Number 1 in the nation, undefeated, and the absolute dominator of the Big East: this is UConn, the best team in NCAA women’s basketball. And Blanca Quiñonez, in her first year with the Huskies after playing youth basketball in Campobasso, is proving not only that she can play at this level, but also that she can make a difference as one of the best players coming off the bench available to Coach Geno Auriemma.
In this interview, she tells us how the trust of the staff and the role entrusted to her are allowing her to grow game after game, with ever-increasing confidence and awareness of her talent, in one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball.
Seven times Freshman of the Week, 10 games in double figures, third-leading scorer on the team. Did you expect to have such an impact right away?
Honestly, it was what I wanted, but I did not know when I would be able to be truly impactful for the team. My expectations were high, however, I knew that I would have to adapt to their game and find the same confidence that I had in Italy. I think that my teammates, Coach Auriemma, and the entire staff have done a great job in helping me, making me feel calm, and putting me in the position to express myself at my best.
After the first two games, with few points and some turnovers, someone had said that perhaps you were not ready for that level. Then, however, everything changed. Was there a specific moment that made something click inside you?
As a team, we do not look at social media much. In reality, there was not a specific moment; rather, it was a process of adaptation. At the beginning, I had a lot of energy and a desire to do well, and this led me to play too fast. I am working to have more balance and patience. The staff helps me a lot in practice, especially in ball handling, and, game after game, I try to learn from my mistakes and do better.
From our interview in July, before the start of this American adventure, to today, how much do you feel you have changed as a player?
The biggest difference has been in my confidence and in managing situations on the court. It is a gradual process, but I have taken steps forward, and the role that was entrusted to me from the beginning has given me confidence and responsibility.
Indeed, right from the first games, Coach Auriemma immediately gave you a lot of playing time. What is your relationship with him like?
When he spoke to me for the first time, he was very clear: he wanted me on the team. And that alone was a great demonstration of trust for me. From there, I have tried to repay it every day in practice, earning the playing time he has given me from the beginning. Our relationship is based on trust and responsibility: he always asks me for something more because he knows I can give it.
There are truly legends circulating about this; what are Coach Auriemma’s practices like?
Practices are very intense, sometimes more than the games. The pace is extremely high and the pressure is constant: it requires great discipline and concentration. Geno is demanding; he does not demand perfection, but he pushes us to get closer to it every day. This is what prepares us to compete at our maximum when it counts.
How does Coach Auriemma want you to play, and how does what you practice translate into the game?
Technically, our game always starts from the defense. Geno is very demanding about this: we practice with “non-stop plays” to improve our recovery, defend with intensity, and turn every play into an opportunity to score. The offense is born from there. We also work a lot in the half-court to understand spacing, movements, and to get to know each other better. It is a fundamental aspect to arrive ready in March, always knowing what to do and creating that chemistry that makes the difference on the court.
And in which plays did you feel most comfortable, and which ones gave you the most difficulty
The plays themselves were not difficult; in Italy, we run similar plays. Furthermore, I learn quickly by watching and memorizing situations. The real difference has been the freedom with which we play here, especially in one-on-one matchups: you must be very agile and ready at every moment. Then there is the intensity and the physicality, which are much higher compared to Italy. Transitioning from playing against older but slower players—as happened to me in the Italian Serie A—to this pace has been the biggest change for me.
Who have you bonded with the most on the team?
This year five new girls arrived—including myself—and over time the trust and the relationship among us have strengthened. We know each other better, even on the court, and we understand what the other wants to do. Personally, they have made me feel truly at home; I can count on them, on the staff, on anyone for anything. If I have to say who I am closest to, I would say Jana El Alfy, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd, but in reality, I talk and am close with the others as well.
And on a team level, who is the real leader who carries you during difficult moments?
In my opinion, Sarah (Strong) is the main leader. She has a very high basketball IQ and great self-confidence, and this allows her to have a leadership role on the court. With her, I think everyone is more present in the moments when someone is needed to guide the team. Azzi (Fudd), on the other hand, does not speak very much, but when she does, she is clear and knows what we need to do.
In a month, March Madness will begin. It will be the first time for you: are you excited about this debut?
I am truly happy and enthusiastic to have made it this far. At the same time, we know that there is a lot to work on. The pressure is there, but we focus on the current games, on practices, and on improving every day. Reaching that moment will be a huge, unforgettable emotion.
In an interview a few years ago, Gabby Williams—a former Husky—told me that at UConn, the Final Four is the minimum goal to achieve. Do you feel this pressure?
Yes, it is true. But the pressure is not in terms of the Final Four. We feel it every day in practice, because we are asked to always give our maximum and maintain certain standards. This prepares us for the crucial moment, so when the real pressure arrives, it does not catch us unprepared.
Up until now, the only real challenge you have had was against Tennessee. Do you think it is a limitation in your preparation to have very easy conference games?
Actually, no. Close games help you prepare for difficult moments, while the calmer ones allow you to work on details and improve. Everything serves to help us grow as a team.
Are there teams that you are eager to face?
We do not focus too much on the opponents, but rather on ourselves: improving, working, and giving our maximum. Every game is a challenge, no matter who the opponent is.
But you will not give me a name?
I can’t! (she laughs).
What is your typical day like?
In the morning I have class, then practice, individual workouts, team video sessions, or preparation for the next game. Practices and weightlifting take up about two and a half hours. For the freshmen, there is also the study hall where we do homework or prepare, so the pace is intense, but it is worth it.
And when you have a game?
It depends a lot on whether we play at home or away. What does not change are the weightlifting sessions after every game. It does not matter what time we finish or what time we get back. For example, after the game against USC in Los Angeles, after more than five hours of travel, we went to the weight room to lift. There is no escaping it.
How do you manage to balance studying and practices?
I try to give my best in both things. At the beginning, the language was a bit difficult, especially reading and writing in English, but now it is going better.
Admit it: is Italian easier?
Definitely, yes. Fortunately, I always speak with my friends in Italy, and even Coach Geno sometimes tries to speak in Italian with me! (she laughs when she thinks about it).
Let us close with your assessment so far of this American experience.
I think that everything is part of a process. Having arrived here is just the beginning of a new journey. The best you can do is work on it every day and see what the future holds for you
