UConn's Strong, Fudd Finalists for Naismith Trophy

0:00Yukon Women's Basketball has a 50% chance of claiming the Naysmith trophy next year. Sophomore Ford, Sarah Strong, and RedShirt Senior Guard Ozzy Fudd, earned spots as finalists for the top national player award. Both also made the Wooden Award Ballot and landed first team All-American honors from the Associated Press and U.S. Basketball Writers Association. Strong dominates for the undefeated Huskies, averaging 18.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 3.4. Steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. She leaves the nation in defensive rating and win shares while shooting 60% from the field. Flut is enjoying her best season yet, at 17.8 points, 3 assists, and 2.5 steals with nearly 50-40-90. Shooting splits and the top mark-in made three-pointers. Yukon boasts seven all-time Naysmith winners, including legends like Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird, and Brianna Stewart. If Strong takes it, she'd join a rare group, as just the seventh underclassman on a

1:03rease since 1983. Other finalists include UCLA's Lauren Betz and Vanderbilt's Michaela Blakez, while Strong also made the defensive player of the year list. Coach Gino Ariema joined the coach of the year finalists after guiding Yukon to a 36-0 record, their sixth straight, big east. Even title, and a 52-game win streak, he's won that award eight times before. Sharing the list is Shea Ralph at Vanderbilt, a former Husky star and assistant who has her team in the NCAA's three years running with their best. Season since 2007. These honors highlight Yukon's continued run of excellence as the postseason heats up and awards season builds toward revealing the big winners. That wraps Hartford News Today, brought to you with AI. I'm Corey with The Story.