This is why the addition of Serah is key. Some of UConn’s best teams have had three great players as options. Think Nykesha/Rebecca/Kara, Renee/Maya/Tina, Bria/Kaleena/Breanna, and just about any combination of the 2002 team
And Paige, Sarah and Azzi. They became one of the best, if not dominant, teams in NCAA tournament history. They tied for the largest margin of victory in the Finals with the 2013 UCONN team and their victory over UCLA makes them the highest total combined margin of victory in the Final Four ever. This year, it's Serah, Sarah and Azzi which in and of itself is a great outside, wing, inside combination.
"Suffered"??? They had the Gabulous One for two of those three years. Sheesh.....
What about Gabby Williams? Jay Bilas called her the most complete player in college basketball, men or women. And they didn't suffer too much. Their 3 year record 2017 to 2019 was 116-4. They just couldn't win the big one.
Methinks Jen Rizzotti might be curious why she's left out of your otherwise excellent list... she was only the NPOY in '96, a season after being the spark to that Rebecca/Kara/Nykesha trio as during the '95 championship run.
Calm down everyone! I love Gabby and she would have been perfect as the SF she plays today in the WNBA.
Yeah, and don’t forget we have at least a couple of other players who could make that a foursome (at least) by March! This team has a lot of talent!
...and if were not for two last second shots, the women would be going for NC #15 this year.
That 4th is most likely Blanca although it could be Ash.
Even if he goes to a rotation of 10, I doubt that Geno would have all five starters out at one time against any opponent, good or bad. We have three starters that probably get significantly more minutes than the last two starters. The first substitutions are likely Kayleigh for KK, and Blanca for Ashlynn. Sarah, Azzi and Serah can stay in a little longer, and they certainly don't have to come out together, they could be staggered so that usually two of the three are in the game most of the time.
I think at ths point at least, it is far more likely to be Ash! Blanca is clearly very gifted but I think it may take some time before she is able to play the way Geno wants her to play. When she does it is going to be really something, but I think she has a way to go before she is ready to supplant Ash.
I have to agree about Gabby. Yes, she was an unbelievable talent and like Sarah, was able to play every position, even the 5 at a very high level. However, there surely can be no argument that that team would have been better with a skilled big with legitimate size in the post. This would have freed Gabby to dominate in the 3/4 spot/s. Even with Sarah, who I feel is as good as any of us has seen in terms of playing all positions, our team will be better with a legit big girl in the post.
You mean like last year when Strong and four guards decimated the NC tournament? There was no "top level consistent true big" on that team. It's not what you have, it's WHO you have. How much more unstoppable can you get than 116-4? Lack of size didn't beat them, UConn just couldn't make the plays they needed in those tournaments.
A traditional forward like Strong....over Gabbie a guard who played forward for us.....
Absolutely Nan! Obviously her low post offense makes us a much better team, but having a strong post presence as a potential "eraser" allows our perimeter to guard more aggressively out to the three-point line. That and the depth we have create the opportunity to be a better defensive team this year than last year.
It even goes beyond Serah, though, as Sarah is a good shot blocker and help defender. What I really hope is that Blanca will prove a good shot blocker, and Jana and Ayanna learn to block shots without fouling. Ice's blocks per 40 are about the same as those two, btw, so Serah and Ice or Jana and Sarah should still be good defensive combos.
Your original point was valid, but saying this... well, that's just being silly. Each to her or his own, but this is hyperbole taken to the max.
I don't expect Jana and Serah to be on the floor a lot together, except in unique circumstances, but I do think we will see it for 2-3 minutes every game just because that allows us to keep both of their per game minutes higher. Jana is still developing her offensive game in putting her on the court with Serah means we have one less shooter in the game. Expect to see a lot of four man out sets, and we can't do that as effectively with both Jana and Serah in the game at the same time.
The 10 player rotation WITH versatility will help long term especially in the Big East where there are some varied styles of play. The pick and pop shoot a 3 offense of Creighton can differ from Seton Hall or the physicality of G-Town.
You wouldn't take:
As I said, to each her/his own... 😉like you, I rooted for each of those Huskies, and admired their talents.
I haven't even gotten to the hall of fame Tennessee players yet lol. If I did that Clark might be ranked the 50th best player of all time. 😀
You'd strike some fear in Clark with Rizzotti