Jana El Alfy\u2019s comeback from a torn Achilles could transform the UConn Huskies women\u2019s basketball team, at least according to one analyst. The 6\u20195\u2033 center missed the entire 2023-24 season but returned to play all 40 games in 2024-25, appearing in 27 starts.<\/p>\n
On the way to the team\u2019s 12th national title, the Egyptian center proved that while superstar Paige Buckers has moved on to the WNBA, hope isn\u2019t lost in Storrs, Connecticut.<\/p>\n
How Will Jana El Alfy\u2019s Presence Change UConn\u2019s Offensive System?<\/p>\n
Jana El Alfy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Azzi Fudd, one of the team\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On a recent episode of the Huskies Show<\/a>, YouTube analyst Prime Field explained how El-Alfy will contribute to HC Geno Auriemma\u2019s team.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cHer 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\u2019t just make Huskies better. She makes them exponentially more dangerous, giving them a dimension they simply did not have without her.\u201d<\/p>\n What Does El Alfy\u2019s Recovery Mean for UConn\u2019s Championship Hopes?<\/p>\n 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\u2019s national team in summer 2023, forcing her to redshirt her freshman season.<\/p>\n The Egyptian center was 16 months into her recovery when the 2024-25 season began. Her successful return validated UConn\u2019s patience with her rehabilitation process. In 2022, El Alfy became the first African woman invited to attend the NBA Global Academy in Australia.<\/p>\n