"I PRAYED FOR TIMES LIKE THESE": UConn fans erupt with joy after seeing Aubrey Griffin in practice ahead of game vs. Providence

UConn women's basketball star Aubrey Griffin has been out of action after tearing her left knee ACL in January. Her injury occurred in UConn's game at Creighton on Jan. 3.

However, the forward will likely return soon, based on a video that was posted on UConn's Instagram page on Dec. 27. In the video, Griffin was spotted training with her Huskies teammates, including Paige Bueckers ahead of UConn's game against Providence on Sunday.

The video was captioned:

"Let’s keep working."

The video elicited excited reactions from UConn women's basketball fans.

A fan wrote, "AUBREY BACK ON THE COURT I PRAYED FOR TIMES LIKE THESE."

Another fan wrote, "seeing Aubrey hooping brings me so much joy can’t wait for her return!!"

A fan commented, "the whole united states is gonna hear me the moment Aubrey checks in."

Another fan commented, "Aubreyyyyy back on the court."

Fans excited reactions to Aubrey Griffin's training with UConn teammates. IG image via @uconnwbb

No. 7 UConn hosts conference rival Providence in the final game of 2024 on Sunday. Fans are excited about Griffin being in the game, having been out since the beginning of the year.

Geno Auriemma reveals plans for Aubrey Griffin's return to court before Jan. 1

UConn's women's basketball was dealt with injury woes, with star players like Aubrey Griffin, Azzi Fudd, Jana El Alfy, and Morgan Cheli forced to watch from the sidelines as Paige Bueckers led the way for the Huskies this season. Griffin is one of the four who is yet to return to court this season.

However, UConn head coach, Geno Auriemma, revealed there were plans for the graduate forward to return before the new year.

"That’s the plan, that’s the schedule that she’s on,” he said.

Auriemma also explained that Griffin, who had participated in controlled simulated games, would begin a more intense game during her recovery journey.

“It was like a real game, no holds barred. It didn’t take long- and it’s only about 20 minutes or so- but she looked like her old self more than at any other time since the surgery,” he added.

Griffin has been impressive for UConn despite injury setbacks. She has racked up 916 points, shooting an impressive 52.9% from the field in her 110 games for UConn. Griffin also tied Rebecca Lobo’s 11 consecutive field goals in a single game.

Based on the NCAA’s COVID-19 rule, Griffin is eligible to play one last year for the Huskies.