Azura

[Carnac]

Great point. Having Azura as a rim protector is going to allow UConn to be a lot more aggressive on the defensive end. They can now play tighter in their man to man, get out in more passing lanes, and gamble for more steals.

Does this mean that Azura starts? Or does she do this sparingly coming off the bench? A lack of height was a problem for UConn at times last season. Some posters think Dangerfield should start. Others think one of the freshmen will break into the starting lineup. We'll find out in about 45 days (August 13 the 1st exhibition game in Italy).

 

[Striper69]

With so much All-American talent it will be very difficult for a UConn player to stand out on next season's team and even more difficult to stand out as the best in all of WCBB. That alone will give Wilson an edge.

Taking into consideration all aspects of the game -- scoring and non-scoring statistics, defensive ability and leadership -- the most complete and dominant player in WCBB last season was Gabby Williams. Jay Bilas described her as the most complete player in college basketball. Gabby averaged 14 ppg, grabbed 205 defensive rebounds, dished out 190 assists, blocked 52 shots and came up with 100 steals. She was WBCA Defensive POY. The only thing she didn't do on the court was shoot and make 3-pointers.

With the presence of Stevens I'll be curious to see how Gabby's role changes. She'll be more of a perimeter player defensively and hopefully her offensive perimeter game will continue to develop.

Gabby for POY!

 

[TitleTown]

Does this mean that Azura starts? Or does she do this sparingly coming off the bench? A lack of height was a problem for UConn at times last season. Some posters think Dangerfield should start. Others think one of the freshmen will break into the starting lineup. We'll find out in about 45 days (August 13 the 1st exhibition game in Italy).

I think that Stevens will be the 5th starter.

 

[HuskylnSC]

Some points I've been waiting for someone to bring up is that if Z and N are both on the court at the same time.
1) We lose the devastating high low of Gabby and Napheesa. IMO it was the single most important offensive option of last years team. Not only did it provide volumes of hoops for those players but caused the defense to collapse freeing KLS and Kia for kick out options from the outside. The possible Z/Napheesa high low is relegated to speculation at this time.
2) the prospect of 2 dominant interior players means much more zone defenses. Zones mean more opportunity for KLS and fewer chances for Gabby to slash to the hoop.

The personality of last years team has under gone a drastic makeover. I'm excited to see who this years team is

 

[Bajan Best]

Some points I've been waiting for someone to bring up is that if Z and N are both on the court at the same time.
1) We lose the devastating high low of Gabby and Napheesa. IMO it was the single most important offensive option of last years team. Not only did it provide volumes of hoops for those players but caused the defense to collapse freeing KLS and Kia for kick out options from the outside. The possible Z/Napheesa high low is relegated to speculation at this time.
2) the prospect of 2 dominant interior players means much more zone defenses. Zones mean more opportunity for KLS and fewer chances for Gabby to slash to the hoop.

The personality of last years team has under gone a drastic makeover. I'm excited to see who this years team is

I'm not exactly sure how you came to the conclusion that the Z/Napheesa combo would be loss in the High low offense.. If anything it should be an improvement since both Z & Napheesa are regarded as UN-gaurdable.. with range extended beyond the three point arc.. and being almost 5" taller would definitely give Azura the edge in both passing and receiving the entry..

Secondly Neither are just Dominant Post players, both are versatile and have the ability to play on the perimeter as well.. As a matter of fact that is where Azura was most comfortable, and is now working with the UConn staff to be more consistent with her post game offensively..

Any team wanting to play Zone against UCONN this coming season, better be ready for games with record scoring, considering the amount of capable shooter's of upperclassmen on the team from beyond the arc.. KLS, Nurse, Napheesa, Azura, with a few freshmen who are also deadly from that range..

Gabby will score as she often does by being active in the motion offense, fastbreaks and on putbacks etc.. Her assist number could even be more impressive this coming year with the scorer's surrounding her.. And will be on the court a lot because of her outstanding defense..

There is no speculation when it comes to Z, the young lady is that good.. Geno does not give false praise to anyone, and he has already stated how dominant she was at practices last year.. It should be a fun year for us Fans, but very demoralizing for those who have to face them.. barring injuries this should be an incredible team... Can't wait to watch it all play out..

 

[Los24]

She was special her first two years at Duke. As a sophomore she was an All-American Honorable Mention. She will be better the next two years. UConn lucked out when she decided to leave Duke. I cannot comprehend how anyone could think she will not start. Mobile, coordinated height is what this team needs. Expect from Stevens the following:

I agree. It is quite simple. Regardless of record, our biggest weakness was not having a big in the middle to regulate the paint and cover up others' mistakes that Stewie used to do. You have a gift of a mature and accomplished player who for the past year had been working with team to fill it, enough said.

 

[huskeynut]

Some points I've been waiting for someone to bring up is that if Z and N are both on the court at the same time.
1) We lose the devastating high low of Gabby and Napheesa. IMO it was the single most important offensive option of last years team. Not only did it provide volumes of hoops for those players but caused the defense to collapse freeing KLS and Kia for kick out options from the outside. The possible Z/Napheesa high low is relegated to speculation at this time.
2) the prospect of 2 dominant interior players means much more zone defenses. Zones mean more opportunity for KLS and fewer chances for Gabby to slash to the hoop.

The personality of last years team has under gone a drastic makeover. I'm excited to see who this years team is

The high/ low game does not disappear or become diminished by having Z and Pheesa on the court at the same time. Gabby will still be high post player feeding down low. If we go to past seasons, Geno sets his offense out higher/ away from the basket and the end line. This spacing allows the high low game to work because the baseline and the lane does not get crowded. Stewie and Morgan feasted on opponents with this offense style. It makes no difference whether the opponent plays man or zone defense. The baseline will be wide open.

The kickout to Lou or Kia or Pheesa or Z for the 3 ball is still there. No change. And Gabby will still be able to slash to the rim from the high post. Her quickness is more than most post players can handle, including Wilson.

 

[mudcat]

Z and KLS will battle it out for NPOY!

Bizarro, you do say some bizarre things (such as Gabby and Collier not being "great players" because they missed some free throws in the MS St game). This is another one: we have four great players who are legitimate candidates for NPOY (Gabby, Collier, KLS, and Azure). I personally don't think any of them will be NPOY because of splitting votes because of being on the same team and also because of splitting stats.

 

[CocoHusky]

The high/ low game does not disappear or become diminished by having Z and Pheesa on the court at the same time. Gabby will still be high post player feeding down low. If we go to past seasons, Geno sets his offense out higher/ away from the basket and the end line. This spacing allows the high low game to work because the baseline and the lane does not get crowded. Stewie and Morgan feasted on opponents with this offense style. It makes no difference whether the opponent plays man or zone defense. The baseline will be wide open.
The kickout to Lou or Kia or Pheesa or Z for the 3 ball is still there. No change. And Gabby will still be able to slash to the rim from the high post. Her quickness is more than most post players can handle, including Wilson.

Excellent analysis! Any two of these UCONN players ( Gabby, Napheesa, Azura, Megan, KLS) can be combined to make the high low offense devastating without diminishing any other aspect of the UCONN offense because each can handle to blow by, space to the three point line, or hit any open teammate for an easier shot.

 

[SVCBeercats]

So any transfer then would be luck, right?
Or is it just the transfers that end up choosing UConn?
BTW those are trick questions. By my count there were 6 players ranked ahead of Azura in the 2014 class that transferred. One of those players was a transfer from UConn to USC. Was USC lucky and UConn unlucky in that case?

Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Was UCONN! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

 

[SVCBeercats]

Blah Blah Blah!
“Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity"
Seneca
Despite ALL the short comings you mentioned UConn was prepared enough to have an Undefeated regular season -WITHOUT AZURA'

Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Was UCONN! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

 

[CocoHusky]

Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Was UConn! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

" They (UCONN) get the best players and they kill everybody.' And I'm like, 'That's the most idiotic statement I ever heard.' That just goes to show you how ignorant some people are."
Geno.

 

[Alydar]

Play zone against UConn? I'm sure a lot of teams will try but UConn can put three players outside the arc that are 6'1", 6'3" and 6'6" and who are all proven to be effective spot up 3pt shooters. It will be like trying to stop catapults with a 10 foot wall. And another point not mentioned is that zones are vulnerable to offensive rebounds. Williams and Collier might set records for O-boards if they face zones all season.

Nobody is going to beat UConn with schemes next year. The only vulnerability UConn showed was when they were played very physically. And with sophomores Irwin and Camara on the bench I don't see that happening this year.

 

[Tonyc]

Today in WCBB its about coaching a group of women that accept discipline, are coachable, and are willing to play as a team. In the old days it was about getting the best player, and there werent as many as there is now and out talenting opponents for the most part. Geno came along and brought an entire new focus to the game. UConns continuous winning has afforded them to attract many top players. Players who are willing to do whatever it takes and are willing to following Genos demands because they know they will only get better. They trust Genos system because of what he's accomplished.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Since your name is bizarro do you speak in opposite language? Lol but really I like your enthusiasm and the fact that you think Stevens will totally crush Wilson. But lets think logically, in their first two matchups Wilson dominated Stevens in every category. Its not hard to think Stevens won't be a much better player in a UConn jersey, but to say she'll completely dominate a'ja is a bit ludicrous. Also I'm quite confident our girls wont get blown out, we ight not win the game but we have the players to compete and the game will be in Columbia likely in front of a sold out crowd so that's a little more incentive for them to play harder.

SCspur- - - SoCar fans have been saying that for 4 years and each time UCONN dominated them at Gample and in Columbia, in front of sold out crowds! If Miss St didn't pull the well earned upset UCONN would have beat SoCar's socks off winning their 5th in-a-row and 12th overall!
UCONN just has SoCar's number from the HC to Assts. to starters to the bench, UCONN would beat SoCar on any site, home, away, or neutral! If both teams are at full strength UCONN is just better!
And the match-up between Aja and Azura, the media made the comments that the best/outstanding player of next season isn't even playing this season, Stevens will be the best player on the court as Stewie was previously!

 

[rvwsleep]

Today in WCBB its about coaching a group of women that accept discipline, are coachable, and are willing to play as a team. In the old days it was about getting the best player, and there werent as many as there is now and out talenting opponents for the most part. Geno came along and brought an entire new focus to the game. UConns continuous winning has afforded them to attract many top players. Players who are willing to do whatever it takes and are willing to following Genos demands because they know they will only get better. They trust Genos system because of what he's accomplished.

I've always considered the "buy in" part by top recruits to be the difference between Geno and other wcbb coaches.
He has developed, over a 30 year period, the ability to identify who, among the best high school players in the country, will think team first.
It's not an infallible system, but it's pretty close.

 

[Carnac]

Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Was UConn! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

We'll take that. Never knock "Lady Luck". How would YOU like to go into a casino or race track, and have her stick to you like glue (sit on your lap every time you sit down) the entire time you're there? And when it comes to playing sports, I'd much rather be "LUCKY" than good. I hope they're just as "Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Lucky!" this season as well.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Lucky! Was UConn! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

No luck about it except for Z---she gets to play at Uconn--Geno and his 11 NC's is a magnet for those want to win an NC. (a bit of jest here, but some truth too).
In terms of Z being on the team---if all the speculation is only half correct and she can play Kiah Stokes defense--Uconn shall whiz through the NCAA teams. Before I proclaim them 2018 National Champions --I'd like to see them play a bit. Although I have a feeling they will win the AAC.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Today in WCBB its about coaching a group of women that accept discipline, are coachable, and are willing to play as a team. In the old days it was about getting the best player, and there werent as many as there is now and out talenting opponents for the most part. Geno came along and brought an entire new focus to the game. UConns continuous winning has afforded them to attract many top players. Players who are willing to do whatever it takes and are willing to following Genos demands because they know they will only get better. They trust Genos system because of what he's accomplished.

No argument--and since you know so much about Uconn WBB---Didn't Geno use the rugged practices, demands on Defense, and demands players be team players, in the old days of Sue, Dt, Swin ,Sveta etc--I suppose I should ask you to define --old days since they have a different meaning to me than to others. Questions not argument.
When Geno could and they met his model of a Uconn player--he recruited the best of the best and was highly, if not always, successful. Those years when he had one of those players highly in demand--he won NC's --isn't that true????
Buy in by recruits-make them stay--and can't argue with 11NC's--Final 4's, Conference championships and WNBA rankings--great recruiting tools.

 

[Bestiarius]

Blah Blah Blah!
“Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity"
Seneca
Despite ALL the short comings you mentioned UConn was prepared enough to have an Undefeated regular season -WITHOUT AZURA'

Success is just a matter of luck, ask any failure.

 

[Jim R]

No luck about it except for Z---she gets to play at UConn--Geno and his 11 NC's is a magnet for those want to win an NC. (a bit of jest here, but some truth too).
In terms of Z being on the team---if all the speculation is only half correct and she can play Kiah Stokes defense--UConn shall whiz through the NCAA teams. Before I proclaim them 2018 National Champions --I'd like to see them play a bit. Although I have a feeling they will win the AAC.

 

[SVCBeercats]

No luck about it except for Z---she gets to play at UConn--Geno and his 11 NC's is a magnet for those want to win an NC. (a bit of jest here, but some truth too).
In terms of Z being on the team---if all the speculation is only half correct and she can play Kiah Stokes defense--UConn shall whiz through the NCAA teams. Before I proclaim them 2018 National Champions --I'd like to see them play a bit. Although I have a feeling they will win the AAC.

UCONN disparately needed a big with skills on offense and defense for the next two seasons. Luckily Stevens appears as a free agent for UCONN to pursue. Yes, she is fortunate to be coached by CD and Marisa as a big and by Geno as an integrated team player. So both UCONN and Stevens lucked out big time. As for her defense I don't think she is the blocker that Stokes was but she is a very good defender. She may not be a Stewie on offense; she is close though. So if she is 80+% of Stokes on defense and 80+% of Stewart on offense, UCONN has a winner particularly considering the returning starters.

 

[Carnac]

UConn disparately needed a big with skills on offense and defense for the next two seasons. Luckily Stevens appears as a free agent for UConn to pursue. Yes, she is fortunate to be coached by CD and Marisa as a big and by Geno as an integrated team player. So both UConn and Stevens lucked out big time. As for her defense I don't think she is the blocker that Stokes was but she is a very good defender. She may not be a Stewie on offense; she is close though. So if she is 80+% of Stokes on defense and 80+% of Stewart on offense, UConn has a winner particularly considering the returning starters.

Good post. Stokes was not the defensive specialist in high school that she was in college. The UConn staff emphasized defense, and coached her to become the shot blocker and rebounder she became. Who's to say the UConn staff hasn't done the same exact thing with Z? She's been in the program now for one full year.

They've had plenty of time to coach/develop her into the defensive player they want/need her to be. We'll find out in about 40 or so days. You know you can't get on Geno's floor if you can't/won't play defense. I understand she's very coachable. Azura is chomping at the bit to play again. I don't think she'll disappoint.

 

[bizarro aj]

Z will be a starter this season along with gabby, kls, nurse and Dangerfield with collier first off the bench.

 

[wes33]

Does this team have the most talented players ever ?

 

[Jim R]

Does this team have the most talented players ever ?

So much promise, and, as many of us hope and expect, a season to remember!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Does this team have the most talented players ever ?

No. And in one respect we still have a weakness until proven otherwise in PG play. But this team has great athleticism and offensive balance within Geno's system which they run with startling efficiency and speed.

 

[Jim R]

No. And in one respect we still have a weakness until proven otherwise in PG play. But this team has great athleticism and offensive balance within Geno's system which they run with startling efficiency and speed.

Thinking of our "weakness" at PG, I have to grin...what other teams would give for our weakness! Yes, while we don't have the Moriah or Sue running the show right now, Kia, and expect, Crystal, will do an excellent job, and just what we need to run the offense at full throttle. With our other pieces, and especially our height void that Z fills, not to mention her skill set, this season will leave many shaking their head, and measuring their success against our best.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Thinking of our "weakness" at PG, I have to grin...what other teams would give for our weakness! Yes, while we don't have the Moriah or Sue running the show right now, Kia, and expect, Crystal, will do an excellent job, and just what we need to run the offense at full throttle. With our other pieces, and especially our height void that Z fills, not to mention her skill set, this season will leave many shaking their head, and measuring their success against our best.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not losing sleep over our guard play. The "weakness" is relative; relative to the "greatest" which still is the back court of Sue and Dee.

 

[Jim R]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not losing sleep over our guard play. The "weakness" is relative; relative to the "greatest" which still is the back court of Sue and Dee.

Agreed