All-ACC pick Stevens leaves Duke for UConn women

The UConn women's basketball program, fresh off its unprecedented fourth straight national championship, announced Saturday that Azurá Stevens, a 6-foot-6 sophomore center from Duke, has decided to transfer to the Huskies.

Stevens will sit out the 2016-17 season per NCAA transfer rules, but will have two years of eligibility remaining starting in 2017-18.

Stevens, from Raleigh, N.C., was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference pick as a sophomore, averaging 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, second in the ACC in both categories. She was a second-team All-ACC pick as a freshman when she averaged 14.1 and 8.2 points per game for the Blue Devils.

"We don't usually get involved in transfer situations but this particular one was intriguing," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said in a statement released by the athletic department. "Getting the chance to speak with Azurá and having her on campus to meet with the coaches and the players really convinced us and her that this was the right place for her going forward.

"We are excited and anxious to get Azurá up here and start summer school and look forward to her being a part of our team."

Stevens, a Parade All-American in high school, also has international experience. She helped the United States win gold in the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship ni Chekhov, Russia, averaging 11.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in eight games, including 18 in the gold medal win over Russia. Two of her teammates UConn freshman Napheesa Collier and incoming freshman Crystal Dangerfield.

"Words can't express how excited I am to have this opportunity to be part of the UConn family," Stevens said. "I appreciate the hospitality that my teammates and coaches showed to me this weekend. I am eager to start my new journey with the Huskies and can't wait to get back up to Storrs this summer."