The UConn Huskies pride themselves as the program that has provided the most WNBA players, who later became All-Stars and also won multiple championships. Many iconic players in the league are from the UConn program, trained under Geno Auriemma. While Azzi Fudd is next in line, another player already making noise is Sarah Strong.
The Sophomore player earned high praise from her teammates and coaches. Fudd, who saw her growth first-hand, also lauded Strong’s continued improvements and added that she wants to play like the talented forward.
The new name in her fan club is Creighton Coach Jim Flanery, who, in the recent press conference, singled out the versatile star, crediting her for UConn’s win.
Jim Flanery Praises Sarah Strong
The Huskies are about to complete their business at the conference level, setting the stage for the championship clash against Villanova. In the semifinals, the team let the Creighton team out of sight, kept them in check, and led from the start of the game. Though every star contributed heavily in the game, the standout performer for the Creighton coach was UConn’s 20-year-old forward.
In the post-game conference, he said, “She can shoot threes effortlessly, get downhill, has great hands. Her efficiency is through the roof, and she’s really good. I just love the way she competes.”
Creighton's Jim Flanery was extremely complimentary of UConn's Sarah Strong following Strong's 23 PT performance in Connecticut's win over the Blue Jays:
— Storrs Central (@StorrsCentral) March 8, 2026
"Her efficiency is through the roof, and she's really good. I just love the way she competes." pic.twitter.com/QFhLoDHWI2
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He even added that UConn coaches find her the best player the program has ever had. HE mentioned that the stuff that the sophomore player does is effortless and makes it look easy.
While the opposition coach pointed out her impact on the game, the DI also took note of her outings as Azzi Fudd and Strong make the 2026 Naismith Player Of The Year late-season watchlist.
Sarah Strong Could Clinch Naismith Player Of the Year Accolade
Although her output on the floor is prominent, the stats also back her. Through 30 games, she has 18.6 points while shooting 59.5 per cent from the field. Adding to that, the player converts 40.7 per cent of ranged shots.
Adding to her offensive play, the forward collects 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists, rounding off her overall impact on the major stats. On the defensive end, she averages a whopping 3.2 steals and 1.8 blocks with an efficiency of 1.37 points per scoring attempt, which is second-most in Division I.
As the Flanery spoke about her effective gameplay, the star stands third in the NCAAW with an effective field goal percentage of 65.5. Considering her second year in college, the player certainly showed potential to win the Naismith Player of the Year honor. The top challengers for her winning chances are Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes, and UCLA’s Lauren Betts.