UCONN may not usually have a deep bench, but they always have a quality bench. Almost every season (except maybe this one) they have at least 3 players riding the pine that would be starting at any other program. Only reason they have a such a short bench this season is because players are getting tired out that. They have had more transfers in recent years, fewer good players are willing to sit almost a whole season just to please a pig headed egomanic who “doesn’t play stupid freshman.”
Auriemma usually has a short bench. He prefers to play a core 6/7 players for most of the game. He seldom has more than 10-11 scholarship players. However, the statement that he does not play freshmen is incorrect as is the "more transfers." UConn has had 4 transfers out in the last 5 years. That's probably typical for most top teams given the current transfer situation of "play me or I'm gone".
2019/20 Makurat FR 21 mpg, 6 starts.
Griffin FR 16 mpg
2018/19 Williams FR 32 mpg, 38 starts.
Nelson-Odota FR 14 mpg, 4 starts.