𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔: 𝑼𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏’𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍’𝒔 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑬𝒍 𝑨𝒍𝒇𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒔𝒂 𝑳𝒆𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒆 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅……

In a historic moment for both UConn women’s basketball and African athletes, Jana El Alfy has been honored with the prestigious Lisa Leslie Award, recognizing her as the nation’s top center in NCAA Division I women’s basketball. This accolade not only underscores El Alfy’s exceptional talent but also marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first African player to receive this esteemed award.

 

The Lisa Leslie Award, established in 2018, is presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) to the most outstanding center in women’s college basketball. Named after WNBA legend Lisa Leslie—a three-time league MVP, two-time champion with the Los Angeles Sparks, and four-time Olympic gold medalist—the award celebrates players who exemplify excellence at the center position.

 

El Alfy’s journey to this achievement is both inspiring and groundbreaking. Hailing from Cairo, Egypt, she was introduced to basketball at a young age, influenced by her father, Ehab El Alfy, the head coach of the Egypt women’s national basketball team. Her early exposure to the sport led to rapid development, and she soon began making waves on the international stage. At just 15, El Alfy represented Egypt at the U16 African Championships, showcasing her potential against top continental talent. Her performances earned her MVP honors at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Camp in Cairo, where she was recognized by Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

 

In January 2023, El Alfy joined the UConn Huskies women’s basketball program. Despite facing challenges, including a knee injury during international play that led to her redshirting her first year, she remained resilient and focused on her recovery. Her dedication paid off in the 2024-2025 season, where she emerged as a dominant force for the Huskies. Averaging 5.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, El Alfy played a pivotal role in UConn’s successful campaign, leading them deep into the NCAA tournament.

 

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has been vocal about El Alfy’s potential, previously stating, “She’s a big kid who’s athletic and can play on the perimeter. She can score, she can rebound. She’s played a lot of basketball growing up. Her father is the national team coach, so she really understands the game.”

 

El Alfy’s recognition with the Lisa Leslie Award not only celebrates her individual accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Africa. Her journey reflects the increasing globalization of basketball and the opportunities available to talented players worldwide. As she continues her collegiate career, the basketball community eagerly anticipates her future contributions to the sport, both domestically and interna

tionally.