First time in a long time. With the season loss of two players in the expected rotation for this season and seeing the injuries during it thus far, it occurred to me that there is a great deal of similarity between the last two basketball years.
2021-22 rotation - (10) Bueckers, Ducharme, Edwards, Fudd, Griffin, Juhasz, Muhl, ODO, Westbrook, Williams (Griffin out all season, thus 9). Rarely, if ever, were all nine healthy and able to play. The Huskies got to the national championship game with several walking wounded and Juhasz out with hand injury.
2022-23 rotation - (10) Bueckers, Brady, Ducharme, Edwards, Fudd, Griffin, Juhasz, Lopez-Senechal, Muhl, Patterson (Bueckers and Brady out all season, thus 8 players).
Two areas (and there are more) of comparison between the two classes are front court strength and backcourt 3-point shooters. The power position players last season were Edwards, Juhasz, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa and this year Edwards, Juhasz, and Patterson. On the surface, it would appear that the shot blocking ability of ODO gives last year the edge. It is possible, however, that Patterson’s rebounding ability and the improved play of Edwards might well tip the scales in the other direction. When Dorka’s was injured, Griffin has filled in and played extremely well.
Three point shooters last year were Bueckers, Ducharme, Fudd, Westbrook, and Williams and this year Azzi, Ducharme, and Lopez-Senechal. Am not including those who occasionally launch threes like Griffin, Juhasz, and Muhl. Last year led in quantity, but his year may lead in quality. Azzi started out playing extremely well, Lou has already shown that she can shoot, and we can hope that Ducharme regains her shooting touch, so it is a distinct possibility that the 3-point percentage will be better this year than last. If UConn has any hopes for a national championship, it will depend on maintaining a healthy eight and solid outside shooting.
Unfortunately, however, the injury bug has come again was Juhasz out for several games and Ducharme still facing neck issues, although her play recent play provides grounds for optimism. Azzi Fudd was injured in the game against Notre Dame, the same team when Paige’s injury occurred, and will probably be back in January, although it may well take some time before she gets to early season playing shape.
One advantage this team possesses is that it is quicker than last year’s squad due in considerable part to all the injuries the 2021-22 squad suffered. Azzi, when healthy, is a lot quicker than last season and the return of Griffin could well be a difference maker - her quickness, defense ability, and improved shooting. Lou Lopez-Senechal brings a shooter’s mentality to the team and if the first few games are representative, she represents an upgrade from the inconsistent Christyn Williams on the offensive end.
If the basic eight can regain its health and remain healthy, the team will match up decently with all opponents except for South Carolina and Stanford and another trip to the Final Four is a distinct possibility. If, however, more disabling injuries occur, the team will likely fall short.
2021-22 rotation - (10) Bueckers, Ducharme, Edwards, Fudd, Griffin, Juhasz, Muhl, ODO, Westbrook, Williams (Griffin out all season, thus 9). Rarely, if ever, were all nine healthy and able to play. The Huskies got to the national championship game with several walking wounded and Juhasz out with hand injury.
2022-23 rotation - (10) Bueckers, Brady, Ducharme, Edwards, Fudd, Griffin, Juhasz, Lopez-Senechal, Muhl, Patterson (Bueckers and Brady out all season, thus 8 players).
Two areas (and there are more) of comparison between the two classes are front court strength and backcourt 3-point shooters. The power position players last season were Edwards, Juhasz, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa and this year Edwards, Juhasz, and Patterson. On the surface, it would appear that the shot blocking ability of ODO gives last year the edge. It is possible, however, that Patterson’s rebounding ability and the improved play of Edwards might well tip the scales in the other direction. When Dorka’s was injured, Griffin has filled in and played extremely well.
Three point shooters last year were Bueckers, Ducharme, Fudd, Westbrook, and Williams and this year Azzi, Ducharme, and Lopez-Senechal. Am not including those who occasionally launch threes like Griffin, Juhasz, and Muhl. Last year led in quantity, but his year may lead in quality. Azzi started out playing extremely well, Lou has already shown that she can shoot, and we can hope that Ducharme regains her shooting touch, so it is a distinct possibility that the 3-point percentage will be better this year than last. If UConn has any hopes for a national championship, it will depend on maintaining a healthy eight and solid outside shooting.
Unfortunately, however, the injury bug has come again was Juhasz out for several games and Ducharme still facing neck issues, although her play recent play provides grounds for optimism. Azzi Fudd was injured in the game against Notre Dame, the same team when Paige’s injury occurred, and will probably be back in January, although it may well take some time before she gets to early season playing shape.
One advantage this team possesses is that it is quicker than last year’s squad due in considerable part to all the injuries the 2021-22 squad suffered. Azzi, when healthy, is a lot quicker than last season and the return of Griffin could well be a difference maker - her quickness, defense ability, and improved shooting. Lou Lopez-Senechal brings a shooter’s mentality to the team and if the first few games are representative, she represents an upgrade from the inconsistent Christyn Williams on the offensive end.
If the basic eight can regain its health and remain healthy, the team will match up decently with all opponents except for South Carolina and Stanford and another trip to the Final Four is a distinct possibility. If, however, more disabling injuries occur, the team will likely fall short.
