Katie Lou Samuelson is the biggest name in a stacked 2015 incoming freshman class, and she has garnered most of the attention, but there are a group of playmakers headed to Storrs who will have a big role in helping the Huskies to their fourth straight national title.
And that brings us to De’Janae Boykin, the 6-2 forward who is currently taking part in USA Basketball’s U-19 national team trials in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“I have to show the selection committee that I’m a versatile player, that I can play inside and outside and I’ll play hard wherever they put me,” Boykin told SNY.com's Carl Adamec. “That’s what I’ve done before and I’m going to stick with that. I’ll do anything they want me to do. It’s an opportunity to make another national team and that’s exciting.”
Not surprisingly, Boykin won't be the only player in attendance with ties to UConn. She'll be joined by rising sophomore Gabby Williams, along with incoming freshmen Napheesa Collier and -- yep, you guessed it -- Samuelson, and 2016 UConn commitment Crystal Dangerfield.
Boykin played in just six games as a high school senior because of a wrist injury and now she'll go up against older, more experienced players.
“I didn’t get to play a lot during my high school season and right now I’m excited to be healthy and back out there,” Boykin said. “It’s going to be great competition going against the college players but it’s not something I’m going to think about and worry about. All you can do is give your best.”
Whatever happens in Colorado, in a few months, Boykin will be trying to help the Huskies defend their title. Which means she will be playing alongside Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck.
I’m sure me, Katie Lou, and Napheesa will be asking them questions and we’ll be trying to get to know them better,” Boykin said. “They deserve a fourth championship and we’re going to do whatever we can to help them get that fourth one, and our first, and keep it rolling. I’m sure they’ll let us know what is expected of us.”
