UConn coach Geno Auriemma said he does not anticipate injured All-American guard Bria Hartley being able to play before the Huskies play in the Paradise Jam beginning on Nov. 22 in the U.S. Virgin Islands.


"She said it was feeling better," Auriemma said. "I would say right now what is realistic is , she is going to need a week if not more of practice before she is 100 percent, In my mind it was sometime after A&M because it would be difficult to come back next week."

Under that timetable Hartley would miss Sunday's season opener against the College of Charleston and the No. 18 game at Texas A&M.

Hartley's injury was originally reported as merely a sprained ankle but she also has a torn ligament which likely led to her being sidelined longer than she thought she would be.

"It is frustrating but it is a long season," Hartley said. "I don't want it to be a nagging (issue). It definitely feels better than it did when it first happened."

Hartley said she would be able to practice without the protective boot soon and is eyeing a return for the Nov. 22 game against Wake Forest.

"They told me it would be from two to four games out in the beginning," Hartley said. "As soon as I can (return to practice) to be honest, it (stinks) sitting out. It (stinks) watching."

With Hartley out, Auriemma wasn't certain who would start on Sunday. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Stefanie Dolson and Kelly Faris are locks. One spot figures to come down to either Breanna Stewart or Morgan Tuck with either Moriah Jefferson or Caroline Doty drawing a start as well. Auriemma said if Doty starts, her veteran presence he may pair her with Stewart. If Jefferson gets the ball, that would likely result with him starting Tuck, the most solid (at the current time) among the three freshmen.