“Freshman and super senior duo”: UConn fans hail Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers for earning prestigious Big East Pre-season titles
The 2024-25 season is off to a great start for the UConn Huskies, as Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers were named Big East Pre-season Freshman and Player of the Year, respectively. Strong is set to make her college debut next month, while Bueckers will be playing her final season with the Huskies.
The team shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday, accompanied by a photo of the two stars and the caption:
"The BIG EAST Preseason Freshman and Player of the Year."
Fans expressed their excitement about the prospects on the UConn roster in the comment section. After coming close to a title last season, hopes are high for next year's March Madness run.
"freshman and super senior duo❤️," one fan said.
"The Present All American and Future All American," another fan said.
Sarah Strong is the No. 1 recruit of the 2024 class and is expected to work with Bueckers in the potential run to the title. After a year marred with injuries and close calls, the 2024-25 season may be the one for the Huskies.
Paige Bueckers heaps praise on freshman recruit Sarah Strong
Paige Bueckers, with Nika Muhl and Aaliyah Edwards, played a crucial role in the Final Four run last season. For the upcoming year, Sarah Strong is expected to work closely with Bueckers in taking UConn to a potential NCAA championship.
It looks like things are off to a great start as the two players are already familiar with their style on the hardwood. In an interview with CT Insider in early October, Bueckers praised Strong, saying:
“Sarah has done a really good job. I would say she is more like a really big guard, but she will get in there in the post. She has guard skills, as well. She knows how to play the game."
"The biggest thing is her I.Q. She knows how to play. Coming in as a freshman, that is a great thing to have. She is aggressive. She can shoot. She can pass. She can score at all three levels, and she even rebounds well.”
The synergy between the two, with a heavy contribution from Princeton transfer Kaitlyn Chen, will be important for UConn. Bueckers and Chen are the only healthy upperclassman players on the court, so their experience will play a huge role in leading the Huskies to success.
Also read: "National championship or bust": Paige Bueckers drops her expectations before final push with UConn