For UConn freshman Blanca Quiñonez, the rise has been rapid. She has quickly become the Huskies’ first option off the bench. She’s quick, skilled, smart, and versatile enough to play multiple positions. But while many would guess her name, she isn’t the freshman who has impressed Geno Auriemma the most!

That distinction belongs to Jazzy Davidson. As Geno told CT Insider, “She’s probably the best freshman in the country at this point based on what has happened on the court, not the hype part….I think she’s everything that she was advertised to be.”

And the praise checks out. Among USC’s roster, Davidson was the most prepared to step into a starring role following the absence of superstar guard JuJu Watkins. 

She didn’t hesitate. She adjusted. And she delivered. She comes up after leading the charge with 22 points, 12 rebounds and four assists against Washington. 

Davidson also leads the USC Trojans in scoring at 16.7 points per game. She’s putting up seven rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.3 blocks per contest.

She got length and uses it on both ends of the floor. She’s as impactful defensively as she is offensively. She jumps passing lanes, thrives in transition, leads the break, and creates her own offense at the rim and in the midrange. When defenders collapse, she finds open cutters.

That’s why Auriemma’s statement carries weight. Since taking over as UConn’s head coach in 1985, the Hall of Fame coach has guided elite talent, and he never hands out praise lightly. But what’s next? 

USC prepares for a redemption against UConn. 

Huskies and Trojans are preparing to close out their regular-season series this Saturday in Los Angeles. It will be the No. 1 Huskies’ road matchup against a ranked opponent this season.

The last time these programs met was when UConn defeated USC in the Elite Eight on its way to a national championship, powered by composure and experience.

Only this time, USC enters with momentum. The Trojans are coming off a 59–50 win over Washington, as they controlled the glass with 50 rebounds and dominated in bench points, fast-break scoring, and interior production.

UConn, however, is no stranger to high-level execution. Through nine games, the Huskies’ offense has operated at a championship level, and currently lead the nation with 24.1 assists per game.

With talent on both sides and momentum building, fireworks feel inevitable. Don't you agree?

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Joyita Das