Being a freshman at UConn isn't always as easy as it appears on the outside.

As much as the highly-touted recruits might think they are ready for the demanding coaching style of Geno Auriemma and his staff, it can be an eye-opening experience. Some of the best UConn players including those who went onto play in the WNBA struggled as freshmen. That is what makes the performances of current freshmen Kia Nurse and Gabby Williams so impressive. Nurse has scored in double figures in each of the last seven games which coincides for when she was inserted into the starting lineup while Williams has hit double digits in three of the last four games.

Dating back to the 1996-97 season, the 192 points scored by Nurse and Williams is the fourth most for a freshman duo through eight games.

211 Swin Cash/Tamika Williams (1998-99)
206 Breanna Stewart/Morgan Tuck (2012-13)
200 Stefanie Dolson/Bria Hartley (2010-11)
200 Swin Cash/Asjha Jones (1998-99)
192 Kia Nurse/Gabby Williams (2014-15)

"It is because we get along really well off the court," Nurse said. "I can definitely see that and it is going to be a great four years with her."

Williams, who opened more than few eyes when she finished fifth in the 2012 Olympic trials in the high jump, could be the best pure athlete to suit up for the Huskies in recent memory. Her ability to score at will over taller players and soar off the ground to snare rebounds has impressed teammates and coaches alike.

"I am starting to like playing forward, I never thought I'd hear myself say that," Williams said. "I am trying to focus on the things I know I can do."