The Huskies conclude their two-game exhibition schedule tonight against Vanguard, who was ranked No. 2 in the NAIA Division I preseason poll, at the XL Center at 7. For those of you looking for the connection it lies with head coach Russ Davis, who is also the AAU coach of UConn-bound recruit Lauren Engeln. The Lions have already faced Stanford (L, 107-49 Nov. 1), California (L, 101-81 Nov. 3) and Arizona State (L, 97-64 Nov. 5).
It will be interesting to see how Lorin Dixon performs. She certainly needs to improve on a one-point, three-assist effort in 19 minutes against St. Rose last Thursday. It will be interesting to see if freshman Kelly Faris gain plays nearly perfect off the bench and whether or not Heather Buck is more active. I think it’s safe to say that Tiffany Hayes will bounce back from her 1-of-11 shooting display against the Golden Knights.
Also, this will be another chance for Caroline Doty to prove she is inching closer to reaching full speed. She totaled 14 points (3-of-10 FG) and six rebounds in 20 minutes the other night. Coach Geno Auriemma walked away encouraged by what he saw.
“She did more than just shoot the ball, which is good because every time she shot it she missed,’’ Auriemma said. “It was good that she was able to get to the basket a couple times, find people, pass the ball a little bit. When you haven’t played for a whole year almost, that’s hard. It’s been hard on her in practice. She’s kind of hard on herself to begin with. Then she wants it to come real easily, and it’s not going to come easy. It’s going to take a month or so. Everybody says six months and you’re ready to go. No, you’re not. Those ACLs are not six months. They’re more 8 or 9 months before you feel like you’re playing.’’
The Huskies will unveil the 2008-09 national championship banner prior to Saturday’s season-opener against Northeastern at Gampel Pavilion.
The first day of the NCAA fall signing period is Wednesday. That’s when all those oral commitments from Stefanie Dolson, Bria Hartley, Engeln, Samarie Walker and Michala Johnson will become official. The Huskies continue to chat with Chiney Ogwumike, who still has yet to announce her decision. She has visited UConn, Stanford and Notre Dame in recent weeks.
Rich
