutes of game time the most of anyone on the Huskies. She scored 14 points while recording seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
2. Ashlynn Shade, Guard
Shade was the 15th overall-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023 per ESPN, earning McDonald's All-American honors in her final season of high school basketball. Injuries to regular starters Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharme saw Shade get more game time season, an opportunity she made the most of.
Shade averaged 11.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 34 appearances, and was named the Big East Freshman of the Year.
In 32 minutes of game time against the Tigers today, she scored 15 points, the second-highest on the team behind only Paige Bueckers, while recording three rebounds, four steals and a block.
1. Sarah Strong, Forward
Strong was the top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2024 following an astounding senior season of high school basketball. She was named this year's Naismith High School Player of the Year and Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year while earning McDonald's, SLAM and Jordan Brand All-American honors.
The Huskies overcame stiff competition from some of the nation's top programs, including the reigning national champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, to land Strong's commitment.
She displayed the impact she could have on the Huskies in her freshman season, recording 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block against Fort Hays State in their exhibition game today.