Another Replacement Guard ?

[Dillon77]

Assuming Geno/UConn isn't able to find another guard prior to the season, I'm guessing Geno will have to rely on everything from the overall excellence of his 10 remaining scholarship players and (some of) their abilities to take on certain tasks of the UConn offense. An offense that may or may not have to be tweaked a bit given Paige's absence.

From my perspective (and I watch more UConn games than you might think):

• Nika's the PG and she's going to have to stay out of foul trouble to both stay on the court and keep her designated back-up doing what she does best.
• That back-up is Azzi Fudd, who can probably direct half-court sets and lead a fast break, but shines best as a scorer. Against top notch teams, she'll need to score.
• I think the decision on maximizing talent is most intriguing at the wing or bigger guard position. With Paige, I think Caroline Ducharme, no brainer. But no Paige, does Caroline become the back-up off-guard if/when Azzi takes over lead guard?

And, if that's the case, do you start Lou Lopez Senechal at wing? Not only can she score, but she's a good rebounder as well.
- How good -- and versatile -- is Ayanna Patterson? Does she have the handle/medium-range game to play wing? Or is she more of a stretch 4?

Against lesser competition, I think Geno can mix and match without too many worries -- remember the level of talent is high -- but against tougher competition, it will be really interesting to see how he utilizes Ducharme and Senechal and how Patterson develops in the course of her freshman year.


p.s. Interestingly, because of mass transfers and only one frosh coming in, Notre Dame only has nine scholarship players.
The player I've got circled as key is also a wing -- Sonia Citron. ND really doesn't have another tall guard/wing who can do what she does. I can see her playing the 3, 2 and 4. And she probably will. On the UConn side, that will be Fudd, working the 2 and one.

 

[oldude]

Assuming Geno/UConn isn't able to find another guard prior to the season, I'm guessing Geno will have to rely on everything from the overall excellence of his 10 remaining scholarship players and (some of) their abilities to take on certain tasks of the UConn offense. An offense that may or may not have to be tweaked a bit given Paige's absence.

From my perspective (and I watch more UConn games than you might think):

• Nika's the PG and she's going to have to stay out of foul trouble to both stay on the court and keep her designated back-up doing what she does best.
• That back-up is Azzi Fudd, who can probably direct half-court sets and lead a fast break, but shines best as a scorer. Against top notch teams, she'll need to score.
• I think the decision on maximizing talent is most intriguing at the wing or bigger guard position. With Paige, I think Caroline Ducharme, no brainer. But no Paige, does Caroline become the back-up off-guard if/when Azzi takes over lead guard?

And, if that's the case, do you start Lou Lopez Senechal at wing? Not only can she score, but she's a good rebounder as well.
- How good -- and versatile -- is Ayanna Patterson? Does she have the handle/medium-range game to play wing? Or is she more of a stretch 4?

Against lesser competition, I think Geno can mix and match without too many worries -- remember the level of talent is high -- but against tougher competition, it will be really interesting to see how he utilizes Ducharme and Senechal and how Patterson develops in the course of her freshman year.


p.s. Interestingly, because of mass transfers and only one frosh coming in, Notre Dame only has nine scholarship players.
The player I've got circled as key is also a wing -- Sonia Citron. ND really doesn't have another tall guard/wing who can do what she does. I can see her playing the 3, 2 and 4. And she probably will. On the UConn side, that will be Fudd, working the 2 and one.

Dillon, every time I read one of your insightful posts, I feel like Darth Vader talking to Luke Skywalker, wishing you would come over to the Dark Side as a fan of UConn WBB.

Somewhere Geno is saying, “Dillon I am your father.”

 

[CocoHusky]

I would really like an explanation of the bolded.

I think the pro contract is somewhat editorializing. There are college freshmen around the age that Buenavida will be in 2023 so it is possible that she might still have interest in college and signed an amateur deal. Money in Spain has not been that great recently and a lot of younger players have preferred college.

Contell though has probably already been professional. If the 2023 WNBA Draft was held today, she would probably be picked near the end of it. She has already decided to go on loan from Valencia to one of the new first division teams for this season.

FIBA list Contell's DOB as 20 Dec 2003. If she is WNBA caliber as you are projecting then it is highly unlikely that she is coming to the US to play college ball. By coming to the US Contell would would not be WNBA eligible until spring of 2025.

 

[meyers7]

I thought the consensus on the BY was that UConn needed more BIGS

Yea, the consensus of the BY isn't always the brightest.

I tried telling some of the "bigs" people that we were set on bigs, but were a bit short on guards. Now we are even shorter.

 

[BobbyJ]

Assuming Geno/UConn isn't able to find another guard prior to the season, I'm guessing Geno will have to rely on everything from the overall excellence of his 10 remaining scholarship players and (some of) their abilities to take on certain tasks of the UConn offense. An offense that may or may not have to be tweaked a bit given Paige's absence.

From my perspective (and I watch more UConn games than you might think):

• Nika's the PG and she's going to have to stay out of foul trouble to both stay on the court and keep her designated back-up doing what she does best.
• That back-up is Azzi Fudd, who can probably direct half-court sets and lead a fast break, but shines best as a scorer. Against top notch teams, she'll need to score.
• I think the decision on maximizing talent is most intriguing at the wing or bigger guard position. With Paige, I think Caroline Ducharme, no brainer. But no Paige, does Caroline become the back-up off-guard if/when Azzi takes over lead guard?

And, if that's the case, do you start Lou Lopez Senechal at wing? Not only can she score, but she's a good rebounder as well.
- How good -- and versatile -- is Ayanna Patterson? Does she have the handle/medium-range game to play wing? Or is she more of a stretch 4?

Against lesser competition, I think Geno can mix and match without too many worries -- remember the level of talent is high -- but against tougher competition, it will be really interesting to see how he utilizes Ducharme and Senechal and how Patterson develops in the course of her freshman year.


p.s. Interestingly, because of mass transfers and only one frosh coming in, Notre Dame only has nine scholarship players.
The player I've got circled as key is also a wing -- Sonia Citron. ND really doesn't have another tall guard/wing who can do what she does. I can see her playing the 3, 2 and 4. And she probably will. On the UConn side, that will be Fudd, working the 2 and one.

All good points. Because of the offensive adjustments necessary due to Bueckers' injury, I believe Senechal will become a major factor in how well this system operates. Auriemma has his reasons for why he may start Muhl and Ducharme may start as well but Senechal will likely be the first non-big to come in early. I then think this will be his best G/W combo offensively. It will be very important for Senechal to shoot to her capabilities for them to score the roughly 80 a game they'll need to compete with all the top teams they have on the schedule.

 

[Stymie]

Not sure you should start Nika unless she can display the discipline not to get into foul trouble by the middle of the 2nd quarter.
That will be the big reveal for her.
I’m thinking Azzi, Ducharme and Senechal, with Nika first in early to terrorize opponent and change the game flow.
As long as she keeps fouls to a minimum, she can stay in for extender periods and start the 3rd quarter.
And let’s be real- we have no idea how much Aubrey can contribute being out so long and rebounding from back surgery.
Do I hope for the best from her?-ABSOLUTELY- but, please show me.

 

[ConnMotors]

I’m thinking Azzi, Ducharme and Senechal, with Nika first in early to terrorize opponent and change the game flow.
As long as she keeps fouls to a minimum, she can stay in for extender periods and start the 3rd quarter.

Depending on who we are playing the line up may change slightly. But, right now it's going to be:

Nika - Point Guard
Azzi - Off Guard
Caroline - Wing
Dorka - Power Forward
Aaliyah - Center

That is our most experienced team. All of the others will be rotating in.

 

[stamfordhusky]

Not sure you should start Nika unless she can display the discipline not to get into foul trouble by the middle of the 2nd quarter.
That will be the big reveal for her.
I’m thinking Azzi, Ducharme and Senechal, with Nika first in early to terrorize opponent and change the game flow.
As long as she keeps fouls to a minimum, she can stay in for extender periods and start the 3rd quarter.
And let’s be real- we have no idea how much Aubrey can contribute being out so long and rebounding from back surgery.
Do I hope for the best from her?-ABSOLUTELY- but, please show me.

The team has only one PG, and you're not going to start her?

 

[stamfordhusky]

And, if that's the case, do you start Lou Lopez Senechal at wing? Not only can she score, but she's a good rebounder as well.

Lopez Senechal was a poor rebounder last year at Fairfield. Only got 7.9% of available rebounds. Worse than Ducharme.

 

[hoophuskee]

The team has only one PG, and you're not going to start her?

Azzi can also play pg.

 

[oldhusky]

Assuming Geno/UConn isn't able to find another guard prior to the season, I'm guessing Geno will have to rely on everything from the overall excellence of his 10 remaining scholarship players and (some of) their abilities to take on certain tasks of the UConn offense. An offense that may or may not have to be tweaked a bit given Paige's absence.

From my perspective (and I watch more UConn games than you might think):

• Nika's the PG and she's going to have to stay out of foul trouble to both stay on the court and keep her designated back-up doing what she does best.
• That back-up is Azzi Fudd, who can probably direct half-court sets and lead a fast break, but shines best as a scorer. Against top notch teams, she'll need to score.
• I think the decision on maximizing talent is most intriguing at the wing or bigger guard position. With Paige, I think Caroline Ducharme, no brainer. But no Paige, does Caroline become the back-up off-guard if/when Azzi takes over lead guard?

And, if that's the case, do you start Lou Lopez Senechal at wing? Not only can she score, but she's a good rebounder as well.
- How good -- and versatile -- is Ayanna Patterson? Does she have the handle/medium-range game to play wing? Or is she more of a stretch 4?

Against lesser competition, I think Geno can mix and match without too many worries -- remember the level of talent is high -- but against tougher competition, it will be really interesting to see how he utilizes Ducharme and Senechal and how Patterson develops in the course of her freshman year.


p.s. Interestingly, because of mass transfers and only one frosh coming in, Notre Dame only has nine scholarship players.
The player I've got circled as key is also a wing -- Sonia Citron. ND really doesn't have another tall guard/wing who can do what she does. I can see her playing the 3, 2 and 4. And she probably will. On the UConn side, that will be Fudd, working the 2 and one.

All good points. I suspect Lou will be sub for all the guards. That is difficult to do with only one substitute for three positions. It is far from ideal, if Lou came in for Nika for example a little earlier than usual, you need to wait until she is rested enough to return before you sub for Caroline, then you need to wait until Caroline is rested enough to come in and spell Azzi, and when Azzi is rested enough she returns Lou to the bench.

The bottom line is if you want to avoid using the 5th option you wind up subbing for the first player early, and the last starter late. It also takes away most of the game management strategic decisions. It is hard to adjust to what is happening in the game with team needs or matchups because you are pretty tied to a very structured substitution pattern. That is why a four player rotation for three positions is very difficult, and most teams wind up using a 5th player for say a limited 5 minutes or so a game to make it work better.

Without an addition, Aubrey is probably the best option to be that occasional 5th player, playing almost exclusively at the 3. While her ability to fit in offensively there is highly questionable, I am confident she could at least be a great rebounder and excellent defender at that position. The same could probably said for Ayanna.

But Lou as the main guard sub and Aubrey as an occasional one only works if none of those five get injured. One injury and Aubrey might move to Lou's role and say Ayanna to Aubrey's. We are unfortunately very vulnerable without another playable option, just the way it is.

 

[CocoHusky]

The team has only one PG, and you're not going to start her?

There is a mid June Daniel Connolly article where Geno pretty much spelled out the need for Nika to improve specifically by developing a "mid range game" to keep the opponent form double teaming the other players on the floor.
There was a follow up article in the CT insider where Nika acknowledge (somewhat reluctantly) the need for offensive improvement and also acknowledge that she understood what Geno was asking for.
Absent that specific improvement as well as the one that has already been mentioned (the need to stay out of foul trouble) I don't see Nika starting.

Starting: Azzi (Lead guard), Lou SG , Caroline SF, Aaliyah Edwards PF Dorka C
2nd Unit: Nika (PG) Azzi SG, Aubrey SF, Ayanna & Ice Brady PF and Ice Brady/Amari C

 

[Stymie]

The team has only one PG, and you're not going to start her?

If she cannot display the discipline not to get into foul trouble by the middle of the 2nd quarter, I would not.
My rationale.
Roster = 11 athletes total.
Paige out. Down to 10.
Aubrey Griffin-unknown contribution due to circumstances.
Caroline Ducharme-returning from hip surgery. How hard can she go? And for how long?
Nika starting and getting into early foul trouble may force coach to squeeze more out of several players than need to be brought along more slowly.
BTW- wasn’t coach speaking in the not to distant past about “ positionless basketball”.
Surely, certain responsibility can be delegated to other guards on the team.
I believe the success of this team will rise or fall on the success of the front line (bigs).

 

[socal613ws]

The team has only one PG, and you're not going to start her?

She'll start as the pg but I don't her offense and foul trouble will keep her the job. Idk much about the Fairfield player but if she has some pg experience I think she could take the job.

 

[hoophuskee]

Assuming Geno/UConn isn't able to find another guard prior to the season, I'm guessing Geno will have to rely on everything from the overall excellence of his 10 remaining scholarship players and (some of) their abilities to take on certain tasks of the UConn offense. An offense that may or may not have to be tweaked a bit given Paige's absence.

From my perspective (and I watch more UConn games than you might think):

• Nika's the PG and she's going to have to stay out of foul trouble to both stay on the court and keep her designated back-up doing what she does best.
• That back-up is Azzi Fudd, who can probably direct half-court sets and lead a fast break, but shines best as a scorer. Against top notch teams, she'll need to score.
• I think the decision on maximizing talent is most intriguing at the wing or bigger guard position. With Paige, I think Caroline Ducharme, no brainer. But no Paige, does Caroline become the back-up off-guard if/when Azzi takes over lead guard?

And, if that's the case, do you start Lou Lopez Senechal at wing? Not only can she score, but she's a good rebounder as well.
- How good -- and versatile -- is Ayanna Patterson? Does she have the handle/medium-range game to play wing? Or is she more of a stretch 4?

Against lesser competition, I think Geno can mix and match without too many worries -- remember the level of talent is high -- but against tougher competition, it will be really interesting to see how he utilizes Ducharme and Senechal and how Patterson develops in the course of her freshman year.


p.s. Interestingly, because of mass transfers and only one frosh coming in, Notre Dame only has nine scholarship players.
The player I've got circled as key is also a wing -- Sonia Citron. ND really doesn't have another tall guard/wing who can do what she does. I can see her playing the 3, 2 and 4. And she probably will. On the UConn side, that will be Fudd, working the 2 and one.

If healthy, Aubrey Griffin can also be a SF.

In her frosh and soph years, UCONN had Liv who was "challenged" to score vs very good teams, and Edwards was not that much of a scorer as a frosh and in particular vs not much vs very good teams. And the year before, UCONN was even less capable to score at the 4/5 spots; meaning if you put Aubrey at the SF, the PF and Center were not much scorers in tough games. As a result, she played less there.

But for this upcoming year, Dorka is a better scorer than Liv (and a better scorer than Edwards), and we should expect a little more capable scoring from Edwards now that she is a junior. And there are possibilities that Brady and even DeBerry could be some good scoring threats. That would mean Griffin could give UCONN valued backup minutes (Patterson too but you mentioned her) at the SF spot because the other 4 spots have scorers.

As long as UCOINN has other offensive players in the frontcourt, and the backcourt with Azzi and Ducharme (maybe even Lou), UCONN would have enough firepower to be fine with Griffin as a SF.

It’s not “ideal” but the solution is “capable.”

 

[Bone Dog]

Lou wasn’t a great rebounder at Fairfield playing in the 4 spot. She’s not built for that. But we’re going to use her in the 2 and occasionally the 3 this year. She’s long and quick. I’ll think she’ll rebound better.

I posted a few weeks ago about how Nika’s most productive quarter is the 3rd, followed by the 1st. That’s when her energy and intensity is most unnerving to opponents. She didn’t play much in the tournament in the 4th, in part because of the offensive cost, but also because that’s when the best teams are locked in to their max intensity.

 

[Stymie]

All good points. I suspect Lou will be sub for all the guards. That is difficult to do with only one substitute for three positions. It is far from ideal, if Lou came in for Nika for example a little earlier than usual, you need to wait until she is rested enough to return before you sub for Caroline, then you need to wait until Caroline is rested enough to come in and spell Azzi, and when Azzi is rested enough she returns Lou to the bench.

The bottom line is if you want to avoid using the 5th option you wind up subbing for the first player early, and the last starter late. It also takes away most of the game management strategic decisions. It is hard to adjust to what is happening in the game with team needs or matchups because you are pretty tied to a very structured substitution pattern. That is why a four player rotation for three positions is very difficult, and most teams wind up using a 5th player for say a limited 5 minutes or so a game to make it work better.

Without an addition, Aubrey is probably the best option to be that occasional 5th player, playing almost exclusively at the 3. While her ability to fit in offensively there is highly questionable, I am confident she could at least be a great rebounder and excellent defender at that position. The same could probably said for Ayanna.

But Lou as the main guard sub and Aubrey as an occasional one only works if none of those five get injured. One injury and Aubrey might move to Lou's role and say Ayanna to Aubrey's. We are unfortunately very vulnerable without another playable option, just the way it is.

After last years mayhem caused by an unusually large number of injuries, how could UCONN come into this season with a roster of only 11- less than 75% of the number allowed.
Yes, injuries are a part of the game-but here we are before the opening tip- down to 10- before ONE game- with 2 players returning from surgery.
Gamecocks—15 players on roster
Cardinals —15 players on roster
Longhorns—14 players on roster.

These numbers are not a recipe for success for the Huskies this year
(Unless you consider another Big East Trophy satisfactory)
Out of the hundreds of players in the transfer portal, and God knows how many Internationally- we find ourselves in this position?
I hope someone is burning up the phones looking for insurance.
Summary:
Lotta talent but absolutely no margin for error regarding injuries- which undoubtedly will occur.

 

[oldude]

Azzi can also play pg.

Azzi did a commendable job as the US PG during last year’s U19 world championships. So she most certainly can play the position. The problem is that Azzi may be the best shooting guard in the nation. I think UConn is better with a capable pg (Nika) and an AA shooting guard (Azzi).

 

[AmeriConn]

If healthy, Aubrey Griffin can also be a SF.

In her frosh and soph years, UCONN had Liv who was "challenged" to score vs very good teams, and Edwards was not that much of a scorer as a frosh and in particular vs not much vs very good teams. And the year before, UCONN was even less capable to score at the 4/5 spots; meaning if you put Aubrey at the SF, the PF and Center were not much scorers in tough games. As a result, she played less there.

But for this upcoming year, Dorka is a better scorer than Liv (and a better scorer than Edwards), and we should expect a little more capable scoring from Edwards now that she is a junior. And there are possibilities that Brady and even DeBerry could be some good scoring threats. That would mean Griffin could give UCONN valued backup minutes (Patterson too but you mentioned her) at the SF spot because the other 4 spots have scorers.

As long as UCOINN has other offensive players in the frontcourt, and the backcourt with Azzi and Ducharme (maybe even Lou), UCONN would have enough firepower to be fine with Griffin as a SF.

It’s not “ideal” but the solution is “capable.”

I am still very concerned about Caroline and Aubrey’s injuries in regards to the time table in which they will be 100% healthy.

 

[oldude]

After last years mayhem caused by an unusually large number of injuries, how could UCONN come into this season with a roster of only 11- less than 75% of the number allowed.

This is water under the bridge. Aside from Stanford, I can’t think of another D1 WBB program in the country that carries 15 scholarship players. ND has 9 next season, and the Irish haven’t lost their best player to injury.

Trying to maintain a large roster of talented players, many of whom will see little or no PT is a recipe for team disharmony and transfers. Last season it appeared that UConn could have as many as 16 players. But Makurat & Chaisson left before the season. Mir & Saylor transferred out before the 2nd semester and Aubrey was out for the year.

Kids want to play. Geno doesn’t need warm bodies on the bench in case players are injured.

 

[Carnac]

Dillon, every time I read one of your insightful posts, I feel like Darth Vader talking to Luke Skywalker, wishing you would come over to the Dark Side as a fan of UConn WBB.

Somewhere Geno is saying, “Dillon I am your father.”

LOL, Good one OD!!!

 

[hoophuskee]

Azzi did a commendable job as the US PG during last year’s U19 world championships. So she most certainly can play the position. The problem is that Azzi may be the best shooting guard in the nation. I think UConn is better with a capable pg (Nika) and an AA shooting guard (Azzi).

I agree. We have two pg's right now. Long-term this is good for Azzi imo so she just doesn't get herself "pigeon-holed" as only a shooter.

Also, imo the UCONN offense which is a motion offense and less reliant on isolation, then after Azzi brings up the ball and makes the 1st pass, after that she becomes a scoring guard threat.

 

[Bama fan]

Oh, we can turn on a dime!

And on each other as well!

 

[Carnac]

This is water under the bridge. Aside from Stanford, I can’t think of another D1 WBB program in the country that carries 15 scholarship players. ND has 9 next season, and the Irish haven’t lost their best player to injury.

Trying to maintain a large roster of talented players, many of whom will see little or no PT is a recipe for team disharmony and transfers. Last season it appeared that UConn could have as many as 16 players. But Makurat & Chaisson left before the season. Mir & Saylor transferred out before the 2nd semester and Aubrey was out for the year.

Kids want to play. Geno doesn’t need warm bodies on the bench in case players are injured.

Geno has his finger on the pulse of his team. HE KNOWS what he's got and who he's got. He and his staff know if the newbies coming in can contributed MEANINGFUL minutes this year. Before Paige went down I said that this team didn't have any cheerleaders. Imho, EVERYONE the roster can play. No projects on this team. Players 1-8 should get the bulk of the minutes in most games, but 9-10 should see the floor more THIS year than they did last year, especially if a player in front of them is having a bad game, in foul trouble or is nicked up. Geno's options this year will be limited, but he shouldn't be reluctant to put and of his reserves in. I look for the freshmen to see lots of minutes in the OCC games. Their services are needed NOW.

If Geno chooses not to add another player before school begins, it's because he's confident he can get through the entire season with what he has. I agree with the posters that said that UConn cannot afford another injury to anyone the rest of the season. I have a feeling that even those on the end of the bench will see significant playing time, especially against weaker conference opponents. We'll know in 3 weeks. UConn's fall classes begin on Aug 29. Any new additions to the program must be enrolled and on campus by then.

 

[Conndog]

Assuming Geno/UConn isn't able to find another guard prior to the season, I'm guessing Geno will have to rely on everything from the overall excellence of his 10 remaining scholarship players and (some of) their abilities to take on certain tasks of the UConn offense. An offense that may or may not have to be tweaked a bit given Paige's absence.

From my perspective (and I watch more UConn games than you might think):

• Nika's the PG and she's going to have to stay out of foul trouble to both stay on the court and keep her designated back-up doing what she does best.
• That back-up is Azzi Fudd, who can probably direct half-court sets and lead a fast break, but shines best as a scorer. Against top notch teams, she'll need to score.
• I think the decision on maximizing talent is most intriguing at the wing or bigger guard position. With Paige, I think Caroline Ducharme, no brainer. But no Paige, does Caroline become the back-up off-guard if/when Azzi takes over lead guard?

And, if that's the case, do you start Lou Lopez Senechal at wing? Not only can she score, but she's a good rebounder as well.
- How good -- and versatile -- is Ayanna Patterson? Does she have the handle/medium-range game to play wing? Or is she more of a stretch 4?

Against lesser competition, I think Geno can mix and match without too many worries -- remember the level of talent is high -- but against tougher competition, it will be really interesting to see how he utilizes Ducharme and Senechal and how Patterson develops in the course of her freshman year.


p.s. Interestingly, because of mass transfers and only one frosh coming in, Notre Dame only has nine scholarship players.
The player I've got circled as key is also a wing -- Sonia Citron. ND really doesn't have another tall guard/wing who can do what she does. I can see her playing the 3, 2 and 4. And she probably will. On the UConn side, that will be Fudd, working the 2 and one.

I can’t see scenario, let alone reason, for Lou Lopez-Senechal to start over Caroline. Lopez-Senechal will get minutes but not at expense of Caroline except for spot relief. Or did I misinterpret something above?

 

[The deacon]

The team has only one PG, and you're not going to start her?

If it's Nika you're referring to, no.

 

[The deacon]

I can’t see scenario, let alone reason, for Lou Lopez-Senechal to start over Caroline. Lopez-Senechal will get minutes but not at expense of Caroline except for spot relief. Or did I misinterpret something above?

Agreed, Conndog, if Lou initially or eventually starts, it would be in place of Nika. We all are hopeful Lou will make a big impact. I think that remains to be seen. If she does, however, the Huskies' best quintet will be Dorka, Aaliyah, Caroline, Azzi and Lou (at least if or until Ayanna or Ice were to break into the starting rotation.

I do hedge all that on the presumption that Caroline is back to good condition by season's start. If she is, she won't be dislodged from the starting five.

 

[Longtime fan]

Depending on who we are playing the line up may change slightly. But, right now it's going to be:

Nika - Point Guard
Azzi - Off Guard
Caroline - Wing
Dorka - Power Forward
Aaliyah - Center

That is our most experienced team. All of the others will be rotating in.

That line-up should beat most teams in the Big East. No problem. Bt let me add; Unless we get super star performances from several other players ( DeBerry and the two freshmen come mind ), this is just going to be s pretty good team. And with only one point guar ( a player who is our best defender but a foul magnet), this team can be susceptible to full court press defenses. And to the extent that Azzi has to play this position, her shooting role may be compromised. Basically, we are all saying UCONN is hugely weakened and diminished by this tragic development with Paige. Geno and the players are going to have to figure out something that can work against anyone. But we are certainly experiencing a mass of bad fortune in the women's BB program. We'll do the best we can. But you all know the road is going to be bumpy. What are the chances that every player remaining stays healthy all year?

 

[visitingcock]

I bet even the NCAA does not know all it's rules.

Not until the SEC/Big10 explain them

 

[Bone Dog]

I'd say, just like Paige, Azzi is the most talented player we can put at point guard. That doesn't mean we want her there. But she's a better passer and has better handles than Nika, and she can finish at the rim with the best players in the country. Those are the skills we want in a point guard. It's just that Azzi brings so much more. It was the same with Paige two years ago -- she was obviously the most talented point guard, maybe in the nation -- but we wanted Nika and Evina to play point whenever possible because Paige is so much more valuable at the 2.

Remember, when she returned, Paige played the point this year most of the time. Unless Nika develops better O skills, Geno is likely to make the same calculation as he did last year with Paige -- i.e. Azzi will play the point for half the time, with Nika spelling her for 15-20 mins so she can light it up from 3.

We absolutely want/need Nika's defense, and when she's on the floor, point is the only offensive position she can play. This is a limiting factor for us, but it may also mean that when Nika's in the game, we want to press and run a transition offense as much as possible. Nika-Azzi-Caroline-Lou-Aubrey are absolutely the right personnel for that form of our offense. I think of the Tennessee game as a model for this. Nika and Christyn (but especially Nika) shredded them in the 3rd quarter, and that effectively decided the game. That's Nika at her best, not as a pure point guard, but as a defensive terror. We need to use her that way, and let her run the half court offense for brief spells.