UConn Daily Digest: MLB Draft, WNBA All-Star, NBA Summer League

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Headlines

Baseball boasts three MLB Draft picks

Three Huskies got the call in last week’s MLB Draft. Infielder Ryan Daniels, relief pitcher Brady Afthim, and outfielder AJ Soldra, an incoming transfer, were all selected on the second day of the draft. 

The Minnesota Twins plucked Daniels off the board in the 11th round, overall pick No. 329. The reigning Big East player of the year, Daniels broke out with UConn in his junior season. He showed flashes of promise in his first year in Storrs, hitting .287 through 32 games, before a slow start and eventual season-ending hip injury derailed his sophomore year. 2025 was nothing short of an explosion for the Meriden, Connecticut product, who led UConn in just about every major statistical category. His .365/.476/.744 slash line included a Big East best in slugging as well as a team high in average and on-base percentage. 

In the 13th round, Afthim was next. One of the most decorated pitchers in UConn baseball history elevated his draft stock with a successful 2025 campaign, taken off the board No. 392 overall to the Cincinnati Reds. Among qualified pitchers with 100 innings pitched, Afthim is UConn’s all-time leader in batting average against (.211), second in appearances (92), fifth in strikeouts per nine (10.92), and eighth in saves (17). 

Soldra had two previous collegiate stops, at NJIT and Seton Hall, before committing to UConn. The 21-year-old was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 16th round at No. 495 overall. 

McNeeley’s Hornets win Summer League championship

Liam McNeeley’s summer continues to ebb and flow. It started a bit rocky after he slipped to the No. 29 pick in the NBA Draft, though he quickly made a statement to his detractors with some high-quality play in the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. 

The Hornets claimed the Summer League title Sunday night, defeating the Kings in the championship game — a ray of hope for an otherwise struggling franchise. After a strong start, McNeeley sat out Charlotte’s final four games due to Achilles tendinitis on his right foot.

The rookie averaged 18 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in his first two games, quickly asserting himself as an emerging player in Charlotte’s young core. In fact, CBS Sports redrafted the 2025 class two days ago, bumping McNeeley up to No. 18. ESPN named him the third-best performer among rookies.

McNeeley will have plenty of time to rehab his injured foot. The Hornets don’t tip off for opening night until October 5. He also just signed a sponsorship deal with Nike.

Kayleigh Heckel wins gold at FIBA U19 World Cup

For the fourth-consecutive year and the 11th time overall, the USA has won the FIBA U19 World Cup. Incoming women’s basketball transfer Kayleigh Heckel, who collected gold for the second-straight year in her USA Basketball career, was on the roster.

Heckel was a star for Team USA in its run to the 2024 championship, averaging 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Her stats this year dipped a little, down to 7.8/3.8/3.3 in Brno, Czechia. Her defense was a focal point of her production, averaging 2.8 steals per game throughout the tournament. Offensively, Heckel did her best work in the championship game, turning in 16 points for the team’s third highest total on the night. 

Heckel put her own personal brand of basketball on the big stage in the win over Australia. It is the same unique playstyle that head coach Geno Auriemma is hoping will help lead UConn back to the mountaintop this upcoming season. Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong give the Huskies a strong foundation for sustained offense. Heckel and KK Arnold will facilitate that offense while offering strong defensive prowess on the other end.  

Fudd, Strong sign NIL deals with Unrivaled

Fourteen women’s college basketball stars recently signed on to participate in Unrivaled, the offseason 3×3 league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier in 2023. Among the group are Huskies Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong. The league gives some of the WNBA’s brightest stars a chance to remain in the U.S. during their winters, rather than having to play overseas to supplement their income like many others do. 

Fudd and Strong may not play for the league for a few years, though they will still promote it while attending UConn, highlighting important league events or making appearances at various games. Fudd enters her senior season with the Huskies, which would put her estimated arrival time around 2027. Strong potentially has much longer to go, with the rising sophomore still holding three years of eligibility.

Paige Bueckers will play in the league following her rookie season with the Dallas Wings. She signed a similar NIL deal last August, though the No. 1 overall pick received some ownership equity as well.  

Weekly Rewind

Men’s Basketball

UConn Recruiting Targets Peach Jam Schedule ($) – Plenty of offered high school players were in action this past weekend.

Former Huskies Leave Their Mark on NBA Summer League – McNeeley, Cam Spencer, Tristen Newton and others were in action in Las Vegas.

Stars of Storrs in Action Tonight — The Basketball Tournament has a UConn alumni team for the second year in a row. Husky great Ryan Boatright scored 19 points, including this long three to push the squad past the target point total and into the Round of 32. They play Vermont on Monday at 6pm on FS2.

Women’s Basketball

Diana Taurasi receives 2025 ESPYs Icon Award – After retiring in February, the living legend was honored with the award. 

UConn Stars Shine Over WNBA All-Star Weekend – Napheesa Collier won MVP, Gabby Williams added 16 points, and Paige Bueckers nailed some four-pointers.

KK Arnold is ready to be UConn’s point guard – “This is her year, this is her team,” Azzi Fudd said.

After Final Four revelation, is Azzi Fudd ready to take over? – UConn needs Fudd to remain her ‘vintage’ self to repeat success this year. How will she do it?

Football

2025 Position Group Breakdown: QB ($) – Joe Fagnano and Nick Evers return. What do the advanced metrics tell us about each one?

Hockey

UConn goalie coach Vince Stalletti hired by AHL’s Coachella Valley Thunderbirds – After five years behind the bench with Mike Cavanaugh, Stalletti will take the same position in a professional setting. 

Baseball

Three Huskies selected in 2025 MLB Draft – Ryan Daniels, Brady Afthim, and AJ Soldra all heard their names called in the latter 10 rounds last Tuesday. 

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