Former UConn Women's Basketball Stars: Shining in the WNBA
The WNBA season is in full swing, and for UConn fans, it's like catching up with old friends. The league is a legends tour for former Huskies, with 17 of them currently dominating the court. This season, several former UConn stars have been making waves, announcing to the basketball world that they're not going anywhere for a while. Let's take a closer look at some of these standout players and their impressive performances.
Paige & Azzi Show Steals the Spotlight
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, two top picks from UConn, have been putting on a show in the WNBA. In an upset win over the Liberty, the duo showcased their talent, with Fudd scoring 17 points in a scorching third quarter. Her performance included a Steph Curry-like five 3s, including one she banked in, leaving the Liberty in disbelief. Through six games, Fudd is averaging 11 points on a blistering 56.3% shooting from the field, while Bueckers is playing like a first-team All-WNBA candidate, averaging 19.3 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between their performances. While Fudd is showcasing her scoring prowess, Bueckers is demonstrating her all-around game, with assists and rebounds. This dynamic duo is a testament to the depth of talent coming out of UConn, and their success in the WNBA is a clear indicator of the program's excellence.
Breanna Stewart: Dominant but Struggling
Breanna Stewart, another UConn alum, is off to a tremendous start to the season, averaging 21 points and 9 rebounds. However, her Liberty team has been struggling, losing three straight games to teams they should have beaten. Defense has been the problem, as the Liberty have allowed opponents to score 90-plus points three times, and they now rank sixth-worst in the league in points allowed (87.7 per game).
From my perspective, Stewart's dominance is a reminder of her exceptional talent, but the team's struggles are a cause for concern. The Liberty need to find a way to shore up their defense and get back on track. Stewart's ability to dominate on the court is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and I believe she will continue to shine in the WNBA.
Gabby Williams: A Force to be Reckoned With
Gabby Williams, a two-time national champion with UConn, returned to the WNBA full-time last season and reminded stateside hoopheads exactly who she was. She averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, was named an All-Star, and made the All-Defensive First Team while finishing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting. This season, she's picked up right where she left off, posting 13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals so far.
What many people don't realize is that Williams' success in the WNBA is a testament to her versatility and all-around game. She's a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court, and her ability to contribute in multiple ways is a valuable asset to her team. I believe she will continue to shine in the WNBA and become a cornerstone of her team's success.
Kaitlyn Chen: Coming into Her Own
Kaitlyn Chen, a former UConn player, was chosen by the Golden State Valkyries with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Most expected she'd compete for a roster spot but maybe not end up making the team. However, Chen has fared better than almost anyone would have thought, putting up a near-point-a-minute performance for the Valkyries off the bench against Indiana on Friday. She scored 18 points in 19 minutes, shooting 7-for-11 from the floor in a 90-82 loss.
One thing that immediately stands out is Chen's ability to step up and contribute when called upon. Her performance against Indiana was a testament to her talent and potential, and I believe she will continue to grow and develop as a player. Chen's success in the WNBA is a reminder that talent can come from anywhere, and her journey is an inspiring one for aspiring athletes.
Tiffany Hayes: Still Doing Her Thing
Tiffany Hayes, a two-time champ at UConn, is still doing her thing in her 15th season in the WNBA. She's averaging 9.5 points in 15.5 minutes per game, and went off for a season-high 19 in 26 minutes in a loss to Indiana on Friday. With Williams, Chen, and Hayes all getting serious minutes for Golden State, the Valkyries might be Huskies fans' WNBA League Pass team of choice this summer.
From my perspective, Hayes' longevity in the WNBA is a testament to her resilience and dedication. She's a veteran player who has continued to perform at a high level, and her presence on the court is a valuable asset to her team. I believe she will continue to shine in the WNBA and become a mentor to younger players.
Serah Williams: Rising Star in Portland
Serah Williams, a rookie forward, has seen her playing time increase in recent games, getting double-digit minutes of run each of the last four times out. She scored 8 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in 14 minutes against Toronto on Saturday, and is now averaging 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in 11 minutes per game on the season.
What this really suggests is that Williams is a rising star in the WNBA, and her increased playing time is a clear indicator of her talent and potential. I believe she will continue to grow and develop as a player, and her success in the WNBA is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Aaliyah Edwards: A Bright Spot for the Sun
Aaliyah Edwards, a former Husky, has been one of the few bright spots for the Connecticut Sun, averaging 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in five games so far this season. Connecticut has started off 1-7, but Edwards' performance has been a ray of hope for the team.
A detail that I find especially interesting is that Edwards' success in the WNBA is a testament to her versatility and all-around game. She's a bright spot for the Sun, and I believe she will continue to shine in the WNBA and become a key player for her team.
In conclusion, the WNBA season is a showcase for former UConn stars, and their performances are a testament to the program's excellence. From Paige & Azzi Show's dynamic duo to Breanna Stewart's dominance, Gabby Williams' versatility, Kaitlyn Chen's rising star, Tiffany Hayes' longevity, Serah Williams' rising star, and Aaliyah Edwards' bright spot, the league is a legends tour for former Huskies. As the season progresses, we can expect to see more impressive performances and exciting moments from these talented athletes.
