Gabby Williams, former standout for UConn women’s basketball, recently made a playful jab at South Carolina and Tennessee during a discussion about the nation’s top women’s basketball program. Speaking on the Club 520 podcast, Williams emphasized the strength of the UConn program while acknowledging the competition.
Williams joined former NBA player Jeff Teague, along with DJ Wells and Brandon Hendricks, for the interview. She highlighted UConn’s impressive run from 2013 to 2016 and noted the school’s extensive championship history dating back to 1995 as evidence for her claim of UConn being the premier women’s basketball destination.
When the podcast hosts mentioned that Tennessee and South Carolina have strong cases as well, she responded with good-natured humor, defending UConn’s legacy while showing respect for her competitors.
“No disrespect, but I obviously disagree,e but anyways, cute moment,” Williams said (Timestamp: 15:50). “Shout out to Tennessee and South Carolina. Very cute. Mad respect though for especially what Dawn Staley is doing right now. I think she is she is building a dynasty. That’s no debate about that.”
Williams, originally from Sparks, Nevada, expressed pride in the culture at UConn, pointing to the influence of coach Geno Auriemma and the intense environment players face from the moment they arrive on campus.
“And then you have to ask yourself, ‘Oh, am I actually built for this,'” Williams said (Timestamp: 16:16). “Because everyone wants to be cute and everyone wants to have the championships, but it is actually an insane kind of like just a pressure cooker environment.”
Remembering Geno Auriemma’s Impact on Players and Program
Reflecting on her time at UConn, Williams spoke about the demanding but effective coaching style of Geno Auriemma, the 12-time national champion leader of the Huskies. She described Auriemma’s rigorous approach during practice that challenges players but ultimately prepares them to excel.
“He was right about a lot of things and I didn’t want to admit it, but that man was right about a lot of stuff,” Williams said (Timestamp: 16:55). “He knows how to make the best product.”
Williams also recalled the offseason routines orchestrated by the coaching staff, designed to build strength and conditioning for the upcoming season. These disciplined regimens are part of what sets UConn apart and helps maintain their status as a top program.
Williams’ Professional Career and Contributions in the WNBA
After a successful collegiate career during which she played 149 games and posted averages of 10.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, Williams transitioned to the WNBA. Her peak college season was in 2016-17 when she averaged 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.7 steals.
Currently in her seventh WNBA season, Williams began her professional journey with the Chicago Sky, spending her first three years there before moving through the Los Angeles Sparks and eventually landing with the Seattle Storm in a 2022 trade. Across 172 WNBA games, she has averaged 8.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest.
The Lasting Influence of UConn’s Basketball Dynasty
Gabby Williams’ reflections highlight the ongoing competition among elite women’s basketball programs but affirm UConn’s enduring legacy under Geno Auriemma’s leadership. While she openly respects the rising dominance of programs led by coaches like Dawn Staley at South Carolina, Williams underscores the intense environment that defines UConn’s culture and builds champions.
Her insights provide a glimpse into the mindset required to thrive at such a demanding institution, suggesting that this legacy will continue shaping women’s basketball as players come to define their own careers at Storrs and beyond.