UConn - Georgia, 2001 season opener. #1 vs #3. This is detailed in the book about that season, I've never seen it. Man, that team was good. Georgia was no slouch with the Miller twins either.
By my lights, that was the most balanced, skilled UConn team I've ever seen. No dominant center, but a load of strong forwards who could do everything in the paint. Cash, Williams, Jones, Abrosimova-- all 6'2", the first three very comfortable in both the high and low post, demons getting positions and looking for one another. Bird, the consummate floor general, Ralph the dynamo, and Taurasi (Taurasi!) off the bench! The movement, cuts, and passing were a joy to behold. And don't get me started on their quickness and weak-side support on defense.
Now, with Collier, Boykin, and Samuelson next year-- added to Stewart and Tuck (and Butler)-- could we have a similar machine of interchangeable parts, with Williams as a Shea-like dynamo? Geno worked that 2001-2002 team in platoons; can he create something like that again? Even if it's at a less elevated level, it is something to look forward to. I'm betting that he is coaching and putting this year's team's parts together to make next year's group ready to happen.
Not at all to suggest that we overlook what's happening now, this year, and we have, starting with DePaul, a very interesting two weeks to end the year.
BTW, I met that entire team at a corporate meet-and-greet at the beginning of the season. That whole 6'2" crew, especially in heels, was very intimidating.