Although UConn couldn’t seal the deal against the USC Trojans and dropped what was one of the most anticipated games of the season, there was a bright spot for the Huskies. What was that, you ask? Their future! KK Arnold showed everyone just how promising the future is for UConn basketball, even after their seniors leave. But despite all the praise, it looks like Coach Geno Auriemma still found a few areas for improvement.
He was quick to recognize Arnold’s impact on both ends of the court, especially in the second half. “Her impact defensively was very noticeable in that game,” he said, praising her defense for helping the Huskies claw their way back. But he also believes there’s more #2 can do.
“It has to ramp up even more,” the NCAA winningest coach continued. “She can be more disruptive defensively and cause more problems for the offense.” While Auriemma was impressed with her efforts, he pointed out that Arnold needs to improve in certain areas.
“She’s got to shoot the ball better,” he highlighted during the pre-game interaction with media, noting that improving her outside shooting will open up more opportunities for her to attack the lane. And he might be right, as currently, the hooper is averaging 4.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. If she works on her offense, pairing it up with her electrifying defense, she could be the complete package!
Now, about the matchup against the Trojans. You know, on paper, her stats in the game don’t really jump out at you: 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Not the kind of numbers that make you go “wow” right away. But numbers don’t always tell the whole story, and that game was a perfect example.
UConn went into their showdown with USC feeling pretty confident. But USC came out strong, dominating the first half and leaving UConn scrambling to catch up. But then, things started shifting in the third quarter. The Huskies came alive, going on a 10-0 run, and a big part of that was KK Arnold. She wasn’t the one putting up the huge numbers, but she was a defensive beast.
She was the key in shutting down USC’s star, JuJu Watkins. She didn’t give Watkins an inch. In fact, UConn even grabbed the lead at 65-64 with about 4:30 left in the game, and it looked like they might pull off the comeback. But then, coach Auriemma pulled Arnold out of the game. But for reasons that left fans scratching their heads, she didn’t play again until the final 55 seconds of the game.
It led to a controversial moment. Fans were furious about this. However, when asked about the decision, the Huskies HC explained, “One of [Arnold’s] biggest roles should be to come in and disrupt the game and change the way the game is played. And I thought she did that.” In his mind, Arnold had already done her job for the night.
And while Geno’s confidence in his choices, it disappointed many people. Eventually, they left the court with a 72-70 loss to USC. But, looking ahead, there’s hope on the cards for UConn.
Geno Auriemma confirms Azzi Fudd’s return
Their next matchup promises to be an exciting one, especially with the return of Azzi Fudd. Coach Auriemma confirmed that Fudd would be in the starting lineup. After a tough stretch of injuries, including a knee issue that sidelined her for much of last season and a recent sprain during the Louisville game, Fudd is finally returning to form.
She’s played five games this season (8 minutes in Trojans but 0 points), averaging 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists with 47.2% shooting. Her absence was felt in several key games. Coach Auriemma has always been full of praise for Fudd, calling her the “perfect basketball player.”
“She’s just so incredibly well put together for a basketball player,” Auriemma said. With Fudd back in action, UConn’s lineup now looks even more formidable. Dropping just two games out of their first 12 this season, Geno Auriemma & Co. are still in a great position. Let’s see if they can continue to execute well and bounce back from the USC loss on December 30 against the Providence Friars!
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