In Storrs, Connecticut, the upcoming showdown between South Dakota State and UConn promises a stark contrast to their previous March Madness encounter due to roster transformations that have unfolded over the year. Previously hampered by injuries, both teams now head into Monday night’s game aiming for a Sweet 16 spot with far deeper benches.
Last season, South Dakota State’s starters played between 28 to 31 minutes, while UConn’s primary six players consistently logged over 30 minutes each game. This year, however, not a single UConn player averages 30 minutes per game, and the Jackrabbits boast a lineup where 10 players get more than 10 minutes every game.
UConn’s head coach Geno Auriemma highlights the team’s newfound depth by saying, “I’ve gotten so used to not having a full complement of players that I had forgotten that coaching is hard. A lot of coaches have to make decisions on what’s my lineup going to look like. I haven’t had to do that in four years. Everybody plays 40 minutes, and they all love life.”
KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade, contributors to UConn’s 2024 Final Four run, now find themselves coming off the bench. With Azzi Fudd making a comeback and Princeton’s Kaitlyn Chen in a starting role, Shade underlines the bench’s importance, stating, “Coming off the bench, you kind of emphasize changing the game when you’re in. Just being a spark off the bench is something we take very seriously.”
Meanwhile, South Dakota State’s head coach Aaron Johnston, who primarily used a seven-player rotation against Oklahoma State, mentions, “This year’s team has depth due to the challenges faced over the past years. There are several players returning who have been starters at some point in their careers.” He emphasizes the balance between utilizing the bench’s productive talent and keeping key players on the floor.
Additionally, this match holds particular significance for four Minnesota natives on South Dakota State, presenting them with a chance to face Minnesota basketball sensation Paige Bueckers and the accomplished UConn Huskies. Madison Mathiowetz, a South Dakota State guard, expresses her excitement about facing Bueckers, having admired her from a distance.
Senior forward Kallie Theisen, who faced Bueckers multiple times during their high school days, remarks on the full-circle nature of this college basketball clash, especially as it will mark Bueckers’ final home game at UConn. Theisen acknowledges Bueckers as a well-regarded player with a significant following since her high school days.
Reflecting on the prominence of Minnesota talent in women’s college basketball, Bueckers shares, “I attribute it a little to the cold weather and wanting to be inside. I always found myself in the gym, and I am sure many can relate.” She adds, “Minnesota is a basketball state. Everyone knows it as a hockey state, but playing on this stage in March Madness fulfills the dreams many of us had as kids.”
