“Best defender on the team was on Paige Bueckers”: Geno Auriemma dissects plan with UConn’s 18YO freshman

During a sit-down episode with "97-9 Husky HQ" on Wednesday, coach Geno Auriemma dissected what went down in one specific possession of UConn's 85-52 win over Louisville. The sequence in discussion was when freshman Sarah Strong isolated herself with less than 10 seconds left in the first half.

Strong, who was at the top of the key, attempted a three-pointer to close out the half. She unfortunately missed it but was immediately salvaged by senior Azzi Fudd's own three-pointer as the first-half buzzer sounded with the Huskies ahead 49-24.

In the interview in front of the UConn faithful, Auriemma discussed what transpired from his point of view and why the decision was made to put the ball in the 18-year-old's hands since it's usually with fourth-year star Paige Bueckers.

"The best defender on the team was on Paige," he said alluding to Louisville's Tajianna Roberts. "That means Sarah had someone other than the best defender...They know she's really a handful. Trying to guard her one-on-one is not easy," Auriemma explained. (0:50)

Throughout the play, Strong and Auriemma were seen glancing back and forth at each other in an attempt to clarify what kind of play had to be run. The 11-time national champion coach then cleared the air on what really ensued:

"I wanted her to just take her man into the lane, and they're either going to have to foul her or they're going to let her score, one or the other. She looked at me like, 'What?'" (1:50)

Geno Auriemma acknowledged that the lapse was just a part of the learning process and growth the 6-foot-2 forward is going through in her first year.

"I never understood why a good player would ask their coach: What should I do with the ball? She's just a young kid who wants to do the right thing. That's what's so beautiful about her. She's just an innocent kid who just is trying to fit in." (2:10)

The Durham native then finished with a game-high 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in just 26 minutes of action. Strong also had three three-point baskets in the fixture.

As the season progresses, Auriemma can expect more from the budding star who was already been named the Big East Rookie of the Week thrice and Player of the Week once.

Geno Auriemma reveals what his favorite trait is of the all-around Sarah Strong

Later on in the interview, Geno Auriemma disclosed what he thinks Strong's best facet of her game is, which he has marveled at during the eight games she's played this campaign.

"There isn't a facet of the game that she isn't pretty good at. Her best skill might be her passing ability... She's got great hands," Auriemma shared. (2:39)

With how the game is revolutionizing, Strong fits into the modern bigman archetype of being able to space and pass the ball. If Geno Auriemma is really hyping up her passing ability to be what she's best at, then expect Strong assists numbers to increase deeper into the year.