Sarah Strong explains why Geno Auriemma is the best coach for her

UConn Huskies sophomore Sarah Strong is set to play her second season in college basketball, fresh off a national championship win in the 2024-25 NCAA season. The forward played 40 games during her first season, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per outing with UConn.

During a conversation with NBC Sports Boston reporter Kayla Burton, Strong credited Geno Auriemma as the main reason why she is 100% motivated whenever she’s on the court.

“I have every reason to go out there and be confident myself, knowing my coaches and staff and teammates believe in me,” Strong said. “So it just gives me extra confidence.”

Sarah Strong named right leader for UConn

Strong already showed what she’s capable of during her freshman campaign. The Huskies are still a strong team, with one of the greatest coaches in women’s basketball history and a group of players who already know what it takes to win. 

UConn’s Sarah Strong

NCAA analyst Mark Zanetto believes Sarah Strong is a better option than Azzi Fudd to become the face of the Huskies now that Paige Bueckers is gone. Strong is younger and has a better offensive game, but Zanetto said Fudd’s marketability might win her the race.

“For me, the sort of visual media marketing face of the team is Azzi Fudd,” Baker said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean I think Fudd is the better player, though she’s a tremendously talented player. I think Sarah Strong’s upside, combined with Azzi’s injury history, makes me think that Strong is the player that’s going to maybe accomplish more by the time she finishes at UConn and could perhaps have a stronger resume than Azzi Fudd.”

Once again, the Huskies are the team to beat. If Strong shows off her evolution, the rest of the division will be in trouble