And the UConn starting lineup is. . .

[Kibitzer]

. . .we don't know.

Neither does Geno. Or Chris, Shea or Marisa.

It appears that Geno is adhering to one of Red Auerbach's articles of faith: "They say you have to use your five best players but I found you win with the five who fit together the best."

What do we know as the six game Big Dance begins?

​

1. Geno is not wedded to a constant starting lineup. He has recently started Morgan, Breanna and Moriah as he experiments with matchups and combinations that he hopes will "fit together."​

​

2. The only sure starters are Kaleena, Stefanie and Kelly. OK, Bria, too. Caroline seems likely to end her glorious career coming off the bench.​

​

3. He no longer has a lone candidate for any "sixth man" award. He will sub freely and with no apparent fixed pattern. It's all about matchups and game situations.​

​

4. I cannot imagine that Breanna will not accumulate as many minutes as anyone else.​

​

5. We should expect some experiments vs. Idaho in Game One.​

Anyone have thoughts or insights to offer? Don't everybody talk at once.

 

[doggydaddy]

I think you hit it when you said matchups. Although the first 3 games, it won't matter.

 

[Vowelguy]

Insights: this is a very bad sign. You can be sure Geno does not want to be experimenting in March.

 

[Kibitzer]

Insights: this is a very bad sign. You can be sure Geno does not want to be experimenting in March.

Of course he doesn't. But. . .

1. He has no alternative. He didn't want to lose Brianna; he didn't want to wait for Morgan and Bria to overcome injuries; he surely had difficulty helping Breanna and Morgan develop their game and their confidence; and,​

​

2. He now has a twelve day lapse to really bear down in practice, plus weekdays between tournament sessions.​

​

As the old saying goes, you play with the cards you were dealt.

 

[Icebear]

He is not experimenting in March since he has been fitting together these various line ups and starting line ups for awhile. He has now seen how the combinations work and will put specific combinations on the court depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent.

 

[vtcwbuff]

I agree. The lineup experiments have been ongoing. They are probably driven more by necessity than anything else. I'm sure that if he had the choice the starting line up would have been cast in stone for the last month.

Injuries, performance and player progress have all played a part.

 

[Icebear]

In the immortal words of the Rolling Stones."You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might just find you get what you need."

 

[Tidepool]

I will guess that, what with point guard being our biggest weakness, Moriah will start in these early rounds to help her get ready to play at PG against the tougher teams. (Not that I am looking past these early-round opponents. Oh, hell, I admit it, yes I am.)

 

[DishNSwish]

Stewart will most likely see 30 minutes a game. Starters don't mean much, ask Kevin McHale about that.

Like the BE Touney you'll see Dolson/KML/Hartley/Stewart/Faris play over 30+ each I'd speculate

 

[JoePgh]

I think there is only one "gimme" game in UConn's future -- against Idaho. After that, it's Vanderbilt (who has competed, if not always successfully, against every team in the SEC). Then, on the second weekend, most likely Maryland and Kentucky.

So, only one game for experimentation. However, I will go out on a limb and say that Breanna takes the 5th starting position based on her Big East performances. I hope to see Morgan much more than we did at the Big East (perhaps reducing KML's minutes a bit), and also Kiah giving Stef some rest (depending on which Brittney she emulates).

I am not so sure that MoJeff will get major minutes, especially on the second weekend. Caroline may be needed for composure against Kentucky.

 

[vtcwbuff]

After Idaho I would put money on Hartley, Faris, Mosqueda Lewis, Dolson and Stewart. IMO that's the best lineup he's got.

 

[Husky68]

I think there is only one "gimme" game in UConn's future -- against Idaho. After that, it's Vanderbilt (who has competed, if not always successfully, against every team in the SEC). Then, on the second weekend, most likely Maryland and Kentucky.

So, only one game for experimentation. However, I will go out on a limb and say that Breanna takes the 5th starting position based on her Big East performances. I hope to see Morgan much more than we did at the Big East (perhaps reducing KML's minutes a bit), and also Kiah giving Stef some rest (depending on which Brittney she emulates).

I am not so sure that MoJeff will get major minutes, especially on the second weekend. Caroline may be needed for composure against Kentucky.

"Tell me it ain't so Joe", you couldn't have watched the final regular season game and saw Doty's performance (although she didn't have Dolson's 11 turnovers) and suggest she is "needed for composure"! She plays 21 minutes in that game and 0 minutes in BE tournament game, even Geno has figured it out after 30 regular season games. Having her Hartley/Dolson/Faris/KML on court together against Kentucky and could challenge the 35 turnovers in the 2nd ND game where had 5 players with at least 4 turnovers (and only MJ was yanked after a single turnover to never return to the game).
You want either Hartley or Doty to handle dribbling against Kentucky, I don't.

 

[doggydaddy]

I think there is only one "gimme" game in UConn's future -- against Idaho. After that, it's Vanderbilt (who has competed, if not always successfully, against every team in the SEC). Then, on the second weekend, most likely Maryland and Kentucky.

So, only one game for experimentation. However, I will go out on a limb and say that Breanna takes the 5th starting position based on her Big East performances. I hope to see Morgan much more than we did at the Big East (perhaps reducing KML's minutes a bit), and also Kiah giving Stef some rest (depending on which Brittney she emulates).

I am not so sure that MoJeff will get major minutes, especially on the second weekend. Caroline may be needed for composure against Kentucky.

Vanderbilt? Seriously?

They start two forwards, Clarke and Bowe, both are only ..6'.


Vandy also doesn't shoot particularly well. I don't see any reason that Uconn won't beat them by 30 points. Competing in the SEC but not necessarily winning means very little. Beating Texas A&M is more an indication that A&M isn't really that good.

I remember the Maryland game very well. Maryland was very physical. It kept them close. They closed to 7 points with 13 minutes left and 60 seconds later, the lead for Uconn was 13. They stretched the lead to 19. It really wasn't a close game. And what I never see mentioned it the fact that KML only played 13 minutes with that quad injury.

Kentucky is exactly the type of game that Doty would sit major minutes. Many are worried about the Kentucky defense, and they are very good, but lets not forget Uconn's defense against a weak shooting, turnover prone offense.

It appeared we needed some positive balance to some worried fellow fans. Glad to oblige.

 

[HGN]

I think Geno is trying different line-ups to see who plays better together ; and trying NOT to show any substitute patterns to other teams and coaches. He may indeed start Doty ; MoJeff ; Tuck ; or Stewie, in that 5th spot. NO One knows. Including the opponents. And I think thats just the way Geno wants it.

Somewhere along the line I think Muffet has picked up on Geno's 'tendencies' and substitute patterns......Almost like she knew what he was going to do before he even knew. And she has countered brilliantly........ Now if that is the case , Geno certainly wouldn't want the likes of a Mulkey, or a VanDerveer to pick up on any tendencies or patterns as well........Therefore , I think Geno could be purposely trying to be " Un-predictable". Being Un-predictable may give Geno back the advantage he once enjoyed. UConn can no longer lay claim to having the most talent in every game . Talent is more evenly spread among the top 5 teams now. Therefore , little things matter more. A steal here or there ; a missed free throw ; Out -of-bounds plays, etc.

Geno knows what he's doing , and he wants to be the ONLY one.

 

[vtcwbuff]

If UConn plays to their ability they won't have a problem with MD and KY. I believe the opposite is also true. If they play poorly they could lose to either team although I think MD would be less of a problem than KY.

I think they can beat Vandy, assuming they play Vandy, even if they play poorly but if they play MD and/or KY neither games are gimmes.

 

[doggydaddy]

If UConn plays to their ability they won't have a problem with MD and KY. I believe the opposite is also true. If they play poorly they could lose to either team although I think MD would be less of a problem than KY.

I think they can beat Vandy, assuming they play Vandy, even if they play poorly but if they play MD and/or KY neither games are gimmes.

If by "not a gimme" you mean, there is a chance they could lose, we agree. I think where we disagree is what that chance is.

 

[reno tony]

I will guess that, what with point guard being our biggest weakness, Moriah will start in these early rounds to help her get ready to play at PG against the tougher teams. (Not that I am looking past these early-round opponents. Oh, hell, I admit it, yes I am.)

I am looking toward the semi. These other games are just prep work.

Kelly Faris is Superwoman in disguise!!​

 

[connboy77]

I think you hit it when you said matchups. Although the first 3 games, it won't matter.

I think the first two games won't matter, but the third game probably against Maryland will matter.

 

[msf22b]

I look at the various assumptions and rationalizations above and it does not give me confidence.
I fervently hope that Geno is not experimenting.
The matchup issue makes me think of Grant at the Wilderness. To paraphrase: Don't worry about what Bobby Lee is going to do to us, concentrate on what we're going to do to him.

I figured that Geno was going to use this extended no-play practice time to integrate his octet into a chamber ensemble of near equals:
that he would sort out the point guard situ; meaning:awarding MoJeff her graduate degree and taking the lumps for the miscues that would go with the brilliance,

that he would work with Kiah on being a monster around the basket on offense so that Stef could get some needed rest during games,

that he would solve the problem of using Morgan to better effect whether it was injury or whatever other inexplicable reason that limited her minutes; she is certainly ready and has so demonstrated

that he would rehearse a few more plays that get Stewie open over the middle, where she is a killer,

that he would help Bria to rekindle the confidence that made her an assassin.

That he would (finally) fully integrate the underclassmen into offense and rotation so that KML, Kelly, and Stef and Bria do not have to use themselves up to the point of ineffectiveness and that this 8-person rotation is a huge positive.

And that having taken Caroline out of the starting line-up, surely he can find a role for her and increase the rotation to nine.

Stef, Kelly, Bria and KML can carry the team just so far.

And even if at the end we do not prevail, the youngsters will go into next season brimming with confidence and ready to compete at the highest level, because the boss had decided to live or die with them on the court.

He's a great coach, he can do it.

 

[Kibitzer]

I think Geno is trying different line-ups to see who plays better together ; and trying NOT to show any substitute patterns to other teams and coaches. He may indeed start Doty ; MoJeff ; Tuck ; or Stewie, in that 5th spot. NO One knows. Including the opponents. And I think thats just the way Geno wants it.

Somewhere along the line I think Muffet has picked up on Geno's 'tendencies' and substitute patterns......Almost like she knew what he was going to do before he even knew. And she has countered brilliantly........ Now if that is the case , Geno certainly wouldn't want the likes of a Mulkey, or a VanDerveer to pick up on any tendencies or patterns as well........Therefore , I think Geno could be purposely trying to be " Un-predictable". Being Un-predictable may give Geno back the advantage he once enjoyed. UConn can no longer lay claim to having the most talent in every game . Talent is more evenly spread among the top 5 teams now. Therefore , little things matter more. A steal here or there ; a missed free throw ; Out -of-bounds plays, etc.

Geno knows what he's doing , and he wants to be the ONLY one.

Concur. As a part of his preparation for the Big Dance there may be a little of the sly fox in Geno, attempting to plant a seed of uncertainty in the minds of opposing coaches as they scout UConn and develop their game plans. Back again to Red Auerbach: "If they think we've got an edge, we got an edge."

 

[pap49cba]

Agree with Kib. There well may be some method to Geno's madness. If WE don't have a clue what the starting line-ups will be our opponents certainly don't. Just makes it that much tougher to practice and game plan.

 

[doggydaddy]

Stef, Kelly, Bria and KML can carry the team just so far.

Yeah, all the way to the championship.

 

[OneTrickPony]

I look at the various assumptions and rationalizations above and it does not give me confidence.
I fervently hope that Geno is not experimenting.
The matchup issue makes me think of Grant at the Wilderness. To paraphrase: Don't worry about what Bobby Lee is going to do to us, concentrate on what we're going to do to him.

I figured that Geno was going to use this extended no-play practice time to integrate his octet into a chamber ensemble of near equals:
that he would sort out the point guard situ; meaning:awarding MoJeff her graduate degree and taking the lumps for the miscues that would go with the brilliance,

that he would work with Kiah on being a monster around the basket on offense so that Stef could get some needed rest during games,

that he would solve the problem of using Morgan to better effect whether it was injury or whatever other inexplicable reason that limited her minutes; she is certainly ready and has so demonstrated

that he would rehearse a few more plays that get Stewie open over the middle, where she is a killer,

that he would help Bria to rekindle the confidence that made her an assassin.

That he would (finally) fully integrate the underclassmen into offense and rotation so that KML, Kelly, and Stef and Bria do not have to use themselves up to the point of ineffectiveness and that this 8-person rotation is a huge positive.

And that having taken Caroline out of the starting line-up, surely he can find a role for her and increase the rotation to nine.

Stef, Kelly, Bria and KML can carry the team just so far.

And even if at the end we do not prevail, the youngsters will go into next season brimming with confidence and ready to compete at the highest level, because the boss had decided to live or die with them on the court.

He's a great coach, he can do it.

That was actually a nice post msf...I think you're ready for the tourney...I'm sure Geno and the Huskies are are...

 

[OneTrickPony]

You want either Hartley or Doty to handle dribbling against Kentucky, I don't.

I get the feeling Moriah could be very effective against the Kentucky press if she studies the TA&M-Kentucky film...they are highly susceptible to a quick guard functioning within a disciplined press break...and she is quicker than anything TA&M can put on the floor...

 

[Vowelguy]

The problem with all these theories is that it's *very* uncharacteristic for Geno. He almost never ever changes starting lineups. He wants to have 5 guys he's confident in, and roll the dice with them. Yes, he could be trying a different approach (which in itself is an experiment), but I fear it means he's yet to find the five that he fully trusts. And if so, that's a problem.