UConn Huskies can finally see a glimmer of hope amid the injury chaos that’s plagued the team for the last three years. Last season felt like a tough slog, with only 8 of 14 managing to stay healthy by postseason, leaving Coach Geno Auriemma with limited options on the court. But this year? Expectations are high as four players are returning! 

The coach has confirmed that we will see Azzi Fudd, Jana El Alfy, Morgan Cheli, and Aubrey Griffin playing this season. UConn guard Cheli is on the mend from her hamstring injury and is looking good to compete when the Huskies kick off their season against Boston University. 

Then there’s Azzi Fudd, who’s making some serious strides in her recovery from that knee injury that kept her sidelined, and Auriemma is impressed with her fast recovery. However, she’s still likely to miss the early games. Also, Griffin is pushing hard to return after her ACL tear. She’s got her eyes set on being back by January 1st. 

“Azzi looks to be pretty far along,” said the Huskies coach. “She’s rusty I think, but she seems to be pretty far along … Morgan’s been practicing, and Aubrey said she’ll be back by Jan. 1st, which was a surprise to me. So yeah, I think everybody’s moving in the right direction.”

Nevertheless, Jana El Alfy, who ruptured her Achilles tendon in the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, is the only one returning with full strength. “Jana like a bull in a china shop. She’s hard to guard — our practice players have a hard time guarding her. She’s so physical … but she wants to make up for a year and a half of not playing on every possession, so we’re trying to work on that,” the Huskies coach said. 

But, on the flip side, we’ve got Ayanna Patterson, who recently “whacked” her shoulder in practice and is stuck in a sling right now. Fingers crossed, she gets back in the game soon. 

Looking back, UConn has really faced its fair share of challenges over the past few seasons. They’ve had injuries, injuries, and more injuries. But with all these returning players, it’s like a breath of fresh air. And let’s not forget that their star player, Paige Bueckers, is also coming back for the 2024-25 season. 

Paige Bueckers returns to lead UConn’s comeback

During a senior night ceremony packed with fans, Bueckers made the big announcement after the Huskies’ 85-44 victory over Georgetown. “Unfortunately, this will not be my last senior night here at UConn,” she declared.

What could be better for the team? The 2021 AP Player of the Year has been a force for the team. In her first full season back, she’s averaging 20 points per game, shooting an impressive 53.2% from the field and 43.7% from beyond the arc. 

She even led UConn to the Final Four as a freshman and then to the national title game as a sophomore. But injuries have been a real thorn in her side. Between her knee injury that limited her to just 17 games and that ACL tear sidelining her for an entire season, it’s been tough. 

But now, she is at her best, and Huskies have learned to fight through adversity. With a healthy roster and players ready to unleash their full potential, they are poised for a major comeback.