UConn HC Geno Auriemma provides update on KK Arnold’s ankle problems

UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma issued a positive update on sophomore guard KK Arnold who suffered an ankle injury during practice.

Auriemma addressed the media on Wednesday and said all signs point to Arnold's likely participation in Thursday's game against the Boston University Terriers.

"We didn't practice Monday but yesterday, she looked really good. She's gonna go again today and she'll play her usual amount of time tomorrow."

Arnold was sidelined in the pre-season game against Fort Hays State, but the Huskies captured the 89-49 win at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.

The Huskies only utilized an eight-player rotation, but they dominated the whole game, emphasized by the 50% shooting from the field and a 20-rebound advantage.

Paige Bueckers led with 27 points and nine rebounds. Ashlynn Shade and Kaitlyn Chen combined for 29 points, 10 boards, and six steals. Qadence Samuels produced 12 points off the bench.

UConn will open the season with a healthy roster

After having injury-riddled rosters for the past three years, No. 2 UConn welcomes the 2024-2025 campaign with 10 players available against Boston University.

Aside from Arnold, Morgan Cheli is expected to play at the Hartford Center after battling quad and hamstring issues during the preseason preparations.

Jana El Alfy (achilles) and Ayanna Patterson (knee tendinitis) are on the road to recovery, while the likes of Azzi Fudd (ACL), Aubrey Griffin (ACL) and Caroline Ducharme (head) remain sidelined.

With the Huskies slowly regaining their health, Auriemma is optimistic this season. He said:

"Whatever you see out there now, it's gonna look a lot different. I'm excited to see what it would look like when we have the ability to plug in people as we see fit."

UConn looks to repeat a deep run into the NCAA tournament, where they advanced to the Final Four last season. Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl are no longer with the team, having made the transition to the WNBA.

Despite losing two graduates, the Huskies added 2024 #1 ranked recruit Sarah Strong, who won gold medals in the 2022 and 2023 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup as well as the FIBA Under-18 Women's AmeriCup. The Huskies also snatched Princeton graduate Kaitlyn Chen, a three-time Most Outstanding Player of the Ivy League tournament.

After the Terriers, the Huskies will face South Florida (Sunday), North Carolina (Nov. 15), FDU (Nov. 20), and Oregon State (Nov. 25).