Sarah Strong: A Rising Star in College Basketball

Sarah Strong is generating buzz as a top college basketball player, diving into her freshman year at UConn ranked as the No. 1 freshman for the 2024 class. However, just into her second season, it’s apparent that Strong might already rank among the finest players of her generation.

UConn has a storied history of churning out basketball talent, including legends like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Brianna Stewart. Strong’s name is joining this impressive list, and while she fits the mold of a Geno Auriemma recruit, her raw talent distinctly stands out. If not for the stringent draft eligibility rules of the WNBA, she might already be a frontrunner for the 2026 draft.

For now, though, Dallas fans will have to wait. The WNBA’s current rules require aspiring players to have a college degree and be at least 22 years old in the draft year. Since Strong was born in 2006, she won’t reach that age until 2028, meaning her chance to enter the draft will be in 2028.

Only four games into her sophomore season, Strong has already earned the nickname “Baby Goat.” In a recent game against Ohio State, she scored a stunning 29 points in a decisive 100-68 win. What impressed many wasn’t just the points; she also racked up 13 rebounds and seven assists, without a single turnover. Add in five steals and three blocks, along with a shooting percentage of 70.6% (12-17), and it’s clear she’s a force on the court.

Strong is currently averaging 20.5 points per game, with a striking shooting accuracy of 65.7%. She’s maintained over 50% shooting in each game this season, scoring more than 20 points in two of her four outings. That consistency is hard to ignore.

While excelling in one aspect can make a player stand out, Strong’s skills extend throughout the game. Whether driving to the hoop or defending, her versatility makes her a considerable threat. The statistics she’s producing? They’re quite impressive—she really has a knack for the game.

Any WNBA team would likely jump at the opportunity to have a dual-threat player like Strong. If she were currently eligible, she could significantly enhance a young team’s performance. Her efficiency on the court is bound to attract attention from coaches and general managers alike. Plus, if she were drafted by an expansion franchise, she could emerge as the star player right off the bat.

Room for Growth

It might seem harsh to say Strong needs improvement at this stage, but she still has two years in college to refine her skills. One area she could enhance is her three-point shooting, as she averaged 33.3% in her freshman year.

This isn’t a pressing issue; given her teammate Azee Fad, Strong doesn’t necessarily have to be a long-range threat right now. However, if she develops that part of her game, it could elevate her already formidable skill set, allowing her to create even more scoring opportunities.

Coach Auriemma might find the perfect moments this season to encourage her in this area. Playing in the Big East Conference, UConn is currently favored to win both the regular season and tournament titles, and the early games suggest they may have significant scoring advantages. If Strong can build her confidence in shooting threes, it could be a game-changer.

Even without becoming a three-point specialist, the overall quality of her game positions her as one of the sport’s top players.

Staying in college for four years benefits both Strong and the UConn team—they still have viable championship aspirations. Having captured the national title with Paige Backers during her freshman year, UConn remains a strong contender this season.

While Strong will lose Fudd to the WNBA at the end of this college season, UConn has emerging talent. Blanca Quinones, a freshman from Ecuador, is already contributing 11.5 points off the bench after gaining experience in Italy’s Serie A1 league. Additionally, the university brought in Kaylee Heckel and Sera Williams from the transfer portal this summer.

So, during her next two seasons, Strong won’t be alone at the forefront. There’s a real chance to win more conference titles, national championships, and individual accolades.

She might just be UConn’s best prospect since Brianna Stewart, a player who left a lasting mark on the program before moving on to the WNBA.

Still, this is just the beginning.