Inside UConn’s secret of chemistry over championships — and still winning both

PHOENIX — The UConn women’s basketball team has talked all season about not worrying about numbers or individual accolades.

When sophomore forward Sarah Strong was asked if winning the Naismith Trophy, awarded to the best player in women’s college basketball, was a dream come true, her answer was significant.

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“A dream come true? I wouldn’t say that, but I mean, it’s definitely a cool side mission,” Strong said.

Strong has won every individual award nationally this season and leads the Huskies in points (18.6 points per game), rebounds (7.6), steals (3.4) and blocks (1.6). But, like every player on UConn’s roster, she’s more worried about supporting her teammates and having fun.

“We all enjoy being around each other and are really happy for everyone’s success,” Strong said. “We just want the team to do well.”

More: UConn’s run to Final Four carries on Diana Taurasi’s legacy

The Huskies have been outstanding, winning 54 straight games since defending the national championship last season. UConn has won 12 championships since Geno Auriemma took over as coach 41 years ago, so expectations are high for UConn’s Storrs. But his players, at least on this team, are used to the pressure and have learned to handle it together.

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“Even amidst all the pressure that comes with playing these games, they’re finding ways to have fun,” Auriemma said. “These guys are just enjoying it, all of it.”

UConn point guard KK Arnold, who averages 7.1 points and 4.6 assists per game, said the team spends all their time together, both on and off the court. They love each other’s company and thrive on giving each other a hard time.

“I don’t think we’re selfish,” Arnold said. “Making sure that everyone on this team performs well and everyone checks in on each other, I feel like that’s the unique thing about this team.

“We all live together and I feel like we’re always disturbing each other. We live in each other’s apartments. Everybody likes to break into each other’s rooms. So I feel like we have open access to each other 24/7.”

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Azzi Fudd is an All-American and the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 17.5 points per game. Paige Bueckers, who also served as the de facto leader of the Huskies after graduating, spent last summer playing her rookie season with the WNBA’s Dallas Wings. She knows her career at UConn is coming to an end, but she’s trying to live in the moment.

“I feel like I’ve been in denial that this is my last weekend,” Forde said. “I know, but I haven’t really accepted it yet. I’m really just trying to enjoy every moment.”

Forde did not go to the WNBA, but returned for a fifth season. She has never regretted her choice.

“This is a super special team…our priority, our main goal, is the team as opposed to individual numbers, individual performance, and that’s a very special mentality to be fair, especially in this day and age,” Forde said. “I think it’s hard to find a program like this.

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“Every game makes everything more fun when you’re playing for something bigger than yourself.”

The goal this weekend is a 13th title. You can bet UConn will be celebrating its success together.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UConn unselfish, unstoppable, 54-game winning streak reaches Final Four