6-foot-3 UConn ahead Aaliyah Edwards has develop into a twin machine for the No. 5 Huskies ahead, who visits Seton Corridor on Tuesday for a Large East recreation. (AP Picture/Jeff Dean)
Former UConn All-American and Olympian gold medalist Tina Charles headed to the Storrs over the weekend as she prepares for her thirteenth season within the WNBA and is at the moment taking part in for the Seattle Storm.
Charles, who’s a 6-foot-5 quarterback, ended up taking part in UConn’s 6-3 small ahead, Aaliyah Edwards, in a singles recreation. Charles, trailing 2-1, received three straight factors, scoring to take a 3-2 lead on a candy spin, shifting the ball from her proper hand to her left and kissing by means of the glass from her left and shutting it down. Easy soar shot.
“They began taking part in and it was all humorous and humorous till Aaliyah went 2-1 and later grew to become a Corridor of Famer and WNBA MVP in opposition to a school child,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma stated with a smile.
“Aaliyah realized so much and acquired kicked out of it and I believe she’s trying ahead to it taking place once more. I acquired to see the hilarious Tina and get to see Tina, the starter on the Olympic workforce.”
Edwards responded with 17 factors and 11 rebounds in Yukon’s 65-50 win over Georgetown on Sunday on the XL Heart. The fifth-ranked Huskies (15-2, 8-0 Large East) might be subsequent up at Seton Corridor (13-5, 6-2) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (SNY).
Edwards soared her confidence, averaging 16.5 factors and 9.4 rebounds per recreation and capturing 62.8%. On December 28 in opposition to Creighton, Edwards grabbed 20 rebounds, making her the primary UConn participant with 20 rebounds in a recreation since Maya Moore.
Towards Georgetown, Edwards recorded her seventh double-double of the season after failing to succeed in the milestone even as soon as final yr.
“It was nice taking part in in opposition to knowledgeable,” Edwards stated of Charles. “It was nice matching her up for me individually after which for us as a workforce.
“She’s very loud and likewise made her low profile presence identified. It helped me work my protection in opposition to an even bigger and longer encounter after which additionally offensively, making an attempt to get buckets on her, which I did.”
Oraima stated that Edwards’ profession path really bore a powerful resemblance to that of Charles.
Charles took a again seat at UConn to All-People Moore and Renee Mongtomery. As a junior and senior, she then helped lead the Huskies to 39-0 seasons that culminated within the nationwide championships. Charles was UConn’s all-time main rebounder (1,367), the primary general choose within the 2010 WNBA Draft, chosen by the Connecticut Solar.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, Maya Moore has been 10 for the reason that day she walked on campus, proper?” Auriemma stated. “Tina was most likely 5 or 6, perhaps seven on some good days the primary couple of years. And being me, I saved asking her why Maya is a first-team All-American and Renee is a first-team All-American and also you’re sitting there, clapping among the many public.”
Charles informed the coach that she could be honored subsequent yr.
“Properly, the subsequent yr that modified and she or he determined she wished to be a ten after which it was a ten day by day for the subsequent two years,” stated Orima.
So that you clarify that to Aaliyah and say, ‘Your first two years have been just about (like these of Charles). The problem now’s you must be like a ten day by day. You need to be like a professional day by day now the remainder of this yr and all subsequent yr in case you’re You wish to get to what it’s.”
UConn defeated Seton Corridor 98-73 on December 21, incomes Edwards’ 23 factors and 6 gamers general in double figures.
Regardless of this, Okon, who has been stricken by accidents, was dealt one other blow on Sunday when main scorer Zazi Vad collided along with her beforehand injured proper knee and missed the second half.
The Huskies led Georgetown 24-23 at halftime and dedicated 23 turnovers general.
“I really feel like we’re undoubtedly pleased to have one other recreation as quickly as doable,” UConn middle guard Nika Muhl stated Sunday. “Properly, personally, I’m livid with the best way immediately’s match went regardless of our victory. We’re actually pleased to have one other match as quickly as doable simply so we are able to sort things as quickly as doable.”
v.fulkerson@theday.com