MAKING THEIR PRESENCE KNOWN
New Huskies Williams, Nelson-Ododa jumping right in, making impression
This season the Huskies are adding two fresh faces to the mix in freshmen Christyn Williams and Olivia Nelson-Ododa. Both are promising players who could have a positive impact on UConn’s season as the Huskies try to find their way back to the national title game.
UConn saw an influx of new players last year with incoming freshmen and transfers, but this year they’re welcoming just two. Williams and Nelson-Ododa are strong additions, though, and there are high expectations for the duo.
“They better have an impact this year,” coach Geno Auriemma said over the summer at his annual charity golf tournament. “I’m not saying we’re going to go into any game and say, ‘Listen, it’s on you guys.’ That’s not going to happen, but we certainly need them to play and be a part of it. They didn’t come here to sit on the bench, neither of them. And they didn’t come here to watch and cheer. They came here to play, and they’re going to contribute, believe me. They’re going to contribute a lot. They really are.
With less than a week of practice under their belts, the pair were already garnering praise from their teammates and Auriemma. Williams, especially, has been a standout early. The freshman guard has exhibited a wealth of confidence and aggression that fits Auriemma’s style perfectly, and she’s proven to be a pleasant surprise for a team that’s looking to replace three key players.
Williams came to UConn as ESPN’s No. 1 high school recruit, the 2018 Gatorade National Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American. She was also named the 2018 Naismith Player of the Year and WBCA High School Player of the Year. She’s won multiple medals with the national team, taking home two golds with the U18 team, a silver with the U19 team and a bronze with the U17 team.
Nelson-Ododa has been eager to learn and improve in early practices. Auriemma has said that the transition from high school to college is much tougher on forwards than it is on guards so it’s going to take more time for Nelson-Ododa to become fully comfortable.
Nelson-Ododa and Williams crossed paths before coming to Storrs, as Nelson-Ododa was also a McDonald’s All-American and a member of the U18 team that won gold in Mexico City. The 6-foot-4 forward also won a bronze medal with the U17 team and was the No. 5 recruit in the nation in ESPN’s rankings.
Here’s a look at what the freshmen bring to this season’s team:
Christyn Williams
The basics: 5-11, guard, Fr.
Last played for: Central Arkansas Christian High School, Little Rock, Ark. Known for: Impressive high school career, confidence and ability to speed up the pace of the game.
Williams says: “Of course I’m prepared. I’ve been playing basketball since I was 3. I was born to do this. This is why I came to Connecticut, because I wanted to get better and I knew I was going to have to step up and play because [Coach Auriemma] needs me. So I’m just really excited to do that.”
Geno Auriemma says: “She’s talented, obviously. She’s supremely talented and supremely confident. Like, really confident. Not like fake, pretend confidence. And she has an aggressive mentality. You don’t have to tell her twice about making an aggressive play. She doesn’t worry about ‘what if I screw anything up?’ She’s not the typical freshman, so I’ve always been partial to kids that are fearless. She’s fearless and talented.”
What to expect: A freshman who can make an immediate impact on the team and will likely see ample playing time in her first season, adding an aggressive presence on the court.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa
The basics: 6-4, forward, Fr. Last played for: Winder Barrow High School, Winder, Ga.
Known for: Impressive high school career, with an ability to produce in the paint, pull down rebounds and, yes, play above the rim.
Nelson-Ododa says: “Right away I believe I can bring my skill set in terms of running the floor and working hard. That’s mainly what I can do, and anything that comes along with that I’m determined to bring.” Geno Auriemma says: “Olivia is not by nature that kind of aggressive kid, so it’s going to take her a little bit of time, but she’s really skilled so she’ll catch up.”
What to expect: A steady amount of minutes from Nelson-Ododa, but a period of adjustment at the beginning of the season that will eventually lead to more production.