Key Highlights
- UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma expresses doubt about the return of key players Ice Brady and Morgan Cheli for the 2025-26 season.
- Auriemma says he would be “pleasantly surprised” if either player sees the court again this season due to ongoing injuries.
- Brady appeared in the first two games of the season but was sidelined by inflammation issues before the second game.
UConn Women’s Basketball Faces Uncertainty with Key Players’ Futures in Doubt
STORRS — In a move that has cast uncertainty over UConn women’s basketball, head coach Geno Auriemma admitted on Wednesday that it is unlikely two of his star players, redshirt junior Ice Brady and sophomore Morgan Cheli, will return to the court this season.
Auriemma’s Uncertain Outlook
Speaking at a press conference held in Storrs, Geno Auriemma expressed his disappointment but also his pragmatism regarding the situation. “I would be pleasantly surprised if either Ice Brady or Morgan Cheli sees the court again this season,” he said, adding that their injury statuses have been a source of concern for him and the team.
Brady’s time in the spotlight was brief, as she appeared in just two games during the early part of the 2025-26 season. In her limited time on the court, Brady averaged modest figures—just 2.5 points per game with an additional 3.0 rebounds over 11.5 minutes of play before being sidelined by inflammation-related issues.
Previous Injury History
Auriemma’s admission follows a history of injury concerns for both players, highlighting the challenges facing UConn’s women’s basketball program as they navigate a season with significant uncertainties. The coach has consistently kept fans and supporters informed about the progress of Brady and Cheli, but their continued absence from the lineup has raised questions about how the team will adapt without them.
“We’re all hoping for the best, but we have to prepare for the worst,” said Auriemma, emphasizing the importance of the team’s resilience in the face of these setbacks. “Our focus remains on developing the rest of the roster and ensuring that we can maintain a competitive edge despite these challenges.”
The uncertainty surrounding Brady and Cheli is just one aspect of UConn women’s basketball this season, as the team continues to build momentum for what could be an exciting year ahead.
