Azura Stevens Leaving | Page 8 | The Boneyard

Azura Stevens Leaving

UConnNick said:
I'm not the least bit surprised that Stevens is leaving. I'm not sure she was ever comfortable with Geno's transformation of her into a low post banger. She played the wing at Duke for two years, correct?

She certainly doesn't have the bulk to be a low post player in the pros against that level of size and competition. I expect she will go back to being a three playing the wing. She could get away with playing the low post in college against considerably lesser competition than pro, but it won't work for her at the next level. She may very well have seen another year in Geno's low post as a waste of time if she thinks her pro future is as a three on the wing.

Anyway, congrats to her on a great college career and good luck to her in the pros.
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If she thinks her future as a pro is as a 3/wing, I believe she will be very disappointed. She has basically no perimeter skills to speak of and should find herself the best post coach she can and get to work with them IMO.
 
EricLA said:
UCONN fans are pretty raw right now. Loss in the final 4, hated rival ND with a big comeback and wins the NC, Z announces for the draft, and Ezi decided to stay in Australia. Not a lot of good news coming our way of late. So I get why some on here are a bit frosty.

Bottom line, though, UCONN will be fine. We have always paid lip service to "UCONN will not win NC's every single season". So it comes down to this - are you a fan of UCONN or just a fan of winning? Because if it's a fan just of winning, then you are in for a world of hurt.

But if you are a true UCONN fan, you will shed some metaphorical (or actual) tears from occurrences the past few weeks, then put your big boy/girl pants back on, and root hard for our ladies.

Will we lack "____" (fill in the blank - size, toughness, moxie, experience, etc)? Sure. But the coaches will do their best to prepare the kids for a deep run next season. Many of us kept saying "enjoy the ride because sooner or later it be the halcyon days of yore" (just ask Tennessee fans about that).

I'm not asking anyone not to feel frustrated, or whatever, but this program, team, players and coaches owe us exactly nothing, and yet they give so much to us.

Questions for next year:
  1. Would Geno consider a JUCO or graduate transfer? Are there any good ones out there who are 6'4" or so?
  2. Will Megan have a sophomore leap more like Dangerfield, or Bent?
  3. Will Coombs/Camara get healthy and improve next season?
  4. In spite of being freshmen, will One and Williams be able to be counted on to contribute right away?
  5. What will UCONN do to solve the height problem? Or will we become a DePaul or Villanova next season?
I'm sure there are others, but next year will be a nice test for UCONN fans' tolerance. We made a TON of fun of LVol fans on their board as they melted down over how poorly their team has been coached and their performances and results. Can you imagine what this board would be like if the shoe were on the other foot? I'd not like to be a mod for that fiasco.

So as so many fans said, we can enjoy the ride while still being realistic. Is it likely we lose 4-5 games next season? Yes it is. I can't see us dropping out of the top 10 but I think we will struggle to be in the top 5, in spite of 2 AA's on the team. Part of the beauty is that others will be required to step up if we want to succeed. Let's hope they are up for it!
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Very articulate, Dude! Your first paragraph fully explains the mood today.

UConn WCBB will be the Land of Opportunity the next few years. I’d love to see a huge recruiting haul over the next 3 years.

As for next year, we won’t be big or deep. I think that Geno changes things, with Crystal becoming a huge offensive force.
 
oldude said:
2 years ago, even the most optimistic among us were guessing 2-3 losses at best. You would think UConn fans would eventually learn the eternal truth:

Never underestimate the Master...
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It’s a little early to make 2018-19 predictions, because we need to see about injuries, transfers, player development, etc., but historically, I’ve estimated fewer losses than most on the Boneyard and been fairly accurate. Last year, I said 2-3, instead of 1. In prior years, I said 0-1 or 0-2. I have not predicted as high as 4 over the past decade, as I recall. I think away games at Baylor, ND, and Louisville, plus a Regional or Final Four game, are the most likely losses. UConn doesn’t lose to major underdogs more often than once every 5 years or so. We won’t be the favorite to win the NC and may go the whole year without being ranked #1, but no one will want to play us in Albany. Or Storrs. Or Hartford.
 
Since the news broke, I wasn't quite certain how to feel about Z moving on. I was one of those people who was sure that Z and Geno had an understanding that she would be here through next season. I finally watched Justine's post game interview with Z a few minutes ago, and saw for the first time how emotional she was. I have to believe that Z knew then that she had played her last game in a Husky uniform, and that her emotion was due in part to the loss, but more so because her experience as part of the UConn team over the past two years was coming to an end. I would have loved to have had Z for one more year, but for the short time she was here, Z made a wonderful contribution to UConn WBB.

I guess I've made my peace with her decision to leave.
 
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The Courant put it succinctly: "With her size and skill, Stevens is probably ready for the WNBA. Still, if she remained in college and improved over the next year the way she did throughout this past season, she would have been entering the 2019 draft as a stronger, smarter, better player."

Exactly. She needed to improve. She was good, and got much better in the tournaments. But she could have used another year of real games and Coach Auriemma coaching.

Wonder if Geno pushed her toward the exit by not starting her in the NCAA's. Did she feel under-appreciated with her constant coming off the bench?
 
Since Connecticut Women's basketball is a model of great success, and the coaching staff is considered one of the best, if not the best of the best, I will concede my trust in the head coach and his assistants to surprise us all with the team that takes the floor each and every game next year and beyond.
 
Fairfield Fan said:
Wonder if Geno pushed her toward the exit by not starting her in the NCAA's. Did she feel under-appreciated with her constant coming off the bench?
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Theoretically it might even be an inversion of what you suggest. I think I've heard from a few places (this forum? the Geno Show? I can't recall) that Azura isn't really the type who relishes being at the absolute center (i.e. leader, most important player) of a team. Perhaps she saw that she'd be a starter and most critical piece (and also more solidly locked into the post) next year, and decided she would rather move on to the pros where there's far more players willing and able to be at the center of the spotlight?

But I guess the reason isn't really important. I happen to also believe that she would have benefited from an extra year of seasoning, but now that she's committed I hope to be wrong on that and she thrives fully and immediately as a pro. She seems to be a nice kid.
 
This is not good news, and there isn’t a way to make it feel good. But, Z’s departure provides another scholarship, and makes it somewhat clearer to certain recruits what their future playing time or position/role might look like. If Brunelle, Boston and Amihere and others are waiting for a sign in the sky, perhaps they now have it. Geno also has a clearer, if slightly less pleasing, view of the recruiting picture in time to act on it.

Finally, the team has six months or so to regroup and adapt to any potential changes in position or role.

Best of luck, Z.
 
I'm sure multiple options were discussed in making this decision. While another year may have helped her development, there is also the possiblity of injury. It is not uncommon for the head coach to have contacted soem WNBA folks on her behalf to get a projection of where she slotted in this year. Good for her & good luck.
 
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Fairfield Fan said:
The Courant put it succinctly: "With her size and skill, Stevens is probably ready for the WNBA. Still, if she remained in college and improved over the next year the way she did throughout this past season, she would have been entering the 2019 draft as a stronger, smarter, better player."

Exactly. She needed to improve. She was good, and got much better in the tournaments. But she could have used another year of real games and Coach Auriemma coaching.

Wonder if Geno pushed her toward the exit by not starting her in the NCAA's. Did she feel under-appreciated with her constant coming off the bench?
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I don't believe she is ready for the WNBA which is why I thought there was basically a zero chance of her leaving. I figured even Z herself she had to know that. She's not going to be posting up against 6-0 AAC opponents any more, and she's not going to get away with shooting 20% from the outside, or not being able to make a shot from 5 feet away consistently, and miss a ton of lay ups even when she's by far the tallest player on the court, never mind the lack luster defense. She has a ton of raw talent and potential and everyone saw and was excited by that, including Geno. Unless she gets some serious help in the WNBA, she may find herself learning the cold hard lessons of the professional world for which she may wish she could trade for even just one more year of the Storrs version.
 
CL82 said:
A little surprised. Z's game would have benefited from another year. It think she'd have had a special year.

That said, I wish her all the best.

Who is our center next year?
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Agree. I think she definitely needs a solid year improving her defense and understanding more offensive sets. Wish her the best. Thank you Z
 
BigBird said:
This is not good news, and there isn’t a way to make it feel good. But, Z’s departure provides another scholarship, and makes it somewhat clearer to certain recruits what their future playing time or position/role might look like. If Brunelle, Boston and Amihere and others are waiting for a sign in the sky, perhaps they now have it. Geno also has a clearer, if slightly less pleasing, view of the recruiting picture in time to act on it.

Finally, the team has six months or so to regroup and adapt to any potential changes in position or role.

Best of luck, Z.
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The fact is that Z was going to be gone, one way or another, by the time any of the recruits you mention could have been playing at UConn. Z's decision most immediately affects all of the returning players plus ONO and CW. While I don't think it would have made a difference, it would be interesting to know if Z's decision, had it been known beforehand, would have had any impact on Ezi's decision to pass on UConn for the Australian pro league.

The one potential immediate impact, although I consider it remote at best, is if Ariel Howard from A&M, who will be immediately eligible as a graduate transfer, might possibly share a mutual interest in coming to UConn. Considering she's a 5'11" forward who averaged 12+ rebounds a game this past season, with some Gabulous leaping ability, it might just be a great one year plug-in player for the frontcourt.
 
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Does anyone want to give their insight or opinion on whether she's first or second round??
 
Kevin G said:
Does anyone want to give their insight or opinion on whether she's first or second round??
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I'll say first round. Hopefully she doesn't affect Gabby or Kia's draft position.
 
HoopsFan21 said:
I'll say first round. Hopefully she doesn't affect Gabby or Kia's draft position.
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She definitely will impact Kia and Gabby position and the draft room will also be very interesting. Geno was probably going to be there for Kia and Gabby anyway now will he stand for 3 players? In adition JPM will be in the draft room representing Lexie Brown. Could be a little ackward but fun.
 
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Wow. I just got home and I must say I'm pretty shocked with this news. However, I am thankful for all of Z's contributions to the program these past two years. She's seems like a wonderful individual and I wish her all the best :)

That being said, the road to the 12th NC just got a lot trickier, but I still have confidence that Geno and CD will find a way to have them right in the thick of things. The trio of KLS, Pheesa, and Crystal is the cream of the crop in the NCAA and I think Megan will be a big factor next year (along with Christyn and Batouly).

I know there is a whole "the sky is falling" mentality whenever UCONN isn't crushing the no. 2 team by 30+ points (I'm sometimes guilty of this as well lol) but there are so many factors that affect each and every team: player development, transfers, and the dreaded injury bug. I mean, did anyone honestly think ND would be a huge factor this year after all of their injuries? I certainly didn't! But because Muffet is a great coach she made it work. I expect nothing less from Geno :D
 
Uh, oh! Does anyone know of a source for cyanide capsules?
 
caramel said:
Since Connecticut Women's basketball is a model of great success, and the coaching staff is considered one of the best, if not the best of the best, I will concede my trust in the head coach and his assistants to surprise us all with the team that takes the floor each and every game next year and beyond.
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Times change and coaches have to change too. Look at Calhoun and B. Knight. Coaches have to change their stubbornnes some times.
 
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HoopsFan21 said:
I don't believe she is ready for the WNBA which is why I thought there was basically a zero chance of her leaving. I figured even Z herself she had to know that. She's not going to be posting up against 6-0 AAC opponents any more, and she's not going to get away with shooting 20% from the outside, or not being able to make a shot from 5 feet away consistently, and miss a ton of lay ups even when she's by far the tallest player on the court, never mind the lack luster defense. She has a ton of raw talent and potential and everyone saw and was excited by that, including Geno. Unless she gets some serious help in the WNBA, she may find herself learning the cold hard lessons of the professional world for which she may wish she could trade for even just one more year of the Storrs version.
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I agree with this. she improved markedly throughout the season, but not enough to go pro as of yet. she was still lacking in defense and missed several bunnies. another year was important because she would have been the starter on this team and in WNBA she will be a bench player again.
 
Kevin G said:
Does anyone want to give their insight or opinion on whether she's first or second round??
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Based on a few non professional mock drafts, the feeling is she would go #2 right after Wilson. That makes sense since Indiana has the #2 pick
and they need post help badly

Relevent excerpt from Indiana Fever page before Azura announced.

Fever Draft Primer: The Clock is Ticking - Indiana Fever

Not a single draft projection I have seen since last fall lists a different 1-2. EVERY projection I have seen has South Carolina center A’ja Wilson going with the top pick and dynamic Ohio State point guard Kelsey Mitchell going with the second pick. In November, Indiana earned the second pick by way of the WNBA Draft Lottery and, at the time, was in dire need of help in the post.
 
oldude said:
Yes, and that depleted Husky team, that was forced to start 2 freshmen, because they had no one else available, finished 36-2 making it to the national semifinals.
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For transparency the UConn 2010-11 season roster had 11 players. Doty was a red-shirt JR and we had an incoming class of 5 (see below). One of those (Walker) played only the first 17 games. We had 9 players after that.

2010-11 Freshmen Class
#10 Samarie Walker (Transferred after 1 season)
#14 Bria Hartley
#39 Stefanie Dolson
#46 Michala Johnson (Transferred after 2 seasons)
#95 Lauren Engeln (Transferred after 2 seasons)

The circumstances between 2010-11 where we had 10 players (exclude Doty) made up of 5 FR are different then next year where we have 11 players made up of 2 FR.

For the record the returning players all started the first game of that season (Moore SR, Dixon SR, Hayes JR, Faris SO, Buck SO) with Hartley and Dolson replacing Dixon and Buck in the starting lineup for the next game.

Below is a breakdown of minutes by class for starters and overall since 2009-10.

UConn Minutes by Class.png


I am creating a spreadsheet for all UConn seasons but have only entered from 2009-10 thus far but it is a long off season, so I figure I have time.
 
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Huskygamble19 said:
I agree with this. she improved markedly throughout the season, but not enough to go pro as of yet. she was still lacking in defense and missed several bunnies. another year was important because she would have been the starter on this team and in WNBA she will be a bench player again.
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I'm not so sure about that. If you look at the roster among the top 6 teams I think Dallas is the only place that Azura doen't start immediately. Dallas has Liz Cambage and Glory Johnson everyone else she could start.
 
maccca3232 said:
For transparency the UConn 2010-11 season roster had 11 players. Doty was a red-shirt JR and we had an incoming class of 5 (see below). One of those (Walker) played only the first 17 games. We had 9 players after that.

2010-11 Freshmen Class
#10 Samarie Walker (Transferred after 1 season)
#14 Bria Hartley
#39 Stefanie D0lson
#46 Michala Johnson (Transferred after 2 seasons)
#95 Lauren Engeln (Transferred after 2 seasons)

The circumstances between 2010-11 where we had 10 players (exclude Doty) made up of 5 FR are different to next year where we 11 players made up of 2 FR.

For the record the returning players all started the first game of that season (Moore SR, Dixon SR, Hayes JR, Faris SO, Buck SO) with Hartley and Dolson replacing Dixon and Buck in the starting lineup for the next game.

Below is a breakdown of minutes by class for starters and overall since 2009-10.

View attachment 30360

I am creating a spreadsheet for all UConn seasons but have only entered from 2009-10 thus far but it is a long off season, so I figure I have time.
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Just brillant work here! Thanks
 
bbballfan23 said:
Actually Stevens & Collier both had 275 rebounds on the season & averaged 7.4. Gabby had 267 rebounds & a little less of a 7.4 rpg. These girls all split stats. Remember, Pheesa averaged 20 & 9 before Z showed up & clogged the lane.
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It was Geno's idea for Z to play down low. She played on the perimeter at Duke.
 
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