“Nika should have been the last to wear #10”: UConn fans react to Qadence Samuels inheriting former Huskies Nika Muhl’s jersey number

UConn Huskies players Qadence Samuels, Nika Muhl

The UConn Huskies announced new jersey numbers for two players: Qadence Samuels and Jana El Alfy. Last season, Samuels sported the number 4 while El Alfy was 24. For the upcoming season, their numbers will be 10 and 8, respectively.

Fans were quick to point out that the No.10 was previously worn by Nika Muhl and argued that the Huskies should refrain from giving that number so soon. Some even added that after Sue Bird, Muhl should have been the last player to wear the number until Bird’s jersey retirement.

“No disrespect Q, but I’m not feeling this at all, Nika should have been the last to wear #10 before they retire it for Sue!,” a fan argued.

“Nika’s locker ain’t even empty yet,” another fan commented.

“Odd choice for Q,” one user wrote.

Meanwhile, others were excited for Qadence to finally be able to wear her favorite number.

“I love that Nika has such faith in Q that she wanted to pass her number on. Team first always!,” one fan wrote.

“Q got some shoes to fill,but Ik she can do it,” another commented.

“great things happen to players who wear #10,” a fan predicted.

Jana El Alfy will be the first UConn Huskies player to wear jersey #8

According to the N.C.A.A.’s Rule 1, Section 22, Article 7, Clause b. 2, college basketball players were prohibited from wearing any of the numerals 6, 7, 8, or 9. This was to help the officials when hand signaling during a game.

If a player fouled, referees would indicate to the scorer’s table the jersey number of the player. In the case of the mentioned numbers, both hands have to be used, which could confuse the table. If a referee was indicating 7, it is possible to be confused as 25 or 52.

It seems like the NCAA has finally done away with the rule last year, as Bronny James wore No. 6 during his freshman season at USC. Now, Jana El Alfy will be the first UConn Huskies player to wear No. 8.

Besides these, the Huskies coach Geno Auriemma does not allow his players to choose numbers 00, 0, or 1 for jerseys as he believes they draw too much attention.

What do you think of the new jersey numbers and the Nika Muhl situation? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.