Geno Auriemma already is challenging freshman forward Sarah Strong, if the Huskies want to be the team pundits have pegged them to be.

In UConn’s first game of the season against Boston University, Strong showed out, scoring 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field to go along with six steals, four rebounds and three assists in just 25 minutes of action. For Auriemma, this type of production was what the Huskies wanted to see from Strong, one of the more sought-after players in the country.

If UConn wants to be the team to beat at the end of the season, the 70-year-old indicated that Strong will have to play like she did against the Terriers every night. Speaking to reporters after the game, Auriemma outlined what role he expects the young forward to take as the season progresses.

“Sarah is able to contribute in so many different ways,” the legendary head coach said. “Having her on the court is like having two or three players because she fills so many roles. So if you say, ‘What role on the team does she have to play to get us where we want to go?’ She has to play like an All-American. She has to come in here and act like it and play like it.”

And while Auriemma might have a defined role for Strong already, the same can’t be said for the freshman. When asked what her potential role would be, the young star simply said: “I haven’t figured out my role.”

Regardless of how Auriemma decides to utilize Strong’s skillset, her talent is clear. The legendary head coach made sure to note Strong’s multi-faceted ability when he spoke with SNY after UConn’s 54-point win over Boston University in a game that was over by halftime.

Aoibhe Gormley #5 is defended by Sarah Strong #21 of the Connecticut Huskies during the second half of an NCAA women's basketball game at the XL Center on November 7, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut. The Huskies defeated the Terriers 86-32

Sarah Strong’s all-around performance against Boston University leaves her with a dilemma ( 

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Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

“The big thing about Sarah is that she’s going to score her points because she’s a natural scorer,” he said. “But the things she makes happen for the entire team, whether it’s a great pass she’ll make or a couple of the steals she’s got that you saw.

“She’s just an impactful player and I like when she’s aggressive like she was today and I think today’s about, hopefully, the start of what we’re going to expect to see in every game.”

Paige Bueckers, the Huskies’ star guard, understands the freshman is talented though for her to tap into that talent, Stong has to come with an open mind. “Having a beginner’s mindset,” Bueckers began, according to News Times.

“Which is being willing and open to learn, asking questions, being open minded to this being an extremely different level of basketball here in college. So whatever you did in high school was great. It got you where you are today.

“But continue to build on that and don’t take it for granted, and where you are, that you’re entitled to anything because of what you did in high school. I think the coaching staff does a really good job recruiting kids like that here.”