A French talent joins the Huskies
Marine Dursus, a 20‑year‑old guard from France, announced her commitment to the University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball program, positioning herself to fill the backcourt vacancy left by Azzi Fudd’s transition to the professional ranks.
Having honed her game at the French National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance, Dursus spent the last three seasons with Angers in the Ligue Féminine, where she posted a 9.9‑point average and a 51.3 % field‑goal percentage, numbers that have drawn attention from UConn coaches.
Her playoff performances were even more impressive, averaging 10 points, three rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 57.1 % from the field and 57.1 % from three‑point range in the recent French League finals.
Beyond club play, Dursus has represented France at multiple youth levels, contributing to gold‑medal finishes at the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket and a bronze at the 2022 U17 World Cup, underscoring her international pedigree.
International influx and eligibility
Next season the Huskies will field five overseas players, including Dursus alongside Jovana Popovic of Serbia, Jana El Alfy of Egypt, Gandy Malou‑Mamel of Ireland and Blanca Quiñonez of Ecuador, a group that recently attended the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Global Women’s Camp.
The influx of international talent reflects a broader pattern in which overseas athletes often arrive with more seasoned résumés, though accepting a club salary abroad can affect NCAA eligibility, a nuance the coaching staff is monitoring as they build the roster.