Azzi talks about learning to be a leader

[HuskyNan]

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[oldude]

Azzi may not be a natural leader, at least when it comes to using her voice. But she is extremely intelligent and no doubt understands that with Paige & Kaitlyn moving on, she needs to be the one to assume the responsibility to lead this incredibly talented team. To be sure, she’ll get help from others, but Azzi needs to make this team her team. Great credit to her for stepping out of her comfort zone.

 

[my2cents]

All she really needs to say is, "Give me the ball and get out of my way."

 

[DavidinNaples]

Quick reminder of just how well Azzi played last season:
1. Points = 462 or 13.6 per game.
2. Three pt. shooting = 43.6% (79-181)
3. Free throws = 91.7% (33-36)
4. Assists = 61 (turnovers = 35)
5. Steals = 46 and Blocked shots = 10
6. Total of 900 minutes played, 34 games, 26.5 min per game

Stay healthy and have another great season Azzi..!!
Go Huskies..!!

P.S. - Final two games of the year vs UCLA and South Carolina Azzi with 43 points..!!

 

[TWG236]

In the 2022-2023 season, in her first 6 games, 3 vs top ten ranked teams, Azzi scored 144 points (24.0 avg) and made 20 three point baskets (3.3 avg). She sustained her knee injury in game #7 vs Notre Dame. She was able to return and played in 9 additional games, in which, she scored 83 points (9.2 avg) and made 14 three point baskets (1.6 avg). Although she returned, she wasn't physically the same. Last season we watched her begin slowly, but in each game we noticed a slight improvement and at the end of the season, Azzi was playing like the first 6 games of 22/23 season. This year, it's Azzi's team. I expect to witness her having one of the greatest statical seasons in UConn history. Azzi's shooting to win a National Championship, make the "wall" and to show us how great of player she is. It's going to be a great season to be a UConn fan. Go Huskies.

 

[PacoSwede]

Azzi may not be a natural leader, at least when it comes to using her voice. But she is extremely intelligent and no doubt understands that with Paige & Kaitlyn moving on, she needs to be the one to assume the responsibility to lead this incredibly talented team. To be sure, she’ll get help from others, but Azzi needs to make this team her team. Great credit to her for stepping out of her comfort zone.

no, she does not. ... you may want her to ... geno et al. may want her to ... azzi may want to. it might be best for the team.

but no, it's not needed. if azzi can't lead, or can't lead in the way she has been told she must lead for the team to win, it could seriously 'get' to her. ... cause her to think she's a loser, that she's incapable, and won't fulfill her potential. that's more pressure.

that is not good for someone who clearly has a problem with confidence already, for whatever reason.

she is a great talent as a player ... that should be her focus -- to maximize her talent. nobody benefits from her being diverted from that because of the added task of leading the team, which is not natural for her. not everyone can lead others. it shouldn't be a requirement of being 'generational.'

the team definitely needs a leader, but don't put it all on azzi. i am confident there are others who have shown leadership already, have experienced the nuances and will easily do the job. ... one will emerge -- or perhaps with 15 players, the best leaders can platoon!

 

[oldude]

no, she does not. ... you may want her to ... geno et al. may want her to ... azzi may want to. it might be best for the team.

but no, it's not needed. if azzi can't lead, or can't lead in the way she has been told she must lead for the team to win, it could seriously 'get' to her. ... cause her to think she's a loser, that she's incapable, and won't fulfill her potential. that's more pressure.

that is not good for someone who clearly has a problem with confidence already, for whatever reason.

she is a great talent as a player ... that should be her focus -- to maximize her talent. nobody benefits from her being diverted from that because of the added task of leading the team, which is not natural for her. not everyone can lead others. it shouldn't be a requirement of being 'generational.'

the team definitely needs a leader, but don't put it all on azzi. i am confident there are others who have shown leadership already, have experienced the nuances and will easily do the job. ... one will emerge -- or perhaps with 15 players, the best leaders can platoon!

Clearly, Geno and Azzi both expect Azzi to be the leader next year. Azzi certainly didn’t “lack confidence” in the FF, and Geno is not going to ask her to do something she’s not capable of. Azzi’s leadership skills have been building up to this level for years.

Here’s what I think. Azzi is absolutely at her best as a player when she doesn’t complicate things and simply plays. I’m guessing that her leadership responsibilities will take her mind off her individual performance, and she will simply play, and that will be something truly special.

 

[WiseWillie]

Clearly, Geno and Azzi both expect Azzi to be the leader next year. Azzi certainly didn’t “lack confidence” in the FF, and Geno is not going to ask her to do something she’s not capable of. Azzi’s leadership skills have been building up to this level for years.

Here’s what I think. Azzi is absolutely at her best as a player when she doesn’t complicate things and simply plays. I’m guessing that her leadership responsibilities will take her mind off her individual performance, and she will simply play, and that will be something truly special.

You might be old but you hit the proverbial nail on the head, Old Dude. Azzi is stepping a little outside herself and trying to get comfortable with being the leadership voice to the team. Teammates listen and will follow those they respect and can see has the skills to lead. Azzi has honed them for years and definitely has the basketball skills. Matching that with taking on more of a leadership role will serve her well. Are there risks? Sure, like everything. But there's no gain without taking some risk. This will be her last year at UConn and she wants to make it special for her and this team. I think she'll come through with flying colors - all in shades of blue.

 

[PacoSwede]

that's a great scenario, but if somebody -- or somebodies -- else takes the role, that's great too. but pushing azzi as THE answer ... i don't agree. i have faith the players themselves will determine who, or who's, they will depend on. kk? ash? sarah? ice? carol? morgan? or someone else. maybe even blanca. someone will step up. it doesn't have to be azzi. last summer i had similar comments about paige. she flourished, but it was not a sure thing. ...... but then, paige was very special.

 

[Cuango]

that's a great scenario, but if somebody -- or somebodies -- else takes the role, that's great too. but pushing azzi as THE answer ... i don't agree. i have faith the players themselves will determine who, or who's, they will depend on. kk? ash? sarah? ice? carol? morgan? or someone else. maybe even blanca. someone will step up. it doesn't have to be azzi. last summer i had similar comments about paige. she flourished, but it was not a sure thing. ...... but then, paige was very special.

Paige was indeed “special”. What a great player and person!

 

[Ozimoto]

Certain aspects of leadership can be "learned" but I've known people who have taken myriad classes and seminars on leadership who are failed leaders. If you don't have the personality, temperament, and ego to lead, none of the book learning matters.

Not everyone can, or should, be a leader. And not every leader is great in every situation.