2024-25 Starting Lineup

[DEpup]

Yes if you consider a SF. A guard, I think she’ll be played in that role. Not a SG. I’d say SF are key rebounders imo.

No way. She has chosen to come to UConn so at UConn in a motion offense and committed switching defense, a player with her size and ball handling skill becomes a Power Forward. Oddly, I see her playing exactly the role Paige was forced to play this year.....PF/4

Other coaches might have told her she could be a guard but I'm sure Geno and Jamell in the reported meetings told her the truth and that her professional destiny is at the 4, not the 2 or 3. Elliot as the coach matched up with her and Geno discussions says everything.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Strong will start let's not kid ourselves!

Geno is known to bring freshman along slowly, and I suspect he'll stick with his 40 year tradition and do the same with Strong, unless of course half the team is injured and he is forced to use freshmen the way he had to with Shade and Arnold this season.

 

[UConnCat]

No way. She has chosen to come to UConn so at UConn in a motion offense and committed switching defense, a player with her size and ball handling skill becomes a Power Forward. Oddly, I see her playing exactly the role Paige was forced to play this year.....PF/4

Other coaches might have told her she could be a guard but I'm sure Geno and Jamell in the reported meetings told her the truth and that her professional destiny is at the 4, not the 2 or 3. Elliot as the coach matched up with her and Geno discussions says everything.

I see her in the same role as Maya and Gabby, setting up at the elbow, creating for herself and her teammates. Like Maya and Gabby, Sarah is an exceptional passer. She lacks the athleticism of Maya or Gabby but, like Maya, her ability to make shots extends out to the 3-point line. Geno will use all of her skills in his offense.

Both Maya and Gabby played the PF at UConn. Maya played the 3 in the WNBA which was a seamless transition offensively but more of a struggle defensively. Gabby has always struggled at the 3 as a pro because of her inconsistent 3-point shooting.

 

[hoophuskee]

Geno is known to bring freshman along slowly,

That's not what he is "known for." He usually has better players because he has super teams with players at all spots. Next year his 4/5 spots are in flux - maybe not Ice.

She'll start. WHo else is he going to start that's isn't freshman at the 4/5 spot? Jana is a freshman too. You think Ayanna? Back to Paige at pf?

IMOit's Sarah's spot.

 

[Martinj481]

That's not what he is "known for." He usually has better players because he has super teams with players at all spots. Next year his 4/5 spots are in flux - maybe not Ice.

She'll start. WHo else is he going to start that's isn't freshman at the 4/5 spot? Jana is a freshman too. You think Ayanna? Back to Paige at pf?

IMOit's Sarah's spot.

Yessss! Ice has shown very little! Strong will start over Ice!

 

[hoopsnloops32]

No way. She has chosen to come to UConn so at UConn in a motion offense and committed switching defense, a player with her size and ball handling skill becomes a Power Forward. Oddly, I see her playing exactly the role Paige was forced to play this year.....PF/4

Other coaches might have told her she could be a guard but I'm sure Geno and Jamell in the reported meetings told her the truth and that her professional destiny is at the 4, not the 2 or 3. Elliot as the coach matched up with her and Geno discussions says everything.

She’s too small to be a PF

 

[hoopsfan22]

That's not what he is "known for."

His words not mine. You can go watch any of his pressers where he is asked about being forced to start Shade and KK.

 

[hookshot]

Yessss! Ice has shown very little! Strong will start over Ice!

Ice kept us in a couple of the Tournament games and still has some ceiling for improvement but agree that Strong appears to have a better overall skill set. Can someone sprinkle some Miracle-grow in her juice, because although she is a space eater, she may not have the hops to compete on boards. If Jana works out at post, however, Strong will actually should be an upgrade over Edwards at the high post, with respect to both shooting and passing

 

[Orc]

No more small ball. The starting lineup I like is Arnold, paige,Azzi,strong, and Jana.

 

[packwrap]

Paige, Shade and KK are not coming out of the starting lineup. Everyone else is will need to earn it.

This is a great point.
Nationwide there is chatter about great guard pairings like Hidalgo Miles or Fulwiley Johnson etc, but we have our own great pairings in KK &Ash and of course Paige&Azzi. If the walking wounded weren't coming back, we would be talking about having 4 years of kk and ash.
They really are a perfectly matched set with kk a true penetrating point, and ash having developed into a solid shooting guard. They have different strengths, but both are 5 tool players, scoring at 3 levels, passing and defense.
I'm curious how Geno will rotate next year, but it's a tremendous assets that these ladies and Ice and Q had all that playing time.

 

[hoophuskee]

His words not mine. You can go watch any of his pressers where he is asked about being forced to start Shade and KK.

Did he also mention how his teams were stronger in the past than what they have been recently?

 

[Martin]

There is no way to know but assuming everyone is healthy:
Paige
Fudd
Ducharme
Strong
Brady

 

[The deacon]

I know we’re all speculating (me more than most ) and we all know how hard it is for freshmen (and freshmen equivalents) to make the transition to D1 level play. It’s a mental thing, learning to see and think in a much faster game environment, and a physical thing, developing a new level of stamina for many players.

Ash had a head start because her dad was a trainer and she was in tremendous shape when she arrived. She also had a gym rat’s mentality, always seeking perfection. KK took a little longer to find her balance and necessity gave her enough time to do it. Ice and Q took longer, and may have just begun to turn an important corner toward the end of the season.

So what might we expect to see from the new kids?

• Sarah: she showed Paige-like passing skills in HS which suggests a lot of court-savvy. She may not be ready to start in November, but I expect she’ll crack the starting lineup sometime in January.
• Morgan: her HS experience also suggests great court-savvy. She was the pg for the #1 school in the country. She was known for transition and half court passing. She also played the “tip of the spear” in the full-court press they typically ran for entire games. She’ll bring considerable stamina to the team.
• Allie: a coach’s kid, she’s got court-savvy. A gym rat, she’s got Ash’s drive for perfection. In the words of her hs coach, he challenged his kids to take 1,000 shots each day in the summers, and Allie took 10,000 shots everyday.
• Jana: she’s the great mystery for most of us, though Geno constantly praises her based on practices over the past year and a half. She’s also a coach’s kid which suggests some court-savvy. There are hints of how she might play available online from the FIBA summer games and also (if you’re really persistent) from her hs in Cairo. The level of competition in hs was low and she was the best ball handler on her team. This meant she didn’t often get post entry passes as her teammates weren’t skilled enough for that. Instead she typically had to drive down the lane or along the baseline. She also had to develop a Dorka-level perimeter game. In those accursed FIBA games all her skills were on display against a higher level of competition. In particular, given the weakness of the Egyptian guards, the opposing bigs on the European teams usually just sagged on her in the lane. What I found most encouraging in this was how well she fought through double and triple teams to score and rebound. She is fierce and has immense courage. Just picture how she’ll play with the likes of Paige and KK and Sarah passing her the ball!

Of course, knowing Geno as we do, the key for any of them getting minutes is how quickly they learn the defensive schemes. I expect Sarah and Morgan will lead the way in this given what they showed in hs.

Excellent and incisive post, Bone Dog.

I'll add that, even though Geno might have been reticent to play some freshmen early, he likely watched today as Tessa Johnson and Malaysia Fulwiley played pivotal roles in SC's nine-player rotation. The Gamecocks won the title because they wore down the basically five-person Iowa team. 'Freshmen' brought fresh legs, energy and lots of skill.

If Morgan and Allie are even close to what we expect them to be, including in savvy, I believe Geno will have them as part of the rotation very soon. Jana and Sarah will also be on the court often because of their conspicuous physical and skills attributes, as well as their rich basketball smarts.

This season proved convincingly, around the country, that many freshmen come into the college game not only ready to play, but to excel. We'll have four youngsters who each have the potential to shine. Let's play them. It could be that any or all of them turn out to be better than what we have in KK and/or Ashlynn.

Injuries cost Paige her chance at being a four-year All-American. Perhaps one of our '24-25 frosh might join Maya as the Huskies' only four-year A-As?

Just one more point: all of you who have Azzi slotted in as a starter could be right, but I'm dubious she'll be as effective in the high-octane game Geno will want to play. Yes, she can pop in a few threes, but so can many others now on what should be a fun, entertaining, deep and darned good '24-25 Huskies team.

Bring on the next season, please...

 

[DEpup]

She’s too small to be a PF

Worked for Morgan Tuck. Worked for Pheesa. Maya is smaller and she played the 4 too. Those broad shoulders and strength combined with height make Strong a PF.... we already have plenty of good and great guards. We need to build back the front court.

 

[Centerstream]

I think KK, Azzi, PB, Ayanna, and Jana is almost the perfect lineup. Feel like Ayanna and KK could be huge defensively and rebounding. Ayanna also will do a lot of the dirty work, screening to get players open, and getting second chance opportunities. Azzi and PB of course great shooting. Jana can shoot a little bit as well. PB faciltating. KK pushing the ball but also scoring. But similar to SC, if we are healthy I just think we have to give everyone minutes. Like Allie can spell Azzi if she's off. Ash can spell PB. Ice and Jana are interchangable. Of course Strong should get a lot of minutes. Obviously Uconn plays a totally different style of offense, but I'm hoping everyone gets minutes. SC went 9 deep. Uconn not going ten deep, would be a bit hard. But don't want to get side tracked. Minutes thread I'm sure is forthcoming. So KK, AzF, PB, AP, JA.

Please explain what Ayanna did in her freshman season that will earn her a starting position early next season? Besides that, she is coming off an injury that sidelined her for this entire season, which means catching up. How can she possibly start over Ice (among other worthy teammates)?

 

[Cuango]

Thats only 2 guards, we need more than that. Replace Ice with Allie or Ashlynn.

Sarah is certainly capable of playing as a guard! She is the very definition of a five way player! She has guard like ball handling skills, shoots well from everywhere, will likely be a top three or four passer on this team, but could also play in the post and everywhere in between!

 

[Cuango]

I see her in the same role as Maya and Gabby, setting up at the elbow, creating for herself and her teammates. Like Maya and Gabby, Sarah is an exceptional passer. She lacks the athleticism of Maya or Gabby but, like Maya, her ability to make shots extends out to the 3-point line. Geno will use all of her skills in his offense.

Both Maya and Gabby played the PF at UConn. Maya played the 3 in the WNBA which was a seamless transition offensively but more of a struggle defensively. Gabby has always struggled at the 3 as a pro because of her inconsistent 3-point shooting.

Obviously, Strong will never have the athleticism of Maya or Gabby but I think we may be surprised once she gets into top shape! We have yet to see what her capabilities might be if she gets herself into tip top shape. I, for one, after watching her commitment video, believe she will report to school in the best shape she’s ever been in. This girl reminds me a lot of Maya, in the sense that she “talks softly but carries a big stick!” I think some may fail to see that behind that soft spoken, quiet demeanor is a fiercely competitive athlete!

 

[oldhusky]

This is a great point.
Nationwide there is chatter about great guard pairings like Hidalgo Miles or Fulwiley Johnson etc, but we have our own great pairings in KK &Ash and of course Paige&Azzi. If the walking wounded weren't coming back, we would be talking about having 4 years of kk and ash.
They really are a perfectly matched set with kk a true penetrating point, and ash having developed into a solid shooting guard. They have different strengths, but both are 5 tool players, scoring at 3 levels, passing and defense.
I'm curious how Geno will rotate next year, but it's a tremendous assets that these ladies and Ice and Q had all that playing time.

I think we are placing too much emphasis on KK and Ashlynn earning their starting position. If you want to say they earned a starting position against Q, Ines and Amari, fine, but they didn't have to beat out Azzi or Caroline, or Ayanna or Jana to get a start. This year they probably do, and if anything you could make a case that Azzi and Caroline were incumbent starters that had earned their starts, and they just lost their spot due to injuries.
, and two newcomers that
I think KK and Ash played pretty well compared to expectations, but they were pretty much handed a starting position because we had few choices. Neither was overall statistically better than Azzi or Caroline in their freshmen year, and Azzi had a bad foot all year, and Caroline had concussion issues late that season. In addition while perhaps not probable, it wouldn't be shocking if Allie or Morgan wound up being better than some or all of the four.

My main point is we have 6 legitimate candidates for two positions, four of which have been good incumbent starters, and two newcomers with very good credentials. Secondly there will be enough practice time before the season starts (except for Azzi) for any of them to stand out from the pack. Sure KK and Ash might get first dibs if it is close, but it may not be. If two of that group are clearly better than the rest, they should start period.

I fully expect the level of play to "earn" a starting position will be significantly better than what KK and Ash produced last year, and it might come from them if they show a big improvement, but I think whoever starts with Paige on the perimeter, has a much higher bar to clear, than the standard set last year by our two freshmen starters who were pretty darn good. This year we might do considerably better.

 

[Cuango]

Excellent and incisive post, Bone Dog.

I'll add that, even though Geno might have been reticent to play some freshmen early, he likely watched today as Tessa Johnson and Malaysia Fulwiley played pivotal roles in SC's nine-player rotation. The Gamecocks won the title because they wore down the basically five-person Iowa team. 'Freshmen' brought fresh legs, energy and lots of skill.

If Morgan and Allie are even close to what we expect them to be, including in savvy, I believe Geno will have them as part of the rotation very soon. Jana and Sarah will also be on the court often because of their conspicuous physical and skills attributes, as well as their rich basketball smarts.

This season proved convincingly, around the country, that many freshmen come into the college game not only ready to play, but to excel. We'll have four youngsters who each have the potential to shine. Let's play them. It could be that any or all of them turn out to be better than what we have in KK and/or Ashlynn.

Injuries cost Paige her chance at being a four-year All-American. Perhaps one of our '24-25 frosh might join Maya as the Huskies' only four-year A-As?

Just one more point: all of you who have Azzi slotted in as a starter could be right, but I'm dubious she'll be as effective in the high-octane game Geno will want to play. Yes, she can pop in a few threes, but so can many others now on what should be a fun, entertaining, deep and darned good '24-25 Huskies team.

Bring on the next season, please...

Health (once again) will determine Azzi’s effctiveness and level of play. I have no doubt that if she is 100% healthy, she will be one of our top four players and will be a dominant scorer. The question is, can she return to, and stay 100% healthy?

 

[Bone Dog]

... all of you who have Azzi slotted in as a starter could be right, but I'm dubious she'll be as effective in the high-octane game Geno will want to play. Yes, she can pop in a few threes, but so can many others now on what should be a fun, entertaining, deep and darned good '24-25 Huskies team.

I wonder about this. You're not alone in projecting her as merely a shooter with insufficient mobility or athleticism to play a fuller role. Sort of like Taylor Mikesell in her last two seasons. This may be how it plays out, but I'm not convinced. She's very strong and clever. Even if she's lost a step and a bit of lateral mobility, she's smart enough to figure out how to alter her court presence to fit a slightly different set of skills.

In any event, I'll keep my hopes up that she regains all of her quickness and mobility... and above all, her nerve. You can't run with Paige without a lot of nerve and joie de vivre.

 

[Rudy1927]

Granted that Geno will have to experiment early on with this cornucopia of riches, and the aftermath of earlier injuries will still restrict Azzi and Aubrey at the beginning of the season but let's look ahead to what settled lineups might look like when everyone is (hopefully) healthy and available.

My expectation for the starters:

1 - Paige
2 - Azzi
3 - Allie
4 - Sarah
5 - Jana

Second starting 5:

1 - KK
2 - Ash
3 - Morgan
4 - Aubrey
5 - Ice

End of the Bench:

1 - Ines
2 - Caroline
3 - Q
4 - Yanna
5 - Amari

It's very hard to think that Q will likely be hard pressed to find minutes but Allie and Morgan were starters in the McDonald's All-American game (as was Sarah giving UCONN 30% of the MCD starters!). She may show up her need to play while Aubrey remains on the mend.

Over all, barring injuries I think this team could be not only number 12, but one of the strongest of Geno's many juggernauts!

Agree whole hearted. Those last 5 (and some are very good players ) probably will not see the floor much (if no injuries). There are no spots for them. This might be the deepest team of all time.

 

[Blueberries]

Paige, Azzi, Ice, KK and Ashlynn will start until someone does something otherwise. Griffin will come off the bench and Strong will sub for Ice.

Geno puts acpremium on experience and the knowns so he's not starting anyone unknown until they prove in practice and games they should be.

I’ll give the other 4, but I’m not convinced on Ice yet.

 

[jdote33]

Please explain what Ayanna did in her freshman season that will earn her a starting position early next season? Besides that, she is coming off an injury that sidelined her for this entire season, which means catching up. How can she possibly start over Ice (among other worthy teammates)?

This is fair. I should've specified that I put the lineup that I would like to see. There are a lot of unknowns on the roster, Ayanna is one of them for sure.

 

[Cuango]

I think the key to whether this team becomes the truly dominant juggernaut some of us expect next year will be determined by whether we maintain the incredible upgrade in our defensive play that turned our season around early in this past season! Our defense was really exceptional this season! Much better, imo than it has been in recent years. If we can maintain, or even improve on what our team was able to accomplish defensively this year, then the added depth and offensive talent we have either returning or coming in, could well make this a truly formidable team! Nika, unfortunately is moving on and will be very hard to replace but we do have several options for defensive stopper. Hopefully, one or more of those will want that role and we will be able to carry on the defensive improvement from this past season! I would think Aubrey, Q, and KK are the most likely candidates for that role!

 

[Bone Dog]

I think the key to whether this team becomes the truly dominant juggernaut some of us expect next year will be determined by whether we maintain the incredible upgrade in our defensive play that turned our season around early in this past season! Our defense was really exceptional this season! Much better, imo than it has been in recent years. If we can maintain, or even improve on what our team was able to accomplish defensively this year, then the added depth and offensive talent we have either returning or coming in, could well make this a truly formidable team! Nika, unfortunately is moving on and will be very hard to replace but we do have several options for defensive stopper. Hopefully, one or more of those will want that role and we will be able to carry on the defensive improvement from this past season! I would think Aubrey, Q, and KK are the most likely candidates for that role!

This is an excellent point. I'd only add that juggernaut status may depend on having a true rim protector, and if so then the key may be for Geno to do whatever it takes to realize Jana's potential. If that means giving her lots of minutes early on, then so be it. The team needs that girl. The success of Aubrey Q and KK in supplying the defensive intensity Nika brought every game will be that much easier if they're backed by Jana.

 

[Dynastic]

Starting 5: Paige, Azzi, Kk, Aubrey, Jana
First subs: Ice, Ashlynn, Sarah, Caroline, Allie, Morgan
Honorable Mention: Amari, Patterson, Ayanna, Ines, Q

Obviously things may change but Geno and crew put together a sisterhood of the traveling shorts, a family, but time will be earned.

 

[Centerstream]

Starting 5: Paige, Azzi, Kk, Aubrey, Jana
First subs: Ice, Ashlynn, Sarah, Caroline, Allie, Morgan
Honorable Mention: Amari, Patterson, Ayanna, Ines, Q

Obviously things may change but Geno and crew put together a sisterhood of the traveling shorts, a family, but time will be earned.

This is the same player...
But I like your picks except Aubrey won't be available until sometime in January, so Ice would probably be starting in her place in November and December.

 

[amishboy]

My only "contribution" here is to hope that, for the first time in at least three years, there are no season-ending or long-term injuries, and that Geno has the option of choosing the starting lineup from everyone on the roster!

[can I get an amen?!]

 

[cgshuskie]

I' witm down with Bone Dog, Paige, Azzi, Jana, Sarah and KK, Allie or Morgan or the big squad Paige, Azzi, Sarah, Ice and Jana. Wow!!!

 

[PJCLaw]

Geno had no choice but to have Paige play off the ball. I would like very much to revert to how Geno used Paige her first two years, on ball creating for others.

Do you really think that's best when she had a better year this year than her freshman year? She had a better all-around game, better rebounding, steals, blocked shots AND her scoring was better off the ball. I think she goes to the 3 and Azzi (or others) the 2 or vice versa, but not the 1.