Ashlynn Shade is an unsung hero for UConn women's basketball: 'She is the heart of this team'

[Jonathan14]

Neither KK or Shade are going up on the wall. Either of them could throw on a Wisconsin uniform or Indiana uniform and they wouldn’t look out of place in my opinion.

But they are two incredibly important signings that occurred in the last few years. UConn was devastated by injuries. Every single player they signed was missing time. And then UConn signed these two and they gave UConn exactly what they needed. Two reliable and more importantly durable players that UConn could plug in for every single game. KK and Shade have been incredibly durable and are always available. They are not the superstars of this team. They are not the ones that deserve the lion’s share of the credit. But they are unsung heroes that all UConn fans should appreciate.

I think Ashlynn and KK are our two most important culture players because they serve as the connective tissue between Nika and Aaliyah and the post-Azzi era. Both were thrown into the deep end as freshmen and have responded with resilience, passion, hard work, and a relentless will to win and improve. In an age when so many players are chasing more money and more spotlight, they have always put the team first. They set the tone for the younger players and model what it takes to wear a UConn uniform.

 

[FanSince17]

I think Ashlynn and KK are our two most important culture players because they serve as the connective tissue between Nika and Aaliyah and the post-Azzi era. Both were thrown into the deep end as freshmen and have responded with resilience, passion, hard work, and a relentless will to win and improve. In an age when so many players are chasing more money and more spotlight, they have always put the team first. They set the tone for the younger players and model what it takes to wear a UConn uniform.

100% When this time period is partitioned off and written about, I agree with you, it starts with the 2023-2024 season. I love that team. So much came out of that. KK and Ash for sure. How about Paige having to play the 4. So, when she blocks a shot now, do you ever think back to that team. Definition of an underrated defender. Like Larry?

 

[Bigboote]

I think Ashlynn and KK are our two most important culture players because they serve as the connective tissue between Nika and Aaliyah and the post-Azzi era. Both were thrown into the deep end as freshmen and have responded with resilience, passion, hard work, and a relentless will to win and improve. In an age when so many players are chasing more money and more spotlight, they have always put the team first. They set the tone for the younger players and model what it takes to wear a UConn uniform.

I like the bit about culture. Two things: Ash and KK bring such different personalities, both of which have positive effects on the culture. KK is so ebullient, so in your face, always chattering. Ash is so steady, positive, and team-oriented. Both are necessary. It's like KK is the spinnaker and Ash is the keel, both necessary to win races. Geno is the rudder.

And almost every interview or Q&A, a player mentions how much everyone loves each other, how they love spending time together on and off the court. That doesn't happen without there being examples. KK and Ash are helping provide the environment/culture that's allowing this team to enjoy each other. CD provides some things for the players to do and enjoy, but it's up to the players to make it all happen.

 

[Pharos]

All of the above! Ashlynn is fun to watch. Love to watch her cutting and getting a perfect pass to lay in. Kayleigh also fun cutting to the hoop... : )

 

[ojaidave]

Since Ash has been taking heat for her recent shooting slump, I'd like to note here that I'm proud of her development and have enjoyed her journey so far. Remember last season when Azzi would miss shots and basically quit shooting? It took the coaches running a play for her, in the playoffs, when it mattered, for Azzi to fully embrace her role on the team as a prime scorer. We know how the games went after that, and she carried it forward to be the player UConn needed this season.

I think Ashlynn is following a similar path (though I don't expect her role to be a primary scorer). It is extremely difficult for most players to keep shooting when they're missing, but for UConn to be its best, Ash has to shoot. She brings so much more to the table than scoring; Geno clearly trusts her in winning time. I would bet that she gets more grief from the coaches for not shooting when the offense delivers her the opportunity than she gets from missing. If she's making shots, it opens up the floor because her role is oftentimes to camp on the wing, and her man can't sag too far off her. Even when she's missing, it's not like her man is playing way off, daring her to shoot. She's still accomplishing her primary function of opening up the floor.

Anyhoo, it bums me out to read some of the critiques of her. Ash does a lot of things on the floor that are mentally really difficult. Just staying engaged and playing solid defense without fouling takes a toll, let alone all the times she causes chaos immediately after the other team gets a rebound. She doesn't take a beat on that offense/defense transition, and that is really hard to do.

 

[Longtime fan]

Since Ash has been taking heat for her recent shooting slump, I'd like to note here that I'm proud of her development and have enjoyed her journey so far. Remember last season when Azzi would miss shots and basically quit shooting? It took the coaches running a play for her, in the playoffs, when it mattered, for Azzi to fully embrace her role on the team as a prime scorer. We know how the games went after that, and she carried it forward to be the player UConn needed this season.

I think Ashlynn is following a similar path (though I don't expect her role to be a primary scorer). It is extremely difficult for most players to keep shooting when they're missing, but for UConn to be its best, Ash has to shoot. She brings so much more to the table than scoring; Geno clearly trusts her in winning time. I would bet that she gets more grief from the coaches for not shooting when the offense delivers her the opportunity than she gets from missing. If she's making shots, it opens up the floor because her role is oftentimes to camp on the wing, and her man can't sag too far off her. Even when she's missing, it's not like her man is playing way off, daring her to shoot. She's still accomplishing her primary function of opening up the floor.

Anyhoo, it bums me out to read some of the critiques of her. Ash does a lot of things on the floor that are mentally really difficult. Just staying engaged and playing solid defense without fouling takes a toll, let alone all the times she causes chaos immediately after the other team gets a rebound. She doesn't take a beat on that offense/defense transition, and that is really hard to do.

Most of what you are reading are not criticisms. We all know she can " do it all." She has demonstrated great shooting talent. We just want it to come back for her.

 

[jeff30189]

Ash earns her spot thru pure grit, hustle and a willingness to do all of the intangibles that don't show up in the box score. She's not fast, she doesn't have great lateral quickness, but no one is going to out-work her. Her rebounding, passing, steals and being point on the pressure D are invaluable and up over her first 2 years. Ironically the thing she was recruited to do (shooting) is the thing she struggles with. But you can shoot yourself out of a slump!

 

[hart2hart]

Just love her tenacity! Simply a joy to watch!