When generational talents like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, or Angel Reese move on to the WNBA, most programs face a rebuilding year. With Bueckers’ departure, many expected UConn’s dominance to fade. Instead, the Huskies have reloaded impressively, entering the season as the preseason No. 1 and legitimate contenders for their 13th national title. This revamped roster might actually be stronger than the one that last lifted the championship trophy.

The optimism surrounding UConn’s upcoming season is hard to miss, especially when echoed by voices across women’s college basketball. On the Good Follow podcast, analyst Autumn Johnson highlighted the team’s impressive depth, now a defining feature of the roster. “I actually think UConn can take it all the way,” she said. “They have a tough non-con schedule as well. I believe they could be undefeated this season, and yes, it is a new era.”

“They are turning the page without Paige Bueckers, who was the heartbeat of that championship team. And when you lose someone like that, yes, you’re losing a lot of scoring leadership,” Johnson acknowledged the void left behind, but the time ahead is promising. “You talk about poise, someone who always meets the moment; that’s hard to replace, but I love the depth that the Huskies have… They have size, they have skill, they have experience, depth, you name it.”

This sentiment is echoed by the program itself, with head coach Geno Auriemma acknowledging this new reality, noting, “We have an opportunity to play a different way than we have been forced to play the last couple of years” and emphasizing the development of “quality depth, not just extra bodies.”This depth comes from a mix of important returning players and smart new additions, putting together a lineup that can really surprise and overpower opponents in fresh ways.

We’re entering a new era led by the dynamic duo of Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, and Johnson says they’ve got “the keys now” to the team. Strong, who’s a preseason All-American, is seen as the top player on the team and one of the best in the country, ready to make big plays consistently. Her skills really shine alongside Fudd, who showed off her sweet shooting when she was the top scorer in both of UConn’s preseason exhibition games.

Also, her performance as the tournament MOP last season showed she knows how to rise to the occasion. On top of that, Fudd is all praises for the new teammates. “You can feel the excitement, the energy, the intensity in the gym. This is a new team; we have five new faces, so I don’t think we consider ourselves defending champs. It is the same goal as last year, the same mindset. We’ve had a taste, so now we want it even more,” Fudd said about her team. But you know what really could shake things up?

The addition of transfer Serah Williams from Wisconsin. Even Johnson mentioned, “She [Williams] didn’t have that limelight on her because of Wisconsin’s lack of success. But coming over to UConn, I think it’s the perfect success.”

Along with fellow transfer Kayleigh Heckel, these players create a fresh core that brings both top-notch talent and flexible choices to the table. This group’s combined strength really makes a strong argument for going for another championship. However, have you heard about Bueckers’ recent return to UConn?

Paige Bueckers returns to ‘practice’ at UConn and takes her share of the ring

Recently, Paige Bueckers found herself back at the place where it all began, celebrating their national title once more, but this time in a unique way.

Their squad for the 2024-25 season just got some shiny new ‘championship rings’ which were designed by Bueckers, Caroline Ducharme, and Azzi Fudd. Bueckers and her crew got this gorgeous finger ring, and the Dallas Wings star made it a point to bring it back to her old college. Bueckers was back in Huskies ‘practice’, but there was a little twist to it.

Bueckers, being a former Husky, got a spot on the practice squad. “Tried out a new practice player today,” UConn shared in their social media post with Bueckers. She was quick to show her appreciation by sharing it on her story with the practice squad. The message said, “My Boys” along with a fingers-crossed emoji.

The Huskies wrapped up last season with an impressive 37-3 record, going undefeated in their conference at 18-0. They managed to outpace Creighton to clinch the league title by two games. Bueckers was the star of the season, averaging 19.9 points and 4.6 assists. She snagged all the big national awards, like the Wade Trophy, Honda Sport Award, and Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year. Plus, she was a unanimous first-team All-America and the Big East Player of the Year. Naturally, for UConn and fans, it was really nice to see her back where it all started for her.