The UConn Huskies played like defending champions, overcoming the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 32-point hammering, behind Sarah Strong and top WNBA draft prospect Azzi Fudd’s gameplay, was a reminder to the fans that the side still possesses a solid lineup despite the departure of Paige Buckers.
Amid all this, coach Geno Auriemma sees his next opponent as a formidable challenger to his side. In the press conference, the record-holder champion coach praised the Michigan Wolverine side and sees them as the toughest opponent in the 2025 season.
Geno Auriemma Praises Michigan Wolverine
With the roster gelling well, coach Auriemma relied on his familiar faces to take care of the business for the UConn Huskies. Strong and Fuzz combined for 48 points out of 100, dismantling the opposition defense with their teamwork. While the team celebrated the win, Auriemma sent them a warning about their next opponents.
“Based on what I’ve seen from Michigan, they will be, for sure, the best team we play this year, by a long shot at this time in the season,” Auriemma said.
Geno Auriemma on Friday's game against Michigan: "Based on what I've seen from Michigan they will be, for sure, the best team we play this year, by a long shot at this time in the season."
— Avery Becker (@averyybecker) November 16, 2025
While both sides are undefeated at the moment, the Michigan side has more experienced players who have played together for the last 1-2 seasons. Also, they are not reliant on any one particular player, which makes them hard to guard. On top of it, a praise from Auriemma clearly highlights their credentials and capability to surprise their opponents in the 2025-26 season.
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Though the experienced coach praised his opponent, there is a general consensus that UConn should be able to defend its title despite a few challengers in the 2025-26 season.
Geno Auriemma’s 2025 UConn Team Can Go Back-To-Back
The Huskies in the 2024-25 season have all the ingredients to become champions, with Paige Bueckers entering her final season and fired up to end her career by winning an NCAA title. Now that she has moved on to the WNBA, many looked at Azzi Fudd, the 2025 NCAA Final Four MOP, to carry the side.
But in recent times, one player can’t win the championship (UCLA knows it better). Sarah Strong had been a very effective player on the floor for the Huskies, and Kayleigh Heckel has been an excellent fit for the side. KK Arnold also improved significantly to help in the backcourt department. Their defence had been their strength under Auriemma, and they are once again emphasizing the same in the 2025-26 season.
Earlier in the season, Geno Auriemma warned of college basketball’s harmful new reality for high school recruits, taking shots at teams that stack their talent, but the Huskies would be relying on the player who suits their style of play, which has won them 12 titles.
Moreover, it’s a fairly favorable schedule for the Huskies this season with some decent (not challenging) opposition in the non-conference games. It could allow them to put together their seventh undefeated campaign and probably win it all in the end.