As the 2024-2025 basketball season inches closer, the 45th annual Big East Media Day hosted coaches and athletes to discuss the upcoming season.
Located in the heart of the city at MSG, also known as “Storrs South,” the UConn calvary discussed their main focuses heading into the year.
UConn Men’s Focus
As the new season approaches, the back-to-back national championship titles aren’t forgotten but are in the rearview as the Huskies are focused on the future. Samson Johnson, a senior center, said the team is not trying to get ahead of themselves and must tackle the season one game at a time. When asked for one word to describe the upcoming season, his answer was simple: “historic.” While the past two years for UConn have been nothing short of monumental, players are hopeful that the momentum will continue. Johnson described their previous success as “motivating” and though the season hasn’t begun, UConn will be focused and prepared to face the challenge ahead of them.
Paige Bueckers’ Farewell Tour
Paige Bueckers, the national superstar who helped bring the women’s game to the forefront of the sports world, will have many firsts and lasts as she embarks on her final year with UConn. Five years ago, the guard was the No. 1 recruit out of high school, and now she has risen to become an icon in the female sports arena. Though Bueckers is beginning her farewell tour, she emphasized that she still has an entire season left and isn’t gone yet. “As of right now, I have a whole season ahead of me, so that’s all I’m really focused on,” she said. Bueckers also expressed her gratitude for everything that has come her way. “It’s been a blessing. I feel like I’m living in my childhood dream, so I never want to take it for granted,” she said. While many will be sad to see her go, Bueckers has an incredible resume to show for her time as a Husky. “I’ve loved my entire time at UConn, I can’t imagine it coming to an end,” she said.
Sarah Strong’s Impact
Sarah Strong, the 6’2 freshman out of North Carolina was once the No. 1 recruit out of high school. Now, as a Husky, she is already projected to be the future star player of UConn women’s basketball. Interestingly enough, UConn women’s Head Coach Geno Auriemma said he had his eye on Strong well before her commitment. By Strong’s junior year of high school, Auriemma said he realized, “If we get Sarah to come into our program, we will significantly change the trajectory of our program.” Now, Auriemma’s plan has become a reality and Strong has reportedly transitioned well to the team. “I’m excited because every day she does something I haven’t seen before,” he said. As for the upcoming season, Strong said she is not only “excited” but takes it all as “a blessing.”
Alongside UConn basketball, conference colleagues also spoke to the media regarding their focus and key players for the season.
Kadary Richmond
Among the notable discussions was Kadary Richmond of St. John’s. The senior guard, formerly of Seton Hall earned the All-Big East First Team accolade last season, and averaged 15.7 points, seven rebounds and 5.1 assists. Richmond has since transferred to the Red Storm, a seemingly big upgrade as Seton Hall was ranked No. 10 in the conference in the Preseason Coaches’ Poll in comparison to St. John’s No. 5 rank.
DePaul’s Roster
The DePaul men’s team also gained commotion at Big East Media Day due to its entirely new roster. The Blue Demons, ranked last in the Big East Preseason Coaches’ Poll, do not have a single returning player to their squad as every athlete is either a freshman or a transfer. The team will have no choice but to rebuild and begin the season from the ground up.