Geno Auriemma provides update on when Caroline Ducharme could return for UConn women’s basketball

After spending the last month with seven to eight players available, UConn women’s basketball is getting closer to having another piece back.

Caroline Ducharme, who has missed 11 consecutive games after suffering a concussion in practice on Jan. 2, could possibly return to the court for the Huskies this week.

“It’s progressing to a point where if she can get through a couple practices in a row now in one piece, then either Wednesday or maybe next Saturday at Georgetown could possibly be a return for her,” head coach Geno Auriemma said after UConn’s 81-77 loss to No. 1 South Carolina on Sunday.

“It’s all a matter of how she responds after the workouts. During the workouts, it goes pretty good and then after sometimes it’s not so good, and sometimes it is good, so we’re trying to monitor that. And it’s really frustrating because you watch her out there and I mean, her range is even better than it’s ever been, her releases is even quicker than it’s ever been. And it’s just what are you gonna do? You feel sorry for her.”

Prior to Sunday’s game, Ducharme participated in warmups for the first time since being injured. She had been dressed in street clothes, often wearing earplugs, for prior games.

Ducharme is averaging 8.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game for the Huskies in her sophomore year. She also dealt with neck stiffness early in the season.