Huskies’ coach Geno Auriemma wasn’t sure if the rest of the Big East coaches were paying attention last season. But all uncertainty was put to rest Thursday when sophomore Tiffany Hayes was one of 12 players named to the Preseason All-Big East team.
Hayes was joined by All-American teammates Maya Moore and Tina Charles. Both Moore, the conference preseason Player of the Year, and Charles were unanimous selections.
“I’m honored to be on the team,’’ Hayes said. “It’s definitely a proud moment for me knowing where I started last year and coming this far. Making this team just shows that other people are watching and knowing that I’m working hard to help the team out more this year.’’
Hayes was named to the conference all-freshman team a year ago when she averaged 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 25.7 minutes in 39 games (17 starts). This season she is expected to see her role with the defending national champions further expand.
“She’s really good,’’ Auriemma said. “I think she’s better than she showed last year too. Last year she was just like, `I’m here.’ She’s much more aggressive now, much more assertive. She knows that she has to play great, and really good players want that. And she’s OK with it.’’
Charles earned one vote for Big East Player of the Year. That’s the type of year those outside of Storrs are expecting from the Huskies’ All-American center.
Here are the thoughts of Notre Dame senior Lindsay Schrader about having to play UConn twice during the regular season:
“I love it. I love it. I say bring it on,’’ she said. “Someone actually came up to me and said, `Oh, my God, you’ve got to play UConn twice. How do you feel about it?’ It’s great. I love to play. I think we’re going to give them a run for their money. And you know what? I think we’re coming into this season with a chip on our shoulder. Yeah, we’re worrying how to guard them. But they have to worry how they are going to guard us. And that’s a big part this year because have so many weapons, including Skylar Diggins now, that they’ve got to worry about us.
“And we should have that attitude. And we didn’t last year, but we do now. I think it’s because of our experience and because of everyone returning. And Skylar has that attitude as a player. And so do I. She’s the kind of player that kind of looks you in the eye and says, `You know what? We’re not going to lose.’ And that’s how everybody on our team is now.’’
Rich
