Each week, we’ll offer a preview of what to expect from each member of the defending National Champion UConn Huskies roster.
Breanna Stewart
Senior F
6’4
Background:
To read of Breanna Stewart’s collegiate accomplishments is a time-consuming endeavor. From her Final Four Most Outstanding Performer award in 2013 to her…Final Four Most Outstanding Performer award in 2015, Stewart has picked up enough hardware to fill a Storrs-sized museum.
She has led UConn to three consecutive national championships. She is the only player to win the aforementioned Final Four MOP three times. She has been recognized on all-conference teams in two different conferences. She’s won the Naismith Trophy twice. She’s won six gold medals, most recently at the U19 World Championship in 2013.
And she’s not done yet.
Last year:
Stewart saw a slight drop in minutes and a slightly larger dip in her rate stats last season but compensated by playing a remarkably efficient game. She improved her field goal percentage from 49.7 to 53.9 and attempted far fewer three-pointers during her junior campaign than she had the year before. The result was a balanced UConn team that caught its stride in the second week of the season and rolled to the national championship. Following an overtime loss in their second game of the season to Stanford, not only did the Huskies win out, they won every game by double-figures (including the title game).
What to expect:
The goal for Stewart is singular and crystal clear: to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive national championship. With a hefty assist from fellow senior guard Moriah Jefferson, Stewart has a chance to be remembered as the greatest champion that college basketball has ever known. For most teams, championship-level expectations are unfair and uncalled for. Not so for Stewart and the Huskies.
The most interesting subplot for Stewart this season will be her perceived — and statistical — place in UConn history. Currently, most place Stewart in the conversation with Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore as the greatest players to don Husky blue.
Moore possesses the highest scoring average in UConn history and is the only Husky to top 3,000 career points. Barring a legitimate miracle (of the 27 points per game variety), Stewart won’t catch Moore.
Taurasi won three championships during her time in Storrs and has become the most visible and well known women’s basketball player in the world.
Even if Stewart completes her goal, and wins that fourth ring, does she surpass Taurasi in the hearts and minds of UConn fans?
The answer is obviously unclear, but the question adds another element of intrigue to a UConn season that will see many more double-figure victories. That all starts tonight as UConn opens against Ohio State, a game that might present a favorable matchup for Stewart.
But it will also serve as a reminder to appreciate the greatness that is on display whenever Stewart takes the court. When this season — and Stewart’s collegiate career — come to an end, it’s a good bet that she’ll have some more hardware to add to the list.
Guess at stats:
| 29.4 MPG | 52.8% FG | 32.5 3PT% | 1.9 SPG | 2.9 APG | 19.2 PTS |
Follow Breanna Stewart on Twitter.
