When University of Connecticut Huskies tipped off their 2025-26 season with two exhibition wins over Southern Connecticut State University, the basketball world took notice—not just for the scores, but for the quiet confidence radiating from the court. On October 30, 2025, The Daily Campus confirmed the starting five that head coach Geno Auriemma has entrusted with carrying the Huskies’ legacy into a new era: guard KK Arnold, guard Azzi Fudd, guard Ashlynn Shade, forward Sarah Strong, and forward Serah Williams. This isn’t just a lineup. It’s a rebirth.

The New Core: Leadership in the Absence of Legends

Paige Bueckers didn’t just leave the court—she left a silence. The 2024 national player of the year’s jump to the WNBA created a leadership vacuum that no single player could fill. But here’s the twist: UConn doesn’t need one savior. It needs five. And they’ve got them.

Azzi Fudd, the 5-foot-11 redshirt senior from Arlington, Virginia, is the quiet anchor. She’s the one who lifted the trophy in 2024, the one whose shot still looks like it’s being guided by gravity itself. The Daily Campus called her "the most seasoned veteran," and it’s not just about experience—it’s about poise. She’s not yelling in huddles. She’s just making the right pass, hitting the open three, and letting her play do the talking.

Then there’s Sarah Strong. The 6-foot-2 sophomore from North Carolina didn’t just survive last season amid a roster of stars—she thrived. Averaging 16.4 points and 3.6 assists as a freshman, she was named an AP Preseason All-American before the season even began. "She didn’t wait for permission to be great," said one assistant coach off the record. "She just showed up, every day, and did it again."

The Engine Room: Arnold and Shade Turn Pressure into Pace

What makes this lineup dangerous isn’t just talent—it’s tempo. KK Arnold, the 5-foot-9 junior from Wisconsin, is the engine. Her full-court pressure isn’t just defensive—it’s psychological. Opponents don’t just get tired; they get rattled. "She’s the reason we don’t let teams breathe," said Auriemma after the second exhibition. "She makes you pay for every dribble."

And then there’s Ashlynn Shade. The 2025 Big East Sixth Woman of the Year didn’t start a single game last season. Now, she’s the starter. Why? Because when she enters, the game changes. She’s not a scorer first—she’s a disruptor. Her 7.7 points per game last year don’t tell the full story. Watch her drive into traffic and kick out to the corner. Watch her steal a lazy pass and turn it into a fast break before the defense knows what hit them. She’s the spark plug. And now, she’s got the keys.

The Tower: Serah Williams Brings Championship DNA

Here’s the detail most missed: Serah Williams didn’t come to UConn from nowhere. She came from Wisconsin. And in her final season with the Badgers, she averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds. That’s not a transfer. That’s a transfer of power.

At 6-foot-4, she’s not just a post presence—she’s a matchup nightmare. She can step out, she can post up, she can block a shot and turn it into a breakaway. And she’s not new to pressure. She played in the Big Ten, in hostile arenas, under the weight of expectation. She knows what it takes to win when the lights are brightest. "She’s the missing piece," said a scout who watched both exhibitions. "Not just size. Presence. Calm. That’s what you need when you’re chasing No. 13."

Depth That Could Be Unfair

UConn doesn’t just have a starting five. They have a bench that could start for most Top 25 teams. Ice Brady, the 6-foot-3 junior redshirt from San Diego, and Jana El Alfy, the 6-foot-5 sophomore from Cairo, are already drawing rave reviews. Brady’s athleticism is electric. El Alfy’s length disrupts passing lanes like a human net.

Then there’s Allie Ziebell and Blanca Quiñonez. Ziebell, a 6-foot-0 sophomore from Wisconsin, was described by On3.com as a "standout" in exhibition play. Quiñonez, the 6-foot-2 freshman from Milagro, Ecuador, is being called "the next international gem"—a quiet force with a silky mid-range.

And then there’s the ghost in the machine: Morgan Cheli. The 2024 No. 11 recruit, sidelined for nearly a year after ankle surgery, hasn’t played a minute this season. But her name still echoes in practice. "She’s the wild card," said one insider. "If she’s back by January? We’re not just the favorite. We’re untouchable."

Why This Matters Beyond Storrs

UConn isn’t just building a team. They’re rewriting the playbook on how to sustain dominance. No longer can they rely on one generational talent. Now, they need depth, versatility, and a collective will. And they’ve got it.

This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a recalibration. The Huskies have recruited two transfers, two ESPN Top 75 prospects, and a player who dominated the Big Ten. They’ve got six players who can start. Twelve who can contribute. And a coach who’s seen it all.

When you’re chasing a 13th national title, you don’t need miracles. You need systems. And right now, Geno Auriemma has built the most complete system in women’s college basketball.