6 Reasons Why Ash and KK will start

[PhillyCoach]

Usually the nucleus of last year's team is a good beginning for the new season. Paige, Ash, and KK are the nucleus. #1 - Both KK and Ash are 10 point scorers (give or take.) Nice place to begin. #2 - They played 30 plus minutes every game or more on occasion--that equals Geno Trust. High on the list to play for UConn. #3 - They both played top level Team Defense--they made the final four. #4 - Starters should be intense, tough, High IQ and High Motor. KK and Ash --Yes, yes, yes, & definitely Yes on the high motor. #5 - We can eliminate alot of the competition for starting because 4 players are coming back from injury (Azzi, Aubrey, Caroline, Yanna.). Before starting these players must fully recover physically from the injury. Then they must work off the rust and mentally recover game reliability. Finally before starting they must regain Geno's trust. We all know that those 3 elements will take time. No early starters here. Q and the 2 frosh are not ready. That leaves Sarah and Ice. I see Caitlyn taking Nika's spot for now and Jana will start over Ice. I Don't believe that Sarah will get the total defense thing that early in the season. Geno loves the D enough to let her learn and come off the bench--maybe real early for offense. After 8 to 10 games starting could happen.
#6 - Final and very important reason why I see KK and Ash starting, is the Sophomore leap. All three frosh have not experienced the speed and strength of the college game. (I am giving Jana the benefit of the doubt since she played International for years against older players --more aggressive and stronger.) KK and Ash played so much last year that they know the speed and strength of the game (all the way to the final four--top teams.)
They both learned from hard core experience where they have to improve. First speed--KK went to special camps for quickness and movement and Ash worked with her Dad & outside trainers. The strength continues to build over last year and they both look bigger. Mentally they have true understanding of the stress and pressure of critical moments. Finally, they learned from personal experience and the super coaching staff of UConn, what 2 or 3 things needed to improve. For instance, KK worked on driving in quicker, smarter angles and getting off shots that cannot be blocked so easy. Both players know and are refining the instantaneous decision making of receiving ball and then---immediately dribbling , passing or shooting. Geno caught Ash hesitating and holding the ball too long before choosing one of the three options.
In short, KK and Ash are better than last year. If they are knocked out of starting then someone has to be playing at a VERY HIGH LEVEL.
**I am aware that starting and coming off the bench are each important. Aubrey is the classic--off the bench--game changer. I just see November and December games with them starting. As the season unfolds, the development of the team and the other players will determine who plays the most minutes and when they will be played. Just my humble view of the new season.

 

[Bone Dog]

Totally agree with your excellent analysis. I’d emphasize as well that Geno will start a lineup that can set an example for the others, show them what the offense and defense are supposed to look like, and that means Paige KK and Ash. That’s been his practice in recent years. The lineup that went to the final four last season is the only group he has who can set that example. Of course, since Nika and Aaliyah have moved on, he’s likely to turn to Ice in my opinion, and either Sarah or Jana. And if Azzi is ready she’ll get the nod over one of these two, but not over KK and Ash.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Totally agree with your excellent analysis. I’d emphasize as well that Geno will start a lineup that can set an example for the others, show them what the offense and defense are supposed to look like, and that means Paige KK and Ash. That’s been his practice in recent years. The lineup that went to the final four last season is the only group he has who can set that example. Of course, since Nika and Aaliyah have moved on, he’s likely to turn to Ice in my opinion, and either Sarah or Jana. And if Azzi is ready she’ll get the nod over one of these two, but not over KK and Ash.

But Geno already said he was going to send Ash to the bench for Azzi. I don’t get why his own words are being ignored.

 

[Cuango]

I certainly expect big things from KK & Ash. No argument there. However, I will be very surprised if Sarah is not a starter from day one. This team is so incredibly talented however, that choosing a starting five is going to be very hard! If we can just say healthy across the board everyone will end up with a lot of minutes over the course of the year! I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a more talented team throughout the roster! It is simply unbelievable how much talent is going to be available to Geno!

 

[Aluminny69]

I wouldn't rule out Kaitlyn Chen starting. I believe she started and played major minutes for Princeton last year. If the PG stating spot comes down to KK vs. Chen, that's a close call.

 

[Bone Dog]

But Geno already said he was going to send Ash to the bench for Azzi. I don’t get why his own words are being ignored.

We’re only talking about the beginning of the season. And as I said, if Azzi is healthy she’ll start. I also think Geno will eventually take Ash out of the starting lineup in favor of Azzi, or Sarah or Jana. He just won’t do it in November. But this is just a summer speculation.

 

[Skeets]

But Geno already said he was going to send Ash to the bench for Azzi. I don’t get why his own words are being ignored.

I never heard that. Can you provide a reference? That does not sound like Geno to me.

I believe it's simple. To replace Ash or KK in the starting lineup, the replacement merely has to out work them in practice. Is someone going to out work KK? Maybe, but I want to see the kid who can out work Ash.

 

[Bone Dog]

To replace Ash or KK in the starting lineup, the replacement merely has to out work them in practice.

I definitely share the sentiment that no one will ever out work Ash. But I think Geno’s formula is more about out achieving others in practice. This probably entails out working them in most cases, too. I remember hearing about how CD posts a chart that records everyone’s shooting percentages in practice all year long.

 

[oldude]

I absolutely agree that Paige, Ashlynn & KK will start at the beginning of the season. Every other guard is coming off of an injury or they are inexperienced freshmen.

I do hope to see some of those guards off the bench pushing for starter’s minutes. Of course the most intriguing possibility would be if Azzi pushes Ashlynn for her old starting spot at shooting guard.

Should that happen, UConn would be able to field a wealth of sharpshooters, that would force opponents to scramble all over the court, trying to defend a lineup that just can’t be defended.

 

[OldSchooler]

I definitely share the sentiment that no one will ever out work Ash. But I think Geno’s formula is more about out achieving others in practice. This probably entails out working them in most cases, too. I remember hearing about how CD posts a chart that records everyone’s shooting percentages in practice all year long.

I think you hit the nail on the head, Dog. The decision on starters will take shape in the month of October, as team practice and preparation intensify. The deep pool of talent gives the coaching staff many possibilities, but the cream will rise to the top in October. Meanwhile, competition is good.

 

[huskeynut]

I agree that Paige, KK and Ash start at the beginning of the season. None of us know the physical condition of Azzi and Caroline. I do not see Aubrey back until after the 1st of the year.

For those who beleive it will take shape during practices in October, that is probably true. And I recognize that Azzi is a big favorite of many. But what if she is not cleared to full practice in October? This is the second ACL on that knee. There are questions that need to be answered.

As to Geno's options. he has many. And nothing is set in stone. It will take more time than many think to see how this team will form up and play.

 

[geordi]

Four (at least) reasons why KK and Ash will NOT start. Paige, Azzi, Sarah, Jana. That doesn't even include Aubrey and Ice who will more probably come off the bench. And I agree with Aluminny69 - It'll be a push re: KK and Chen.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

I never heard that. Can you provide a reference? That does not sound like Geno to me.

I believe it's simple. To replace Ash or KK in the starting lineup, the replacement merely has to out work them in practice. Is someone going to out work KK? Maybe, but I want to see the kid who can out work Ash.

Comments start around the 4 minute mark around KK and Ashlyn’s role changing this season.

 

[oldude]

Four (at least) reasons why KK and Ash will NOT start. Paige, Azzi, Sarah, Jana. That doesn't even include Aubrey and Ice who will more probably come off the bench. And I agree with Aluminny69 - It'll be a push re: KK and Chen.

?
Sarah, Jana, Aubrey & Ice are all forwards, and will battle it out for the 2 starting forward spots, assuming Geno doesn’t go with a 4 guard lineup, as he did for most of last season. Chen will certainly push KK. But I still think KK starts on Day 1.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

I don't see both Ashlyn and KK starting next season, even at the beginning. The only reason they started last season was because of an insane run of injuries. If everyone is healthy only one of them should be starting if we want to be a top 5 team in the country imo.

 

[Dogstar]

But Geno already said he was going to send Ash to the bench for Azzi. I don’t get why his own words are being ignored.

Link?

 

[topogigio]

Geno will put out the best 5 considering the matchups. That’s all, folks!

 

[JoePgh]

All of the factors listed in the original post were known at the end of last season. If Geno saw the situation that way, why did he bring Kaitlyn to Storrs?

If he saw her as merely bench depth or injury insurance, then a less experienced guard would have been more appropriate, and then Kaitlyn could have gone to another good program to be a starter and establish her WNBA credentials.

I think Geno recruited Kaitlyn because he saw her as a probable starter, or at least as someone who would be first off the bench and get starter minutes.

That's not a guarantee that will happen, but I think that is his initial expectation.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

All of the factors listed in the original post were known at the end of last season. If Geno saw the situation that way, why did he bring Kaitlyn to Storrs?

If he saw her as merely bench depth or injury insurance, then a less experienced guard would have been more appropriate, and then Kaitlyn could have gone to another good program to be a starter and establish her WNBA credentials.

I think Geno recruited Kaitlyn because he saw her as a probable starter, or at least as someone who would be first off the bench and get starter minutes.

That's not a guarantee that will happen, but I think that is his initial expectation.

I agree with this. Kaitlyn seems like the most natural pairing with Paige in the backcourt because they can both play on and off the ball. I think the third guard spot is Azzi's to lose once healthy, maybe Ashlynn's if she's not healthy day 1 but it could also go to Sarah or Morgan if we want to go big, Carol if she's healthy. So we will see.

 

[jdote33]

It's an interesting conversation. I think Azzi coming off the bench with an ultra green light is interesting. Kinda on a similar note it's pretty great to think of Caroline, Azzi, and Kaitlyn coming off the bench and then being implored to be aggressive. It would seemingly be pretty tough for teams to matchup with or plan for.

 

[HopJim]

Without coming across as the contrarian, particularly when it comes to UConn and Geno, I don't much attention to the "who will start" threads. Geno has his own way of doing things and after his first few years, I came to understand that trying to project how he makes these types of decisions can make your mind explode.

 

[victor64]

I think the original poster waited until the end to indicate that the starting lineup was to begin the season. Based on the six points, KK, Ash, Paige, Kaitlin and Jana is a reasonable conclusion.

That lineup will not be the starters in March in my opinion.

 

[mhshuskies]

Usually the nucleus of last year's team is a good beginning for the new season. Paige, Ash, and KK are the nucleus. #1 - Both KK and Ash are 10 point scorers (give or take.) Nice place to begin. #2 - They played 30 plus minutes every game or more on occasion--that equals Geno Trust. High on the list to play for UConn. #3 - They both played top level Team Defense--they made the final four. #4 - Starters should be intense, tough, High IQ and High Motor. KK and Ash --Yes, yes, yes, & definitely Yes on the high motor. #5 - We can eliminate alot of the competition for starting because 4 players are coming back from injury (Azzi, Aubrey, Caroline, Yanna.). Before starting these players must fully recover physically from the injury. Then they must work off the rust and mentally recover game reliability. Finally before starting they must regain Geno's trust. We all know that those 3 elements will take time. No early starters here. Q and the 2 frosh are not ready. That leaves Sarah and Ice. I see Caitlyn taking Nika's spot for now and Jana will start over Ice. I Don't believe that Sarah will get the total defense thing that early in the season. Geno loves the D enough to let her learn and come off the bench--maybe real early for offense. After 8 to 10 games starting could happen.
#6 - Final and very important reason why I see KK and Ash starting, is the Sophomore leap. All three frosh have not experienced the speed and strength of the college game. (I am giving Jana the benefit of the doubt since she played International for years against older players --more aggressive and stronger.) KK and Ash played so much last year that they know the speed and strength of the game (all the way to the final four--top teams.)
They both learned from hard core experience where they have to improve. First speed--KK went to special camps for quickness and movement and Ash worked with her Dad & outside trainers. The strength continues to build over last year and they both look bigger. Mentally they have true understanding of the stress and pressure of critical moments. Finally, they learned from personal experience and the super coaching staff of UConn, what 2 or 3 things needed to improve. For instance, KK worked on driving in quicker, smarter angles and getting off shots that cannot be blocked so easy. Both players know and are refining the instantaneous decision making of receiving ball and then---immediately dribbling , passing or shooting. Geno caught Ash hesitating and holding the ball too long before choosing one of the three options.
In short, KK and Ash are better than last year. If they are knocked out of starting then someone has to be playing at a VERY HIGH LEVEL.
**I am aware that starting and coming off the bench are each important. Aubrey is the classic--off the bench--game changer. I just see November and December games with them starting. As the season unfolds, the development of the team and the other players will determine who plays the most minutes and when they will be played. Just my humble view of the new season.

The #1 starter is Paige and a healthy Azzi is absolutely the #2 starter, neither Azzi or a healthy Caroline Ducharme needs to regain Geno’s trust.

 

[DefenseBB]

My initial concern to this heading was because any two of these 3 were hurt-Paige, Azzi, Chen.
The starting 5 will have to be fluid as both Jana and Sarah will earn their way into the lineup. If Paige still has to play the small forward position, this team is not winning the 12th title.

I get this forum loves both KK and Ash, but let’s be honest, both need to improve their shooting to warrant any consideration to start over Paige, Azzi, Caitlyn, never mind the front court options of Ice, Jana, Sarah or Aubrey. They just don’t offer enough offense to deserve to start. Heck, I have private concerns that Allie and Morgan have better size and shots than Ash. But hey, that’s why they play the games instead of just listing it on paper or forums…

 

[Skeets]

My initial concern to this heading was because any two of these 3 were hurt-Paige, Azzi, Chen.
The starting 5 will have to be fluid as both Jana and Sarah will earn their way into the lineup. If Paige still has to play the small forward position, this team is not winning the 12th title.

I get this forum loves both KK and Ash, but let’s be honest, both need to improve their shooting to warrant any consideration to start over Paige, Azzi, Caitlyn, never mind the front court options of Ice, Jana, Sarah or Aubrey. They just don’t offer enough offense to deserve to start. Heck, I have private concerns that Allie and Morgan have better size and shots than Ash. But hey, that’s why they play the games instead of just listing it on paper or forums…

Ash shot .481 and KK shot .459, not too shabby. Allie and Morgan have shot .000 so far. So, your prognostication is that Allie and Morgan will be co-BE Freshman of the year and be on the all-BE freshman team? No criticism, here I hope you are correct.

By comparison, Paige shot .530. Not exactly blowing Ash and KK away.

 

[Dugway]

I absolutely agree that Paige, Ashlynn & KK will start at the beginning of the season. Every other guard is coming off of an injury or they are inexperienced freshmen.

I do hope to see some of those guards off the bench pushing for starter’s minutes. Of course the most intriguing possibility would be if Azzi pushes Ashlynn for her old starting spot at shooting guard.

Should that happen, UConn would be able to field a wealth of sharpshooters, that would force opponents to scramble all over the court, trying to defend a lineup that just can’t be defended.

Sir, this is an inaccurate statement. UConn has a fifth-year guard, she has not been injured, and she is certainly not inexperienced. In fact, she is one of only two Collegiate All Americans that are on the current UConn roster. I would not be one bit surprised if come November, we find that she is one of the starters in lieu of those sophomores; but we will just have to wait and see how it plays out.

 

[Dugway]

I never heard that. Can you provide a reference? That does not sound like Geno to me.

I believe it's simple. To replace Ash or KK in the starting lineup, the replacement merely has to out work them in practice. Is someone going to out work KK? Maybe, but I want to see the kid who can out work Ash.

I believe that whomever it is going to be is 100% going to have to work extremely hard; but when the rubber meets the road, it is not going to be about who outworks whoever else. There is absolutely no substitute for effort, but it does not guarantee you success! In the end it is going to be, 'who is better?' I believe that is the player who will get the minutes. This is big time collegiate basketball, it is not a personality contest, nor a test of physical strengths, but rather 'who plays better basketball'? JMHO

 

[DefenseBB]

Ash shot .481 and KK shot .459, not too shabby. Allie and Morgan have shot .000 so far. So, your prognostication is that Allie and Morgan will be co-BE Freshman of the year and be on the all-BE freshman team? No criticism, here I hope you are correct.

By comparison, Paige shot .530. Not exactly blowing Ash and KK away.

Ok, let’s use a bit of logic here, in the big 6 games in Feb and March (ND, SC, Syracuse, Duke, USC and Iowa) where deep and talented teams will clamp down on Paige and have some other talented players guard KK and Ash, as opposed to the less than stellar Big East opponent, Ash shot 23-61 or . 377 vs. her .481 and in 3 pt shooting which we desperately need she was 9-36 or .25 vs. her pedestrian season Ave of .356. That has to improve.
For KK she was 23-53 or .415 from the floor and 5-15 from 3 pt. Her season ave was .459 and .330 and again both have to really improve to warrant starting over the other options.

Shooting great against Seton Hall, Georgetown, Providence et al is nice but we are trying to contend for national titles. Both need to step up to warrant starting.

 

[Alydar]

Usually the nucleus of last year's team is a good beginning for the new season. Paige, Ash, and KK are the nucleus. #1 - Both KK and Ash are 10 point scorers (give or take.) Nice place to begin. #2 - They played 30 plus minutes every game or more on occasion--that equals Geno Trust. High on the list to play for UConn. #3 - They both played top level Team Defense--they made the final four. #4 - Starters should be intense, tough, High IQ and High Motor. KK and Ash --Yes, yes, yes, & definitely Yes on the high motor. #5 - We can eliminate alot of the competition for starting because 4 players are coming back from injury (Azzi, Aubrey, Caroline, Yanna.). Before starting these players must fully recover physically from the injury. Then they must work off the rust and mentally recover game reliability. Finally before starting they must regain Geno's trust. We all know that those 3 elements will take time. No early starters here. Q and the 2 frosh are not ready. That leaves Sarah and Ice. I see Caitlyn taking Nika's spot for now and Jana will start over Ice. I Don't believe that Sarah will get the total defense thing that early in the season. Geno loves the D enough to let her learn and come off the bench--maybe real early for offense. After 8 to 10 games starting could happen.
#6 - Final and very important reason why I see KK and Ash starting, is the Sophomore leap. All three frosh have not experienced the speed and strength of the college game. (I am giving Jana the benefit of the doubt since she played International for years against older players --more aggressive and stronger.) KK and Ash played so much last year that they know the speed and strength of the game (all the way to the final four--top teams.)
They both learned from hard core experience where they have to improve. First speed--KK went to special camps for quickness and movement and Ash worked with her Dad & outside trainers. The strength continues to build over last year and they both look bigger. Mentally they have true understanding of the stress and pressure of critical moments. Finally, they learned from personal experience and the super coaching staff of UConn, what 2 or 3 things needed to improve. For instance, KK worked on driving in quicker, smarter angles and getting off shots that cannot be blocked so easy. Both players know and are refining the instantaneous decision making of receiving ball and then---immediately dribbling , passing or shooting. Geno caught Ash hesitating and holding the ball too long before choosing one of the three options.
In short, KK and Ash are better than last year. If they are knocked out of starting then someone has to be playing at a VERY HIGH LEVEL.
**I am aware that starting and coming off the bench are each important. Aubrey is the classic--off the bench--game changer. I just see November and December games with them starting. As the season unfolds, the development of the team and the other players will determine who plays the most minutes and when they will be played. Just my humble view of the new season.

I could quibble over a couple of things but it's a great argument. It reminds me of the people who analyze the entries to the Kentucky Derby and write about why their pick will win. They make good cases but they fail to see that a good case could be made for maybe 15 of the 20 entries.
If others outplay them in the next 10 weeks then Shade and Arnold will not start. I agree that they have a head start but there is an awful lot of talent on that roster and as we have seen in the last few years freshmen across the country have started and starred.

 

[CTBballfan243]

Ok, let’s use a bit of logic here, in the big 6 games in Feb and March (ND, SC, Syracuse, Duke, USC and Iowa) where deep and talented teams will clamp down on Paige and have some other talented players guard KK and Ash, as opposed to the less than stellar Big East opponent, Ash shot 23-61 or . 377 vs. her .481 and in 3 pt shooting which we desperately need she was 9-36 or .25 vs. her pedestrian season Ave of .356. That has to improve.
For KK she was 23-53 or .415 from the floor and 5-15 from 3 pt. Her season ave was .459 and .330 and again both have to really improve to warrant starting over the other options.

Shooting great against Seton Hall, Georgetown, Providence et al is nice but we are trying to contend for national titles. Both need to step up to warrant starting.

No one else on the current roster shot better in those games except for maybe Paige.