I respectfully disagree: other than Paige B our outside shooting was a real weakness last year and also contributed heavily to the poor showing by our frontcourt as teams could sag off into the lane. Hopefully that particular weakness has been eliminated with the addition of Azzi, Ducharme, a healthy Evina and Juhasz. In other words, we had two "big holes in our offense" last year. I believe the deficits in the frontcourt would have been much less glaring if teams were forced to play us honestly (again, except for PB) on the perimeter.
Precisely! Other than Paige the defense did not respect UCONN outside shooting enough last year. Evina and Christyn were far too streaky. This Geno quote summarizes it best.
Ok. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but let's not bring other players into the equation to try and prove your point. The question on the table was binary. Chrystin and Evina healthy combined with Ducharme's presence is not part of the question. Our front court faltered last year in big games and Dorka has shown some real good down low action and some outside action. Sorry but I still think a totle this year will show Dorka as the most valuable addition. I still think Azzi is the most elite talented and will play better.
That’s a bridge too far for me. While I do think Dorka will make a significant contribution this season, I believe Azzi has a chance to be the upgrade that most impacts this team. If she plays up to her press, she will almost singlehandedly make us unstoppable on offense. Last year there was Paige and everyone else in terms of a dominant three point attack. I believe Nika had the second best % after Paige at around 35-36%? If we can have two 42+% shooters (maybe three with Caroline Ducharme) from three, we are going to be a total nightmare for opposing teams! This is the “two-headed” monster that opposing coaches have to deal with when playing UConn. A tough defense paired with (potentially) a historically strong offense! That is a pretty tall order for most teams to deal with. I feel like MJ in Thriller, happily eating his popcorn as he watches what’s happening on screen. I believe this is going to be a season for the ages!
A fun take/discussion.
As well as Caroline Ducharme! Is it just me or does Caroline Ducharme impress anyone else?Having Dorka and Azzi takes us to another level. There it’s settled!
Very impressed!!
Why was the outside shooting be a real weakness last season? Was it because UCONN's inside game didn't need much defensive attention and therefore the opponent could relentlessly attack UConn's perimeter game? Was because UCONN's guards could make uncontested shots but when pressed defensively could not make contested shots? Better shooters always help but will they be able to make contested shoots when they had mostly uncontested shots all through jr. and sr. high school? Can Azzi and Caroline make contested shots when guarded by bigger, stronger, and/or faster college players? Nerves aside neither played like a wunderkind against a weak team, Fort Hays. Personally we are splitting hairs saying the biggest area for improvement is the post ... nn, no, no ... it is the guards shooting. It is demonstratively both. Caroline, Azzi, and Dorka are all needed to contribute positively. The Arkansas game will be interesting since Geno has said Dorka, Caroline, and Azzi will see a lot of minutes against Arkansas. Actually the next 4 games will tell where reality begins and our opinions end.
I'm totally impressed, whn she adapts to the pressure of playing Uconn basketball and playing big games in front of big crowds she'll be a big piece on the chessboard. Thts a Fact not an opinion.