Makurat transferring from UConn
Sophomore guard Anna Makurat is transferring from UConn, the school announced Tuesday.
Makurat averaged 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 48 games over two seasons. She played in UConn’s first nine games this season — starting six — before missing 13 games with a stress fracture in her right leg.
“We appreciate Anna for her efforts and for being a great teammate the last two seasons,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said in a statement. “We wish Anna and her family the best as she continues her collegiate career.”
Makurat, who came to UConn from Poland, averaged 7.9 points and was second on the team in assists (105) and third in 3-pointers (59) as a freshman. She played in all 32 games that season, starting 14.
“Thank you to my teammates and coaches at UConn for supporting me for the last two seasons,” Makurat said. “I’ve grown a lot both on and off the court in my first two years in America. I wish everyone the best at UConn, and I am excited for my next chapter.”
Makurat then took to social media.
“I came to the US two years ago to pursue playing basketball at the highest level. I’ve learned so much about myself on and off the court at UConn. I’d like to thank my coaches and teammates for supporting me through everything in Storrs. You’ve helped me become a better person and player,” Makurat said in an Instagram post.
“I’d like to thank my family for supporting my decision to come to America to play college basketball. After discussing with them, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest right now to enter the transfer portal. Nothing but love for the Huskies and UConn!”
Among the comments on the post: Paige Bueckers wrote “Family for life” and Evina Westbrook said “Love you always.”
Makurat was set to face a minutes crunch heading into the 2021-22 season. As it
stands, the Huskies will return the full roster while adding three more recruits — No. 1 overall prospect Azzi Fudd, Caroline Ducharme and Amari DeBerry. Fudd and Ducharme are guards, DeBerry is a forward.
Makurat did not play in the Elite Eight game against Baylor, although Auriemma credited her with calling out her teammates as the Huskies fell behind: “You guys need to change the look on your face, man,” Makurat said, according to Auriemma.
She then saw only three minutes of action versus Arizona in the Final Four. She played seven minutes toward the end of UConn’s Sweet 16 win over Iowa, hitting two 3-pointers.
In total, she scored only 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting in the NCAA Tournament.
Her sister Ola, who played at Utah, also has plans to transfer.