Jana El Alfy’s comeback from a torn Achilles could transform the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, at least according to one analyst. The 6’5″ center missed the entire 2023-24 season but returned to play all 40 games in 2024-25, appearing in 27 starts.

On the way to the team’s 12th national title, the Egyptian center proved that while superstar Paige Buckers has moved on to the WNBA, hope isn’t lost in Storrs, Connecticut.

How Will Jana El Alfy’s Presence Change UConn’s Offensive System?

Jana El Alfy’s return will reshape how the Huskies attack. Her size and skill set create a different dynamic than what coach Geno Auriemma had without her. The center commands double teams in the post, which opens up driving lanes and three-point opportunities for teammates.

Last season, El Alfy averaged 5.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and an assist per game while shooting 52.4% from the field. She appeared in all 40 games with 27 starts, showing her durability after the Achilles injury that cost her the 2023-24 campaign.

Azzi Fudd, one of the team’s most crucial pieces next season, benefited greatly from having El Alfy on the court. Fudd averaged 13.6 points per game in 2024-25, shooting 47.4% from the field and 43.6% from three-point range.

Meanwhile, Sarah Strong dominated as a freshman, averaging 16.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Strong started all 40 games and was named the 2025 WBCA NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year. She led UConn in rebounds with 356 total and ranked second on the team in scoring with 611 points.

On a recent episode of the Huskies Show, YouTube analyst Prime Field explained how El-Alfy will contribute to HC Geno Auriemma’s team.

“Her position at the top of this list is a testament to the colossal impact her return from a devastating Achilles injury could have. A healthy J.E.A. doesn’t just make Huskies better. She makes them exponentially more dangerous, giving them a dimension they simply did not have without her.”

What Does El Alfy’s Recovery Mean for UConn’s Championship Hopes?

Achilles injuries present major challenges for basketball players, especially centers that rely on explosive movements and jumping ability. El Alfy tore her Achilles while playing for Egypt’s national team in summer 2023, forcing her to redshirt her freshman season.

The Egyptian center was 16 months into her recovery when the 2024-25 season began. Her successful return validated UConn’s patience with her rehabilitation process. In 2022, El Alfy became the first African woman invited to attend the NBA Global Academy in Australia.

RELATED: Azzi Fudd Set to Benefit From Sarah Strong’s Strategy as Analyst Predicts UConn’s Starting Lineup

Strong’s freshman season broke multiple UConn records. She finished second in points by a freshman with 611, first in rebounds with 333, second in assists with 135, fourth in steals with 89, and fourth in blocks with 62. Against top-25 opponents, Strong averaged 16.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

Fudd’s comeback story paralleled El Alfy’s journey. The guard missed significant time with injuries in previous seasons but returned to lead UConn’s championship run. She shot 91.7% from the free-throw line and earned multiple weekly honors throughout the season.

UConn has used dominant post players to create opportunities for perimeter shooters throughout its championship history. El Alfy’s ability to draw defenders inside allowed Fudd to get cleaner looks from three-point range, while Strong could operate more freely on the perimeter.

The combination of El Alfy’s interior presence, Fudd’s shooting, and Strong’s versatility gave UConn the balance needed to capture the 2025 NCAA championship. El Alfy’s health remained the key factor, but her successful return from the Achilles injury proved she could handle a full season’s workload.