The Complex Takeaways from the UConn Women’s Basketball Team’s Bahamas Trip
A Historic Season with Questions
The UConn Women’s Basketball team recently concluded their exhibition tour in the Bahamas, winning both games against the Bahamas National Team. While the Huskies showcased their dominance, the trip also highlighted areas that need improvement as they head into their highly anticipated 2022-23 season.
A Dominant Performance, But…
In their first game, UConn cruised to a 108-61 victory, led by Azzi Fudd’s 25 points. In the second game, they won 95-55, with Dorka Juhász contributing 21 points. The Huskies’ size and athleticism were evident, but they also struggled with turnovers (27 in the first game and 24 in the second) and three-point shooting (a combined 10-of-49).
Areas for Improvement
Turnovers
UConn’s high turnover rate has been a concern for coach Geno Auriemma. In their first game, they committed 27 turnovers, including 9 in the first quarter. Auriemma acknowledged that the team’s youth and inexperience contributed to the turnovers but emphasized the need to tighten up in this area.
Three-Point Shooting
The Huskies’ three-point shooting has also been inconsistent. In the Bahamas, they shot a combined 20.4% from beyond the arc. Auriemma noted that the team has several players who can hit threes, but they need to find more consistency in their shooting.
Communication and Leadership
With several new players on the roster, communication and leadership will be crucial for UConn’s success. Auriemma has emphasized the need for players to talk to each other during games and for veteran players to step up and lead.
Perspectives and Analysis
Coach Geno Auriemma
“We have a lot of work to do. We’re not going to be great overnight. But we have a lot of talent, and we’re going to keep working until we get there.” (ESPN)
Katie Abrahamson, The Hartford Courant
“The Bahamas trip was a good opportunity for UConn to get some experience against live competition. The Huskies showed flashes of their potential, but there are still some areas that need improvement.”
David Borges, New Haven Register
“UConn’s young players will be the key to their success this season. They’ll need to make big contributions, and they’ll need to learn from the veteran players like Azzi Fudd and Dorka Juhász.”
Implications for the Season
The Bahamas trip provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the UConn Women’s Basketball team. While they showcased their dominance in many areas, the turnovers, three-point shooting, and communication issues are areas that need attention. If the Huskies can improve in these areas, they have the potential to be a championship contender once again.
Conclusion
The UConn Women’s Basketball team’s Bahamas trip was a mixed bag. They showcased their dominance at times, but they also exposed some areas that need improvement. With the regular season approaching, the Huskies will need to address these issues if they want to live up to their high expectations.
