So who starts in place of Aubrey: Amari, Ayanna, Ice, Jana or Quadence? Amari & Ice have yet to demonstrate the ability necessary to start at UConn. Ice will be coming off surgery, having yet to play a minute at UConn. Jana & Quadence will be freshmen with no college playing time.
A slight correction. Aubrey has 2 additional years of eligibility: last year when she was out along with a Covid year granted to all NCAA players two years ago.He did have some good news to report. Griffin, who is on pace to graduate, has another year of eligibility, and though there is no official announcement, Auriemma said she has told him she does not want to be honored on Senior Night. So he expects to have her back with presumably a healthy Paige Bueckers and Fudd and the rest of the cast next season.
Geno wouldn’t sit a senior for a freshman. If Aubrey stays, she will start
Totally agree. Well stated
That means assuming no injuries the starting 5 is set if Aubrey comes back: the four seniors plus Azzi.
I disagree with the first sentence, but agree with the second. Geno would sit a senior if there was a freshman who is better. I fully agree that looking at who is on the roster next year. It is very likely that Aubrey is starting. Heck, she would likely be the best player on the vast majority of the one teams. Just my opinion on that.
Choice between Paige, Caroline, Azzi, Aubrey pick 3
I think we got the answer tonight, with the game on the line a coming back from injury, still injured as witnessed by the ice pack on her neck, Caroline was on the court., Aubrey not.
Geno was subbing Aubrey for defense and Caroline for offense at the end of the game
Au contraire. After Caroline’s 2 FT’s, Geno subbed Aubrey in for Caroline on defense. Saturday against Maddy Siegrist, who’s gone off for 50 & 39 in her last two games, Aubrey will be the primary defensive option.
Aubrey was one who got lost on defense today, first basket by Creighton to start their run in the second half for example. Caroline was on a minute restriction.
Post game Geno said wanted Caroline to play no more than 20 minutes. A healthy Caroline is just a better all around player than Aubrey, period.
Aubrey had a couple defensive breakdowns, as did several Huskies. Aubrey was also all over the court on defense, switching constantly while making several excellent defensive plays. UConn will need both Aubrey & Caroline down the stretch.
Granted both, will be needed unless Azzi comes back then Aubrey less so. Everyone switches on UConn constantly, those today who made bad team defensive decisions the most Aaliyah, Aubrey, Dorka.
Throughout the game Creighton’s motion offense and ball movement gave UConn trouble, resulting in a number of defensive breakdowns, as you point out, from several Huskies. At the same time, Aubrey was the most active UConn player providing “help defense” to everyone else on the team, making numerous primary and secondary switches to cover opponents who were breaking open. At times it felt like Aubrey was guarding 2 or 3 Creighton players at the same time.
I hope Aubrey stays her remaining two more years of eligibility. She should let UCONN pay for her masters degree then try the professional game. Being a pro for Aubrey is not a sure thing. Having a master would be most beneficial. Nika most maturely said plan B is needed. See the video snippet below.