Just In: UConn head coach Geno Auriemma announces major signing
Officially signing with the University of Connecticut is Sarah Strong, the top women’s basketball prospect in the country.
Geno Auriemma, head coach of Connecticut, made the agreement public on Tuesday.
“We’ve been really close with Sarah for a long time, and we’ve watched her grow and develop into as good a player out of high school as we’ve seen in quite some time,” Auriemma said. “Her skill set is both totally new and ideal for the game of today. It also harkens back to a time when players of all sizes could play the whole game. They handled the ball, shot, passed and rebounded. We’re getting a really special player and a special guy, in my opinion.
Joining No. 7-ranked Allie Ziebell and No. 11-ranked Morgan Cheli in UConn’s freshmen class is 6-foot-2 forward Strong from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. This autumn, UConn will welcome the second-ranked class overall according to ESPN.
“I believe this session met a lot of needs,” Auriemma stated. “We have players that are multipurpose. Each of Allie, Morgan, and Sarah is adaptable. Any programme would put a high focus on their ability to all put the ball in the hoop. Three guys joining who can improve your team right now is a rather unusual situation. Happy and excited to start working with them in June.” McDonald’s, Naismith, SLAM, and Jordan Brand all named Strong the 2024 Naismith High School Player of the Year. Her other awards were Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year and North Carolina Miss Basketball for 2023 and 2024. Strong was named McDonald’s All-America game MVP.
Over three seasons at Grace Christian School, Strong averaged 23.0 points, 16.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 3.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game. She averaged 21.0 points, 16.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.8 steals per game as a senior. Strong concluded her scholastic career with 41 straight victories and guided Grace Christian to three consecutive NCISAA state championship. Her high school totals were 2,302 points and 1,628 rebounds.
The 2023 and 2022 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cups saw USA Basketball win gold thanks to Strong. Her name was chosen to take part in the U18 National Team trials starting on May 15.
