"With Watkins out, a sophomore this season has once again moved to the head of the class: UConn forward Sarah Strong, who helped lead the Huskies to the program's 12th NCAA title in April. Another sophomore is also in the top 10: Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes, one of nine players in our preseason rankings who helped Team USA win a gold medal in July at the FIBA AmeriCup competition."
"Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd got more attention last season, but Strong's excellence was just as important to UConn's national championship run. Her play got better in the NCAA tournament, averaging 19.0 points and 11.7 rebounds in the Huskies' six games. A quiet, business-like approach serves Strong well, so as good as she was as a freshman, it appears her best days are ahead."
JuJu Watkins suffered a knee injury in the second round that ended her postseason and will force her to miss the entire 2025-26 season. With Watkins unavailable, UConn forward Sarah Strong is the preseason No. 1 after helping the Huskies claim their 12th NCAA title and improving her play in the tournament with averages of 19.0 points and 11.7 rebounds in six games. Strong averaged 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds in 2024-25 with 2.3 steals, 1.7 blocks and 38.8% 3-point shooting. Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes is also in the top 10, and UConn has two top-10 players including senior Azzi Fudd. Several notable players transferred schools and multiple players are projected as 2026 WNBA draft lottery candidates.
Read at ESPN.com
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