Women’s hoops analyst heaps praise on UConn freshman after Geno Auriemma compared her to Breanna Stewart: “Has played with so much poise”

UConn freshman Sarah Strong is turning heads with her strong first-year campaign. In the Huskies' 8-0 season-opening slate, Strong is averaging 16.3 points and 7.6 rebounds to go along with 3.6 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks.

She's also been named as both the BIG EAST Player and Freshman of the Week for UConn's wins over Louisville and Holy Cross this past week. Strong averaged 21.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals in those two games.

Among the fans she has garnered include women's sports analysts, Meghan McKeown and Zora Stephenson. On Monday's episode of their podcast, "Got Next with Meghan & Zora," McKeown referenced Huskies coach Geno Auriemma's post-game comments after UConn's 85-52 win over Louisville, where he likened the rookie's play to his alumna Breanna Stewart.

"Sarah Strong, my goodness gracious," McKeown said. "The freshman who has played with so much poise. Geno (Auriemma) in an interview recently said that he reminded her of Breanna Stewart. ... Everything she does, she's so poised and that's what makes her so good.

"For her to drop 21 points and eight rebounds against a really good Louisville team, what more do you want right now? She has started every single game her freshman season. She doesn't look like a freshman out there." (4:36)

Strong and UConn's next fixture is against Hannah Hidalgo and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Thursday in an away game.

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It's all new beginnings for UConn's Sarah Strong in her rookie season

During Big East Media Day, McKeown had the chance to sit down with Strong and talk about her expectations heading into her first ride in the college scene. As the rookie is seen saying in the podcast episode:

"Just getting out there with a new team, new environment, new coaching staff for me. Just excited for what's to come." (5:52)

Safe to say, Strong has surpassed previous expectations. If she keeps it up, it won't be long before she and the rest of the Huskies are in contention for a national title.