UConn Women Add Portuguese Guard To 2022 Freshman Class

STORRS, CT — University of Connecticut women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma Friday announced the addition of Ines Bettencourt to the 2022-23 roster on Friday.

Bettencourt is a 5-foot-9 guard from Sao Miguel, Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal. She joins Ice Brady and Ayanna Patterson in the Huskies' 2022 freshman class.

"Ines is a true point guard. She loves to distribute the ball and can make shots," Auriemma said. "She's used to playing in the European style of ball movement, ball screens, lots of 2-man game, 3-man game. I think she’s a tough kid and a great competitor. I'm thrilled that we were able to find her."

“Being a UConn Husky is a dream come true,” Bettencourt said. “I’m extremely excited to start this adventure and give my all in blue and white.”

Bettencourt represented Portugal at the 2022 FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship, Division B. She led Portugal and ranked fourth in the tournament with 14.4 points per game and added 4.6 steals, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Bettencourt was named to the All-Star Five as she led Portugal to the championship game.

Bettencourt was most recently a member of Clube Uniao Sportiva in Sao Miguel.

The Portugal native is the fifth international member of UConn's roster this season. She joins Aaliyah Edwards (Canada), Nika Muhl (Croatia), Lou Lopez Sanachal (France) and Dorka Juhasz (Hungary).

Bettencourt is the first UConn women's basketball player from Portugal. She will wear No. 21, the first player to wear the number since Heather Buck in 2009-10.