G – Kaitlyn Chen, Gr. (Jake)
Considering Auriemma’s efforts to play less small ball and incorporate height into one of the conference’s top frontcourts, Kaitlyn Chen is the perfect candidate for the lead distributor role and is a confident lane scorer when coming downhill. The graduate transfer spent four seasons at Princeton and evolved into one of the top players in the Ivy League, and will fit perfectly into Auriemma’s offensive scheme.
G – Paige Bueckers, R-Sr. (Avery)
After leading the team to a Final Four last year, the Hopkins, Minn. native is back for her red shirt senior year. Paige Bueckers is Auriemma’s go-to girl when it comes to the starting lineup, having started in all 39 games with the Huskies last year. In her senior campaign, she averaged 21.9 points per game and was the main focal point of the team’s offense. This makes it a no-brainer for Auriemma to have her in the starting lineup again for depth and veteran experience.
G – Ashlynn Shade, So. (Avery)
Having started in 33 of Connecticut’s 39 games last season, Ashlynn Shade is one of the more experienced players on the very young roster this year. The Noblesville, Ind. native averaged 11 points per game in her freshman season, was the third on the team and was named the 2024 Big East Freshman of the Year. With her dynamic style of play and strength in shots beyond the arc, she’ll be an integral part of the starting lineup.
F – Sarah Strong, Fr. (Jake)
The nation’s top ranked recruit will more than likely start on opening night considering the injuries to Ayanna Patterson and Aubrey Griffin, making Sarah Strong the second true freshman to start in as many seasons, following Ashlynn Shade. Strong is still finding her identity but has looked impressive in spurts according to Auriemma. If Strong can establish herself in the post, the Huskies will add another dimension to its already multi-faced offense.
C – Jana El Alfy, R-Fr. (Jake)
The Egyptian native has spent two years in Storrs but has yet to play a game for Auriemma, dealing with season ending injuries in both of her first two campaigns. The sizable center will be a focal point on the glass on both sides of the ball as the Huskies look to replace Aaliyah Edwards down low.