Recruiting: UConn one of three finalists for Sarah Strong

The Sarah Strong sweepstakes is heating up. On Friday, ESPN’s Shane Laflin reported that UConn is one of three finalists for the top player in the class of 2024, alongside Duke and UNC.

A 6-2 forward out of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, Strong is the only uncommitted member of ESPN’s Top 100. Laflin describes her as possibly “the most unique player in the country with her versatility and skills.”

He continued: “Powerful in the paint but with a feathery touch around the 3-point line, Strong is comfortable all over the floor and features a combination of strength and skill.”

Strong is also regarded as a high-level passer, something Geno Auriemma covets with post players, though her defense supposedly needs work.

She would instantly bolster a UConn frontcourt that is high on talent but short on experience. With all signs pointing towards Aaliyah Edwards turning pro after this season, the Huskies are projected to have this group of bigs:

Ice Brady (6-3): The breakout star of the Big East Tournament hadn’t contributed much prior to that but is the former No. 5 player in the country.

Aubrey Griffin (6-1): Griffin is a versatile wing who can play in multiple stops and thrives on the glass. However, she tore her ACL in January, which could force her to miss the start of the 2023-24 season.

Jana El Alfy (6-5): A highly-regarded prospect out of Egypt, El Alfy ruptured her achilles while playing in the U20 World Cup over the summer. Considering how difficult that recovery can be, combined with the fact that she’s never played a minute of college basketball, El Alfy is a question mark next season.

Ayanna Patterson (6-2): An ultra-athletic forward who paces the team in the weight room, Patterson showed promise as a freshman before being slowed by a knee issue. She missed this entire season after undergoing surgery on her knee. Patterson’s health will likely determine how much of an impact she makes next season.

Amari DeBerry (6-6): Through three years at UConn, DeBerry hasn’t earned a spot in the rotation and is not likely to step into a leading role anytime soon.

Morgan Cheli (6-2): Cheli is more of a guard than a frontcourt player, though her size and willingness to rebound means she’ll likely see some time in a Griffin-esque role.

If Strong lives up to the hype, she should be a day-one contributor for UConn — if not a starter. While the Huskies only have one open scholarship (not counting Strong), Geno Auriemma has indicated that the team will look to bring in an additional post player through the transfer portal if they can.