Geno Auriemma gives a tentative timeline as Aubrey Griffin nears comeback from injury for UConn

Geno Auriemma shared a promising injury update regarding the condition of UConn star Aubrey Griffin. Auriemma gave a tentative timeline for her return during Friday's press conference ahead of the Huskies' weekend showdown with the Seton Hall Pirates.

Griffin tore the ACL in her left knee during a game against the Creighton Bluejays on Jan. 3, 2024. She suffered the non-contact injury in the third quarter, falling awkwardly after a block attempt. The Huskies announced a week later that Griffin would miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Losing Griffin was a massive blow for the Huskies, as she had been playing stellar basketball for UConn to start the season. She averaged 9.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 assists before the knee injury cut her season short. The good news for Auriemma and the Huskies is that Griffin is close to making her return.

"She’s getting there. It’s getting close," Auriemma said (Timestamp 0:20). "You know she did a lot more today than she has, so we’ll see tomorrow, how she is."

Geno Auriemma then opened the possibility of Griffin seeing action against Seton Hall when asked if she could play on Sunday.

"Yeah, depending on how things go tomorrow. Yeah there is."

Paige Bueckers' return a welcome sight for Geno Auriemma as UConn's injury concerns ease

The news of Aubrey Griffin's impending return comes days after Paige Bueckers saw action for the first time since her injury scare against Villanova on Jan. 5. The UConn star sprained her left knee in that contest, forcing her to miss the Huskies' games against the Xavier Musketeers and the Georgetown Hoyas.

UConn Huskies guard Aubrey Griffin (#44) reacts with guard Paige Bueckers (5) after a play against the Louisville Cardinals in the second half at XL Center. Photo: Imagn

Bueckers returned to action against the St. John's Red Storm on Wednesday, helping Geno Auriemma's No. 6 UConn record a convincing 71-45 victory at Carnesecca Arena. She was one of three players to score in double digits for the Huskies, who remained undefeated in Big East play.

Bueckers recorded 12 points, five rebounds and two steals in 23 minutes of action. The senior guard shot 4-for-7 from the floor and 4-for-4 at the charity stripe. She stands on the brink of history, just six points away from joining the elite 2,000-point club.

Azzi Fudd continued to play well for Auriemma, scoring 13 points against St. John's. Ashlynn Shade added 10 points for the Huskies, who extended their unbeaten run to six games.