Photo: Ian Bethune

As UConn went through its annual summer workouts over the last month, the newcomers got their first taste of life in Storrs and the team got a first-hand look at what they can do.

The Huskies brought in four new pieces — three freshman and a transfer — and while summer workouts are generally low-stakes with a limited roster, the early reviews of that group are positive.

“These three kids that we have this year, I think we got it right, man,” Geno Auriemma said about the freshmen. “Just watching them workout, being around them every day — I think we got it right.”

“She's terrific,” the coach added about Princeton transfer Kaitlyn Chen. “She's very, very impressive, to say the least. I really, really like her.”

Since all team activities this time of year are closed to the media, Paige Bueckers (with some help from Ashlynn Shade and Auriemma) provided a scouting report on all the newcomers.

Kaitlyn Chen

Chen arrives via the transfer portal from Princeton, where she spent the last four years being coached by former UConn forward Carla Berube. She’ll take Nika Mühl’s spot as the third ball-handler on the roster, though the two are dramatically different players. Where Mühl excelled with defense and passing, Chen is here to provide a scoring punch.

Bueckers: “She's a great scorer. She can create for herself and create for others. She has great footwork and does really well with that.”

Shade: “I love Kaitlyn. She's amazing. She's quick, she's active on defense all the time, she can score. She's crafty.”

Auriemma on bringing in Chen: “That was a really good decision by us.”

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Bill Hanley2 years ago

Although she is not a "true" freshman (and we have not yet seen her play), I would like to have some player input regarding Jana El Alfy.
Who on this year's squad will be able to score inside against, defend against, and rebound against South Carolina's "bigs", as an example? Strong comes with a great reputation but she is only 6'2". Brady is not quick, and she is not a "leaper". Patterson is untested but she has shown a tendency to foul when playing defense. After observing up-close from the bench for most of her first year, what specific basketball skill(s) is Patterson (as well as Brady) working on RIGHT NOW. We have enough shooters. We need help inside! For example, Edwards benefitted greatly by working against Tina Charles one-on-one after practice.

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Walter Kroczak2 years ago

Interest in Jana is certainly warranted--she could be crucial in the three areas Bill mentioned: scoring, defending, and rebounding. But big-time scoring and assists from Paige, Ash, and KK will determine the ultimate outcome of the season.

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Walter Kroczak2 years ago

Ashlynn's participation in the scouting report is a small but real hint that in the post-Paige era the team will be hers.

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Kevin Lee2 years ago

Every freshmen class is special but these three might be extry special, and I do mean extry.