November 1, 2024
Locked On Women’s Basketball: BIG EAST preview
By The Next
Key BIG EAST conference storylines
The college basketball season starts on Monday and to get us ready for it, The Next’s BIG EAST writer Tee Baker joins host Natalie Heavren to chat all about the conference. The pair talk about who is predicted to be at the top of the conference and check in with Marquette, Villanova and Xavier. Tee also talks about games and players to watch this season.
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On the podcast, Tee discussed the newcomers on the UConn Huskies roster, highlighted by BIG EAST Preseason Freshman of the Year, Sarah Strong.
“Sarah Strong … can just do so much on the court. She’s a forward, but has ball handling skills and is an excellent shooter. [UConn head coach Geno Auriemma] talked about her as someone who changes the program, not just this year, but for the next several years that she’s part of the program. And I’m just very interested to see how her talent fits alongside a talent like Paige Bueckers.”
Later, Tee provided analysis on the Providence Friars, a team led by second-year head coach Erin Batth. The Friars were selected as the No. 3 seed in the preseason coaches’ poll.
“[Coach Batth] is so energetic, she’s so funny, she’s so lovely to chat with, and she brings such a spirit of family and relationship building to the program that’s really elevated it to a different level. [The Friars] return all of their starters from last year, and that includes talents like their 6’3 big Olivia Olsen, guard Brynn Farrell and their wing, Marta Morales Romero alongside guards Grace Efosa and one of their top shooters, Emily Archibald. So they are a team that brings some consistency from last year and also brings in some new talent, and I’m excited to see how they perform.”
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