Sarah Strong Shines as UConn Eyes Elite 8 Rematch

Sarah Strong Shines as UConn Eyes Elite 8 Rematch

The UConn Huskies are heading into the Elite Eight with star player Sarah Strong leading the charge. The team is gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch against Notre Dame. This game is a chance for UConn to show how much they’ve improved since their last meeting earlier this season.

Focus on the Court, Not the Hype

When asked about the excitement surrounding the rematch, Strong kept her focus sharp. “We’re just excited to have another game in the tournament, another game with the seniors,” she said. “We’re just excited to play them again.” She explained that she doesn’t get caught up in what fans or social media are saying about matchups. “Personally, no, I don’t,” Strong stated. “I’m just worried about the five that are on the court against their five.”

Staying focused in today’s world of constant social media and outside opinions can be tough for athletes. Strong acknowledged this challenge, saying, “With media and everyone everyone’s voices in, it can be really hard to stay together with your team.” However, she believes the Huskies are doing a great job. “I feel like we do a good job of focusing on our goal, our end goal, and stay together for it,” she added.

Elite Stats and High Praise

Sarah Strong is having an outstanding tournament. She’s averaging an impressive 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and nearly 4 steals per game. Her performance has even earned her high praise from basketball legend Diana Taurasi. Taurasi suggested that Strong could be the best player ever to come out of UConn.

When asked how such high praise affects her, Strong responded with confidence. “Yeah, I would say confidence,” she shared. “That’s a great compliment, especially from her. She’s a great player and so meaningful to Yukon.” Strong sees it as a simple compliment, not a source of pressure.

Internal Drive and Family Influence

Strong’s motivation to improve year after year comes from a genuine love for the game. “I feel like every day at practice I want to be here. I enjoy playing basketball and I mean I love to do it so I’m going to wake up every day and put my best foot forward,” she explained. Her passion is clearly evident in her play.

Her basketball journey has been shaped by a strong support system. Both her parents played professional basketball, and she’s coached by the legendary Geno Auriemma. Auriemma joked about the family’s approach to pushing her, sharing a story about talking to Strong’s mom. “She was like, ‘Well, I needed her to be more assertive in the second half,'” Auriemma recalled. He added with a smile, “Everybody’s on my side except her. I love her mom. You know, we gang up on her as much as we can and it doesn’t work.”

Strong understands their intentions. “Yeah, I don’t know, but I know that they want me to be the best player I can be,” she said. “So, I’m happy that they’re on me like that.” She credits this constant push from her family and coach for her success. “Just going back to when I was younger, my dad made me go to the gym and I didn’t feel like it,” Strong reflected. “Looking back at it now, I’m happy that my dad made me do that cuz it wouldn’t I wouldn’t be the player that I am without that.”

Depth Defines This UConn Squad

There’s a common feeling that this year’s UConn team might be even better than last year’s national championship squad, which featured star player Paige Bueckers. When asked what makes this team different, Strong pointed to their depth. “I would say our depth,” she stated. “I think we have a lot more pieces that are more versatile that can do a little bit of everything.”

She elaborated on this advantage, saying, “We just have a really deep bench. I don’t think anyone has a bench like us and a lot of dangerous pieces.” This strong bench allows UConn to maintain intensity and execute their game plan effectively throughout the tournament.

Looking Ahead to the Elite Eight

The Huskies are ready for the challenge ahead. With Sarah Strong leading the way and a deep, versatile team behind her, UConn is poised to make another deep tournament run. Fans are eager to see how they perform in the Elite Eight rematch against Notre Dame.

“I feel like we do a good job of focusing on our goal, our end goal, and stay together for it.” – Sarah Strong

Source: UConn's Sarah Strong talks Elite 8 run, high praise from Diana Taurasi & more! 👏 | SportsCenter (YouTube)