As conference play kicks off, several freshmen are beginning to settle into their roles, showing the type of contributors they will be for their teams.
In this week’s women’s college basketball freshmen tracker, I’m spotlighting a few players who are quickly becoming key assets for their programs. One of these players is a bench shooter making a major impact in the ACC.
At No. 2 UConn, the team looks like one of the top contenders this season, with much of their success attributed to a standout freshman.
The 6-foot-2 forward has been exceptional, averaging 16.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Her performance reached new heights during UConn’s dominant 85-52 win over No. 22 Louisville, where she scored 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out three assists.
What stands out about her performance is the efficiency with which she played. She shot 80% from the floor (8 of 10) and 60% from three-point range (3 of 5), adding to her impressive season average of over 57% shooting. Freshmen often experience a dip in shooting efficiency as they adjust to college competition, but this player has defied that trend.
Even more impressive is that this performance came on a night when the team’s star struggled, as Paige Bueckers scored only eight points. Despite this, the freshman stepped up, helping lead her team to a statement win over a ranked opponent. This is a promising sign for UConn, especially with an eye on next season when Bueckers will no longer be around.