Imagine a player who spent years as the lone star on a struggling team, suddenly thrust into a powerhouse program like UConn women’s basketball. That’s the reality for Serah Williams, the 6-foot-4 transfer from Wisconsin, who’s already making waves in her new home. But here’s where it gets exciting: Williams isn’t just another talented player; she’s the missing piece that could transform UConn’s game entirely.
In their recent 84-67 exhibition win against Boston College, Williams wasn’t just good—she was dominant. In a mere 17 minutes, she racked up 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting, grabbed five rebounds, dished out two assists, and even added two blocks and a steal. And this is the part most people miss: UConn’s plus-18 margin when she was on the court wasn’t just a coincidence. It’s a testament to her impact.
Coach Geno Auriemma didn’t hold back his praise: ‘She’s pretty intense… She’s a really good rebounder, finishes around the basket, and defensively, she knows how to use her size and athleticism.’ But what’s truly game-changing is how Williams fits into UConn’s evolving strategy. Gone are the days of relying on a ‘point center’ like Paige Bueckers or fielding a lineup where 6-foot-2 Sarah Strong was the tallest player. With Williams, UConn can finally embrace a bigger, more versatile style.
On Monday, Auriemma experimented with lineups that few teams can match in size. Pairing Williams with Strong and 6-foot-2 freshman Blanca Quinonez created a dynamic trio—two forwards with guard skills alongside a traditional post presence. Even Ice Brady, who struggled with physicality last season, looked more comfortable as a power forward beside Williams. But here’s the controversial part: Is this the end of UConn’s small-ball era, or just a new chapter in their strategic evolution? Some fans might argue that the team’s identity is tied to their historic guard-heavy lineups, but Williams’ arrival suggests a shift toward a more balanced, size-driven approach.
Williams herself admits the transition hasn’t been easy. At Wisconsin, she was the focal point of every opponent’s defense, often facing double- or triple-teams. Now, surrounded by former top-15 recruits, she’s learning to play at a slower pace, trusting her teammates to share the scoring load. ‘I’m learning how to play team basketball,’ she said. ‘I really wanted that experience.’ This adjustment period is crucial, and Monday’s game hinted at her growing comfort level. She and Strong dominated the first half, combining for 10 of UConn’s 18 field goals and 25 of their 43 points.
But here’s where it gets controversial: When Boston College switched to a zone defense to limit UConn’s paint presence, it inadvertently opened up opportunities for the team’s shooters. Azzi Fudd, who attempted just four shots in the first half, exploded for five consecutive 3-pointers in the third quarter. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is Williams’ true value in her scoring and rebounding, or in her ability to create space for UConn’s perimeter stars?
As the season progresses, Williams will only get more comfortable in UConn’s system. And while Boston College isn’t the toughest opponent they’ll face, this exhibition showcased her potential to be a cornerstone of the team’s national title aspirations. ‘She’s going to be a huge help to us,’ Auriemma said. ‘She’ll probably play a lot more than 18 minutes in the future.’
So, here’s the big question for you: Can Serah Williams truly unlock UConn’s championship potential, or is her impact being overstated? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, the debate is wide open!
