College Basketball Media Day is packed with strategy breakdowns, practice updates, and season expectations. And then there are preseason polls and responses to awards.
But we asked more than X and O. Here are some things we haven’t heard from Madison Square Garden yet.
Paige’s first night troubles
The season hasn’t started yet, but the UConn men’s and women’s basketball players have recorded their first wins and first losses.
UConn’s first night skill competition Made the White Team and the Blue Team fightWhite team captained by Andre Jackson wins Paige Buckers blue team.
On Tuesday, some players on Jackson’s team claimed they knew they had won the bag. Told.
“When she became captain, I thought she would just talk. Just talk.”
“I was very confident in our shooter. Had he not been injured, we would have won.”
Buckers, of course, is out with an ACL injury. Jackson (finger injury) was also unable to participate.
Juhasz isn’t the only one listening to Bueckers’ list of excuses. Aji Fad, who led the White team in the 3-point race, also said he heard it from a friend of his.
“That girl is always making excuses about why she lost and why she didn’t,” Fudd said.
best dresser?
Media Day is the time when most athletes pick swag for the camera. Her endorsement deal with StockX Up her sneaker game, but she wasn’t at MSG.
So who is the best dressed?
Freshman Ayanna Patterson believes she holds the title.
“We’re not dressed the worst, but we’re dressed the best… Imma says herself, but if I don’t say myself, it has to be Paige “She got an IV,” Patterson said.
Get to know Ayana
After being named the Big East’s Preseason Freshman of the Year, people want to know more about Patterson. we know she can dunk.
UConn fans may have had a chance to see Patterson compete in the First Night dunk contest, but she twisted her ankle during practice and didn’t compete.
It may have been disappointing for fans, but Patterson has other ideas
“I want to land a dunk in the game. I could only try once in high school. “Excitement, fans, especially Gumpels. Gumpels would be great. Our fans are the best fans in the country, so it’s great to be able to do that and rock the crowd.”
Her teammates are still waiting to witness a dunk at practice.
“I’m not lying when I say, ‘I’ve never seen a girl jump that high,'” Juhaas said. “She works hard and her athleticism pays off. I think she’s doing a great job and I think it’s going to be a very important piece for us.”
Patterson’s prodigious athleticism wasn’t the only thing that surprised his teammates. Fudd got to know all the freshmen better and shared some interesting facts about Indiana native Patterson.
“She’s a country girl. She likes country music,” said Fudd.
joke star
The consensus for the funniest player on the team? Aubrey Griffin.
“We have a lot of interesting people, I would have to say Aubrey,” Juhaas said. “I don’t think a lot of people see that side of her. She’s a joker and she’s a very funny person.”
Apparently it’s her comedic spiciness that her teammates love. It’s the type of comedy that comes from whispering the right comment when you least expect it.
“Aubrey is quiet, but once you get to know her, she’s quiet, and it’s very funny,” Patterson said.
Jeno is better…?
Auriemma shared a funny anecdote at Media Day where the Bueckers teased him that his coaching style seemed a little, well, gentle because her injury sidelined her.
His response: “Well, last year I had two sore donkeys (see Bueckers and Nika Mühl). Only one is back this year, so it’s only half as bad.”
Speaking on this story, Fudd shed light on another reason why Auriemma might coach differently in pre-season practice.
“I think that’s a nice word, Nicer. I don’t want to say I’m happy,” Fudd said. “I think we did a good job as a team. , brings energy and strength every day, so those are not what he appeals to us.”
Thoughts on Gumpel
Media Day isn’t just about players showing off their best kicks and reacting to pre-season polls. It’s the beginning of the basketball season.
UConn players are thrilled to be back on the court, especially at the Gumpel Pavilion.
“Gumpel… so many people are close to you. I remember playing against you. UCF (NCAA Tournament)I felt like they were on the court with us and helping us through it all,” Juhász said. I think just being so close to our fans and students gives us so much energy.I love playing in Gumpel.It’s one of my favorite places to play.”
fad got excited The crowd on the first night, hitting 12 out of 3 of 15. The crowd of students and season ticket holders roared louder and louder throughout the competition.
“Obviously it feels great not to miss it, but just hearing the voices of the crowd and the voices of the students, just a little reminder of what the season will be like, gave[us]a lot of energy. ” said Fudd.
