The UConn Huskies are once again putting up a clinical performance on the floor and after the undefeated regular season, bag the Big East Conference tournament title with ease. A key factor of their wins was Sarah Strong, who led the team in multiple stats and remained consistent throughout the season.
While Strong is the top candidate for the 2026 Naismith Player Of The Year award, former NCAA champion Candace Parker is also a big fan of the star forward.
Candace Parker Praises Sarah Strong
While Huskies fans had their eyes set on Azzi Fudd, who is playing her final season with the program, the people’s princess was more impressed by the forward’s performances and lauded Strong’s continued improvement this season. The player is leading the side in points, blocks, steals, and rebounds, putting together a well-rounded package for Geno Auriemma’s team.
Praising her gameplay and dominance on the floor, Parker, on her podcast, said, “Sarah Strong. She is sitting in the driver’s seat. She is sitting in the driver’s seat all season long. Comfortably, she just won Big East tournament MVP as a sophomore. She led UConn to a 34-0 record heading into the March Madness.”
Sarah Strong is truly a one-of-one talent for the UConn Huskies 🤩🤩 @VW pic.twitter.com/lCiedFFGDG
— Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston (@PostMovesShow) March 14, 2026
The star is averaging 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game and has played in most games for three quarters. While Parker called her a cheat code for winning games, her co-host, Aliyah Boston, also lauded the youngster, noting that she is a fan of her basketball IQ.
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The duo is not only two members impressed by the UConn star; Creighton Coach Jim Flanery also gave huge credit to Strong’s performances in Connecticut’s win over the Blue Jays. The player’s extraordinary season earned her widespread praise from critics, players, coaches, and analysts, and she is also in line for another historic feat with the UConn Huskies.
Sarah Strong Could Create History For UConn Huskies
Finding the most success in NCAAW, the Huskies already have many legendary players who won multiple individual accolades in their prime. But the one award that kept many Huskies waiting was the Katrina McClain Award. The recognition for the nation’s top power forward in women’s college basketball, and this season, the 20-year-old star is one of the finalists for the title.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Announces Five Finalists for the 2026 Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year Award. 🏆 #HoophallU | #McClainAward pic.twitter.com/wRMvl7DI8Q
— University of Hoophall (@hoophallu) March 12, 2026
Till now, only Napheesa Collier has won the accolade, because the Huskies have had many powerful small forwards and guards, leading them to the championships. Other candidates for the accolade in 2026 are Khamil Pierre (NC State), Toby Fournier (Duke), Maggie Doogan (Richmond), and Joyce Edwards (South Carolina).