The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Freshman Makurat earns positive reviews
STORRS — Anna Makurat is a freshman, but only in the literal sense.
Her demeanor on the basketball court reminds Geno Auriemma of someone who’s a bit older and wiser.
“You say she’s a freshman, she’s not really,” the UConn coach said before a recent practice. “She’s not really a freshman. She’s a much more mature basketball player than any freshman could ever be.”
Makurat, a 19yearold from Poland, impressed Auriemma enough during the first few weeks of practice to earn a start in Sunday’s exhibition against Division II Jefferson. The 6foot1 guard responded by scoring nine points (six in the first quarter) over 26 minutes in a 10340 victory at Gampel Pavilion.
“I was excited for her,” senior point guard Crystal Dangerfield said. “We all could see the first couple minutes, even in warmups, that she was a little bit nervous. But she went out in the first quarter and she held her own. That’s what we expect because she’s a pro.”
Makurat started fast — converting three fastbreak layups in the opening quarter alone — but finished slow. Overall, Makurat, a noted shooter, was just 4of12 from the floor and missed all five of her 3point tries.
Auriemma sensed some frustration and nervousness from her along the way.
“She’s kind of hard on herself,” he said. “So when she missed her first two or three, I knew she was missing the next 23. That’s how she is. She gets really mad at herself, she gets really angry.”
Makurat already has experience playing against older opponents, having competed in Liga Basket Kobiet, Poland’s top professional league. She could’ve continued doing that, but decided instead to commit to UConn in the spring.
So far, the early returns have been encouraging.
“I would say she’s been pretty impressive,” Auriemma said. “I think if you ask the players, they would tell you that she’s earned their confidence right away. They trust her. They believe in her. They can see the value that she’s
going to have.”
Change is in the air: The Big East will look a bit different next season — in more ways than one.
When the Huskies renew acquaintances with Villanova as part of their return to their old conference, Auriemma’s friend, Harry Perretta, 64, will be noticeably absent. The Wildcats coach announced last week that he plans to retire at the end of this, his 42nd season.
Auriemma said Sunday that he was surprised at the timing of the announcement, but not at the news.
“I mean, 42 years is a long time to be doing something,” said Auriemma, who’s entering his 35th year in Storrs. “He’s younger than me. I know looks can be deceiving, but in this case … they are.”
Auriemma, 65, said that Perretta called him every year for 10 years to tell him he wanted to retire. And yet, Perretta always kept coming back.
“Good, I don’t feel like coaching against you anymore,” Auriemma would jokingly tell him. “I don’t want to come down (to Philadelphia) and go through this excruciating pain of playing Villanova. … Find something else to do.”
Perretta, whose 765 career wins rank 13th alltime
among active Division I coaches, has dealt with unspecified health problems the last few years. He’s planning to remain at Villanova for one year following retirement as a special assistant to the athletic director.
UConn is 3617 alltime against Villanova. The schools last played in 2013, with the Huskies winning 7643.
Injury woes: Senior Batouly Camara had her left knee scoped on Monday, the school announced. She’s expected to miss six to eight weeks.
The 6foot2 forward played only 25 games last season while hampered by a knee injury. She averaged
1.6 and 1.2 rebounds per game.
Looking at the future: Class of 2021 prospect Amari DeBarry took her unofficial visit to Storrs this week, according to her Twitter. DeBarry, a 65 forward from Williamsville, N.Y., is ranked fifth in her class. She was joined by Isuneh Brady, a 63 forward from San Diego and the thirdranked prospect in the Class of 2022.
In July, the Huskies secured their first commitment from the Class of 2021 in 62 guard Saylor Poffenbarger, the No. 17 prospect.