Azzi update

[JBK]

I def expect her to carry some of the PG load. As she did before she got injured.

Yes. It will cut down on the turnovers and add more offense

 

[Topdawg]

I believe the team will go quite far if Caroline and Azzi can provide strong bench minutes. The starting 5 should be able to sustain 30 minutes each through the tournaments. That leaves 50 minutes to be covered by Caroline, Azzi, Amari, Yanna, and Ines.

 

[itsasport]

Uconn players play for national championships.

This year Azzi would have the most impact on that happening and, I think that she would love to help the team to achieve that, particularly the seniors, because this is their last chance.

The bottom line, of course, is only if she feels ready.

Also, if Stanford or SC were so much better than UConn, she should not come back. But UConn even without Caroline almost beat SC.

What a story it would be if, after all the injuries, UConn won the championship.

 

[The deacon]

Yes she is back, but if it is this year's version of Caroline vs. lasts year's it may not make enough of a difference. Remember she was a pretty mediocre player before the concussion this year, apparently having more challenges recovering from the offseason hip surgery than we thought.

I'm with you about Azzi, oldhuskie, and your overall post, and I'm certainly sorry to see Caroline struggle so much during the St. John's game.

Yet how quickly we forget! So Caroline was a 'pretty mediocre player' before her concussion absence? If that were the case, I'd love it if she could be just as mediocre during the Big East and NCAA tournaments. Caroline averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game in the five games before getting hurt, including a 19-point game vs. Marquette on Dec. 31.

Caroline's not the pure shooter Azzi is, but Geno knows how crucial Caroline's contributions can be if she finds her game in coming weeks.
Bring on that kind of mediocrity, please!

 

[msf22b]

Cat:

would you be kind enough to explain your objection to my post?

 

[Sakibomb25]

I am impressed with the fact that Azzi felt comfortable telling her coach that "I'll be ready when I'm ready." I have to believe that there are a lot of programs where a player would feel that she was taking her scholarship in her hands if she said something like that to her head coach.

I imagine that hypothetically, an athlete can look out for his or her own best interest if they have a good NIL package. Yes the scholarship money helps, but the athlete may not feel like they are at the mercy of the coach anymore (again, assuming the NIL package is good enough).

 

[stamfordhusky]

A 100 percent Azzi next season is better than an ???? Azzi now.

But the two are not mutually exclusive. You easily could have a 100% AZzi next season and also A useful Azzi this season.

 

[Cuango]

You misunderstand the fatigue problem completely. It’s not the minutes tiring them out. It’s the insane travel schedule paired with close and hard games due to our best players being injured.

Personally, I think most of it is mental fatigue! They have basically spent most of the season playing in games where, not only do they know there’s no help, but also knowing that if even one of them gets in serious foul trouble or, even worse, fouls out, that is a loss! Couple that with the physical fatigue of facing increased physical play from teams that are attacking an obvious weakness (as they should) and you have what we are seeing on court. It’s one thing to be pushed to your limits physically. Most top athletes in really good shape can deal with that but when you start adding all this mental stress and worry it can become too much for anyone.

 

[Carnac]

It’s just basketball, not life or death. Maybe it will be good for the team to get knock out of the tournament early, get an extended vacation and some rest before next season. The team will come back motivated, realizing that making the final four isn’t a given and requires a lot of hard work.

I have no idea IF or WHEN Azzi will return. As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I don't look for, or anticipate when Azzi will return. She'll be back when I see her on the court in a game. I'm only concerned about the players that dress. THOSE are the players that will help us win games.

I know this will not be a popular take, and I may get some thumbs down, but IMO unless Azzi and Caroline Ducharme come back before the beginning of the tournament at 85% or better (preferably 95-100%), UConn may not make it beyond the 2nd weekend of play. I think UConn's fortunes lie on those two coming back, and playing to at least 80% or more of their potential for UConn to have a chance to win tournament games. UConn is in a weakened state right now, and will face some unranked at-large teams that could send them home. Normally, the first weekend of the tournament is nothing more than a "warm-up' for the next weekend for us. Not this year.

They just lost to another unranked team at home. The same kind of unranked team they could very easily draw in the tournament. Teams know that UConn is not the UConn of old right now. They know their two best players are injured and are not playing. Bad news travels fast. Teams don't fear UConn like they use to.

It's a harsh reality, but a true one. I'd love for this UConn team to emulate the "Phoenix", and rise out of the ashes of catastrophe (being down to 2 reserves players....a freshman/Bettencourt and a sophomore/DeBerry) stronger, smarter and more powerful than before, and win the tournament, but I don't see that happening.

I never want to be known as a "Doubting Thomas", but.........I've got to go by the old "eye test." Like pictures, the eyes don't lie. I'm hoping UConn can win these last two games, get some much needed rest, play well and win the Big East Tournament than begins in 6 days (Fri Mar 3), and go into the NCAAT on a roll. Keep hope alive, and let's see how far this team can go.

 

[AzzisBraids]

Azzi will return this season whether it's in the Big East or NCAA tournament.

I don't understand the logic that Azzi won't return or shouldn't return. She has played too many games for a redshirt, has been healing for about a month and appears to be in the tail end of her recovery. I don't care if it's in the second round of the NCAA, if Azzi is healthy enough to play, she should. This team is running on frustration and fumes and she is biggest spark to ignite them the rest of the season.

Whether UConn is a 1 or 4 seed, whether they win the Big East tournament or get an at-large bid. The postseason is a certainty for this and I'm optimistic wherever they are.

 

[fomalhaut]

Well, that's interesting thinking. However, you are assuming that each of those eight points would be replacing missed baskets and that's not realistic!

According to the best shooter on the planet, Fudd is the third best shooter on the planet. Do you think Connecticut couldn't score eight more points with Fudd than without?

 

[NYCHUSKIES]

According to the best shooter on the planet, Fudd is the third best shooter on the planet. Do you think Connecticut couldn't score eight more points with Fudd than without?

I agree with your statement. If Fudd only scored 8 points in our last two losses, we would of won those games, and we would of beaten South Carolina too.

 

[hoophuskee]

Is there any evidence whatsoever that Geno...now, intends to give any meaningful minutes to the last named three?

When his philosophy in important games has always been to shorten the roster rather than expand...

I previously noted the NCAA's of 2011 where he played one sub, Lorin Dixon, had two youngsters on the bench...Laura Englen and Michala Johnson, neither of whom got off the bench until the last minute, not dissimilar to his methodology of this season.

What I neglected to mention in that post is that both of those young woman
went on to respectable college careers (in other programs)...not necessarily all-stars, but at least competent, useful performers.

Would not a few competent, useful performers be of great use, this season?

_____________

Edit: I mistakenly forgot that Heather Buck was also on that squad and played 5 minutes: sorry

Is there any evidence whatsoever that Geno...now, intends to give any meaningful minutes to the last named three?

When his philosophy in important games has always been to shorten the roster rather than expand...

I previously noted the NCAA's of 2011 where he played one sub, Lorin Dixon, had two youngsters on the bench...Laura Englen and Michala Johnson, neither of whom got off the bench until the last minute, not dissimilar to his methodology of this season.

What I neglected to mention in that post is that both of those young woman
went on to respectable college careers (in other programs)...not necessarily all-stars, but at least competent, useful performers.

Would not a few competent, useful performers be of great use, this season?

_____________

Edit: I mistakenly forgot that Heather Buck was also on that squad and played 5 minutes: sorry

Your definition of "competent useful performers" is completely different than "Championship competent, useful performers." How many times have you seen transfers that were "competent, useful performers" flop when they go to other bigger/more successful schools?

A player that is a scorer for example may be pretty good at a school that is elated to just get into the NCAA, and/or maybe win a round. In comparison vs a team with title aspirations projected to lose maximum two games a year, if that. Then this scorer who is not as good as other scorers on the elite team has to be productive in other things such as becoming a better passer or defender or rebounder etc. What if she can't? You are going to play her anyway? So yeah these great kids went on to other schools but it doesn't mean that they would then have been a success/competent at UCONN vs their other teammates. At a school that doesn't win nearly as much that player can have several games in which she goes 5-14 vs other non-title contending teams. Prior to UCONN's rash of injuries, that has been/is rarely the case at UCONN.

 

[Gordo]

According to the best shooter on the planet, Fudd is the third best shooter on the planet. Do you think Connecticut couldn't score eight more points with Fudd than without?

You are missing the point entirely! And, you are now changing the scenario of your story. Now you are questioning if UConn couldn't score eight more points with Fudd than without her? That clearly wasn't your original statement. Regardless, Fudd would replace someone in the lineup. That someone (most likely Griffin) would have at least some scoring production. So if Fudd scored eight points, you would have to subtract the points that would have been scored by the player she replaced.

 

[Skeets]

This is likely to get a lot of thumbs done. First let me say we don't know anything about the situation with Azzi. We don't know if she's having any pain, how she feels after a workout, etc. There has to be a good reason why she is not playing.

But, if I was on a team that was really struggling and our star player said "I'll be ready when I'm ready" that would diminish that person in my eyes. Hopefully that statement was taken out of context or just poorly worded. Also hopefully the other players, who do know something about the situation agree with Azzi and are not miffed that she isn't playing. I have to assume that is the case.

 

[Zarathustra]

Should the coaching staff consider having Azzi wear a significant knee brace while she begins to workout and play

YES

 

[Forego]

Should the coaching staff consider having Azzi wear a significant knee brace while she begins to workout and play

No. The coaching staff is not qualified to make that decision. Only Azzi’s MD, who is cognizant of her injury and if a brace would suitable for that injury can make that decision.

 

[SJF]

My concern is if Azzi comes back that she will be forced to do way to much with the ball in her hands just to get a shot off. Again we don’t have a PG that can create open shots for other guards in a half court by attacking and kicking it out. Just look at what Lou has to go thru to get an open look do we really want Azzi to go thru the same gauntlet. IMO Azzi just needs to shut it down this year and come back physically and mentally healthy with PB and KK breaking down defenses next year.

 

[Geew1992]

My concern is if Azzi comes back that she will be forced to do way to much with the ball in her hands just to get a shot off. Again we don’t have a PG that can create open shots for other guards in a half court by attacking and kicking it out. Just look at what Lou has to go thru to get an open look do we really want Azzi to go thru the same gauntlet. IMO Azzi just needs to shut it down this year and come back physically and mentally healthy with PB and KK breaking down defenses next year.

Lou has to do that because she is the only 3 point threat. UConn needs at least one more to open up the middle. Can’t drive the lane and kick the hall out if the lane is clogged

 

[HuskyNan]

My concern is if Azzi comes back that she will be forced to do way to much with the ball in her hands just to get a shot off. Again we don’t have a PG that can create open shots for other guards in a half court by attacking and kicking it out. Just look at what Lou has to go thru to get an open look do we really want Azzi to go thru the same gauntlet. IMO Azzi just needs to shut it down this year and come back physically and mentally healthy with PB and KK breaking down defenses next year.

Don’t forget this young woman. There will be quality depth at guard next year.

 

[meyers7]

Good enough for me -

If Maggie got this from Geno's pre DePaul press conference, that's not really what Geno/Fudd said.

He was saying Fudd's situation was similar to Ducharme's situation. Where it was kind of day to day and they would know they were ready when they knew it, no definite time line. Each day was different. Their bodies were/are responding differently each day/each workout. When things feel right, they'll go. And they won't/didn't know it is/was right until it is/was right.

 

[SJF]

Don’t forget this young woman. There will be quality depth at guard next year.

True! Another athletic guard that can get to the bucket.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Good enough for me -

I hope she's "ready" when a top orthopedic surgeon declares her "ready" and when he/she says that playing won't put her health in jeopardy.

 

[msf22b]

Don’t forget this young woman. There will be quality depth at guard next year.

I'm not sure how to say this w/o being offensive...
Are we sure we don't have (at least pretty good) depth at guard, this year?

 

[hoopsnloops32]

This is likely to get a lot of thumbs done. First let me say we don't know anything about the situation with Azzi. We don't know if she's having any pain, how she feels after a workout, etc. There has to be a good reason why she is not playing.

But, if I was on a team that was really struggling and our star player said "I'll be ready when I'm ready" that would diminish that person in my eyes. Hopefully that statement was taken out of context or just poorly worded. Also hopefully the other players, who do know something about the situation agree with Azzi and are not miffed that she isn't playing. I have to assume that is the case.

Geno never said she said that. It’s a misquote.

 

[Centerstream]

I'm not sure how to say this w/o being offensive...
Are we sure we don't have (at least pretty good) depth at guard, this year?

I'm guessing that she was referring to available guard depth.

 

[msf22b]

I'm guessing that she was referring to available guard depth.

So was I

 

[MSGRET]

Remember Azzi in the NC game.? ................ We are there again...... Wait until next season!!! She'll be ready then!!

She was sick not injured, there's a difference.

 

[Cuango]

Your definition of "competent useful performers" is completely different than "Championship competent, useful performers." How many times have you seen transfers that were "competent, useful performers" flop when they go to other bigger/more successful schools?

A player that is a scorer for example may be pretty good at a school that is elated to just get into the NCAA, and/or maybe win a round. In comparison vs a team with title aspirations projected to lose maximum two games a year, if that. Then this scorer who is not as good as other scorers on the elite team has to be productive in other things such as becoming a better passer or defender or rebounder etc. What if she can't? You are going to play her anyway? So yeah these great kids went on to other schools but it doesn't mean that they would then have been a success/competent at UCONN vs their other teammates. At a school that doesn't win nearly as much that player can have several games in which she goes 5-14 vs other non-title contending teams. Prior to UCONN's rash of injuries, that has been/is rarely the case at UCONN.

You are missing the point entirely! And, you are now changing the scenario of your story. Now you are questioning if UConn couldn't score eight more points with Fudd than without her? That clearly wasn't your original statement. Regardless, Fudd would replace someone in the lineup. That someone (most likely Griffin) would have at least some scoring production. So if Fudd scored eight points, you would have to subtract the points that would have been scored by the player she replaced.

? The OP said that if Azzi played and provided 8 points per game (extremely likely) we would have won four out of five of our losses. How is that wrong? You say she would be replacing another players points but she Azzi would be coming off the bench ( for a while, at least) so that doesn’t make much sense. According to that reasoning, you could/should never be able to play anyone unless the bench player were better than the starter!
Of course, Azzi could and almost certainly would provide an increase in team points whether she was starting or not! How much? I can’t say for sure but I’m willing to bet it would be at least eight points!

 

[HuskyNan]

I'm not sure how to say this w/o being offensive...
Are we sure we don't have (at least pretty good) depth at guard, this year?

We have fabulous guards, two of whom have been on the bench injured and one who’s a freshman adjusting to college, a new country, and the demands of a top Division I team. I was responding to someone’s comment about next year’s guards. Heaven forbid someone is sick or injured, there will be more guards to play to see who “has it” today. Right now, everyone needs to be excellent all the time - it’s exhausting