Adamec: lots of info from Bria Hartley in the JI

http://journalinquirer.com/articles/2012/07/03/sports/doc4ff2f518e3321155937037.txt

Very much a worth-read from The Dean of The Horde with many opinions shared by
a future Wall of Honor Husky....an achievement already accomplished given her AA status from last year.

That's what Uconn's been missing... a "sneak" shooter.

I think most teams we play next year are gonna feel that way.

A player who hits every shot from everywhere is a nice addition too.

I know its been discussed to a level of ad nauseam but how does Geno not start Breanna from the beginning of the season if she is practicing at the high level that Bria is implying. I don't think this has been discussed but would you have Geno consider starting Breanna and continue to have KML coming off the bench as Caroline's replacement. If that would happen you would have a starting lineup of Stef, Kelly, Breanna, Caroline and Bria. It would seem unfair to KML as she is the better player then Caroline is today, but some have said that Kelly & Caroline will start as they are Seniors.

It will all depend on how she is grasping the offensive and defensive sets. Remember they are playing without any of those being involved at the moment. It will depend on how she understands help D and rotation. It will depend on how she understands strengthening the opportunities for others when D collapses on her or setting a pick in the proper place and rhythm. There is a lot to learn. She will start plenty soon but there are questions Geno will need answered first.

All that and ... it is just a good way for freshman to integrate into the college game. Takes a certain amount of pressure off them and allows them to adjust. Breanna is special, but we have had a number of special freshman come off the bench their first year - DT, Maya, and KML being obvious examples who all came in with college ready games. I expect the same for these freshman during the first part of the year. The exceptions to the starting on the bench for freshman have typically happened when there was no one to fill the role already on the team. With both Kiah and Stef there is no need to start Morgan or Breanna - they will get plenty of minutes regardless. Same with Moriah at the PG.

I agree!

This team could remind me of the 99-01 teams where there was a deep bench and everyone got adequate playing time. Being talent rich, GA can take advantage of this and progress players at his own pace! I'm excited for the new season!

She will get starter minutes....25-30. Not sure the big deal about starting or coming off the bench her freshman year. She will start her last 3 years.

Precisely, Watson!

And Moriah will start her last three years as well. But Morgan may not, because Steph and Kiah will be playing in her first two years, along with Breanna of course. But after Steph graduates, Morgan should be a starter for her last two years, and she will get plenty of minutes all 4 years.

RE: Morgan, I agree, but as the DJ's say she will be "in heavy rotation"

Caroline starts. Period.

Kelly starts. Period.

Stef starts. Period.

Bria starts. Period.

Kaleena starts. Period.

Someone comes off the bench at first tv timeout (5 minutes in). Maybe 2 or 3 someones.

Failure to play intense defense gets a seat by Rosemary.

Until garbage time, those with hot hands on offense accumulate minutes on the floor.

When January comes and Big East competition begins, it is possible but by no means certain that Breanna will start.

Skylar Diggins is conceded a spot on AA teams, but Bria is a better player and will demand recognition from voters.

KML will play (and shoot!) at AA level.

Stef and Breanna may have to wait their turn.

I can't see Geno sitting Caroline. But I believe the situation will be similar to the past year with Kaleena. Breanna will be getting a bunch of minutes off the bench.

I hope Geno brings Breanna off the bench......Keeps the pressure off such a young player. Also lets her adjust to the college game and Big East a little better. And there is no need to rush her.

And most of all , bringing her in with the 2nd unit will almost be unfair to the opponents. What other teams will have a 2nd unit with the talent to stop, or even slow her down ? A big plus for UConn.

Mark this down as my guess for Day 1...
(if everyone's healthy)

Starters...
PG: Bria Hartley
SG: Caroline Doty
SF: Kelly Faris
PF: Breanna Stewart
C: Stefanie Dolson

6th Man: Kaleena M. Lewis

Back-up Guards: Brianna Banks and Moriah Jefferson
Back-up Posts: Kiah Stokes and Morgan Tuck

Garbage Minutes/Foul Trouble/Injuries: Heather Buck and Lauren Engeln

No offense to Bria, but the Wall requires 1st Team AA status. She may get there this year, more likely next, though with so much talent around her it's not a foregone conclusion.

You raise an interesting point. Are there any 2nd & 3rd team AAs who did not make The Wall?