Azzi's Team

[Bone Dog]

Whether Heckel comes to Storrs or not, this is effectively Azzi's team next season. Sarah will be her main partner, and Serah is likely to be very important too. But Azzi will put her mark on this iteration of the Huskies. When Geno spoke to her about returning, she thought about whether she'd accomplished everything she'd come to Storrs to do. There's something she still wants to accomplish and I'm sure we all have an idea what it is.

Before her sophomore year, when the news broke that Paige would be out for the season, Geno challenged her to be "the best player in the country every game" and she said she was up for it. And in those first 6 games before her own injury, that's exactly what she did. She was regularly mentioned as an NPOY favorite. I hope that's the Azzi we'll see in November and that she sustains it all the way through April. That's the perfect legacy for her to leave behind, and a tremendous memory for Sarah to carry forward when it becomes her team for the following two years.

I look forward to seeing the 2-woman game with Azzi and Sarah, and the 3-woman game with Azzi, Sarah and Serah. What other combinations might we see? The Havoc Twins might become the Havoc Triplets if Morgan becomes a partner in crime to KK and Ash. And all the possible Twin Towers combinations that could materialize might be wonderful. The all-pressure defense with KK, Ash, Morgan, Blanca and Kelis -- who knows what they might accomplish? Any other ideas?

 

[Jaml]

I think Sarah's personality will allow it to be Azzi's team this coming year, but Geno may now think differently and will want Sarah to assert herself. Sarah's all around game is just too good for her not to be the centerpiece, not to take anything away from Azzi...because she is also a special player. I suppose it's a great "problem" to have.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Azzi will have to prove herself as a leader. A leader has to be assertive and vocal. I certainly hope she will exhibit those qualities. To date she has largely ehibited a reserved personality.

 

[Dabber]

Azzi will have to prove herself as a leader. A leader has to be assertive and vocal. I certainly hope she will exhibit those qualities. To date she has largely ehibited a reserved personality.

As well, and unfortunately, as good as she is when she is on, there is an element of inconsistency which I hope we won't see in her senior year.

 

[LuvBball]

I think its gonna be KK

 

[Spaceman213J]

We might not see it for a year, but I think Williams coming could really help develop Jana. Calhoun used to talk about having deep talented teams really developed because they battled every day in practice and that experience was invaluable for many of his players.

Watching the title game again and seeing Azzi putting multiple defenders on skates was impressive. If she stays healthy, I think the casual fan base will gain a new level of appreciation for what that young woman can do.

 

[MooseJaw]

Azzi will have to prove herself as a leader. A leader has to be assertive and vocal. I certainly hope she will exhibit those qualities. To date she has largely ehibited a reserved personality.

Thank you, now I don't have to write it. Your answer, you hit the nail on the head. She has said she is ready, I hope she is. A new role for her, not as easy as most would think.

 

[psconn]

Whether Heckel comes to Storrs or not, this is effectively Azzi's team next season. Sarah will be her main partner, and Serah is likely to be very important too. But Azzi will put her mark on this iteration of the Huskies. When Geno spoke to her about returning, she thought about whether she'd accomplished everything she'd come to Storrs to do. There's something she still wants to accomplish and I'm sure we all have an idea what it is.

Before her sophomore year, when the news broke that Paige would be out for the season, Geno challenged her to be "the best player in the country every game" and she said she was up for it. And in those first 6 games before her own injury, that's exactly what she did. She was regularly mentioned as an NPOY favorite. I hope that's the Azzi we'll see in November and that she sustains it all the way through April. That's the perfect legacy for her to leave behind, and a tremendous memory for Sarah to carry forward when it becomes her team for the following two years.

I look forward to seeing the 2-woman game with Azzi and Sarah, and the 3-woman game with Azzi, Sarah and Serah. What other combinations might we see? The Havoc Twins might become the Havoc Triplets if Morgan becomes a partner in crime to KK and Ash. And all the possible Twin Towers combinations that could materialize might be wonderful. The all-pressure defense with KK, Ash, Morgan, Blanca and Kelis -- who knows what they might accomplish? Any other ideas?

Chaos crew! I'll be surprised if Geno plays that lineup, though.

 

[Centerstream]

Next year's mantra: "We have Azzi and you don't!"
Bank on it!

 

[Centerstream]

Whether Heckel comes to Storrs or not, this is effectively Azzi's team next season.

You actually think that Kayleigh Heckel would be in this conversation if she commits to UConn?
If yes, why would she?

 

[Gilford Dog]

Thank you, now I don't have to write it. Your answer, you hit the nail on the head. She has said she is ready, I hope she is. A new role for her, not as easy as most would think.

This. The only question mark for this team in my mind is who will be its leader. It’s been years since they’ve gone into a season with no clear leader. I too think KK might emerge as the true leader of the team. It’s difficult to envision any of the others in that role though obviously Azzi will fill much of the void.

 

[Charliebball]

Azzi will have to prove herself as a leader. A leader has to be assertive and vocal. I certainly hope she will exhibit those qualities. To date she has largely ehibited a reserved personality.

I noticed that Azzi became more vocal as the team played in the big tournament.......instead of hiding behind Paige, she spoke a lot in post game press conferences, and she seemed far more confident and assertive in answering the reporter's questions....

 

[DennieEddy]

Does anyone miss 1995-2015 when Geno could mix & max his players for 4 contiguous years? A junior or senior could work their way into a lineup and contribute based upon hard work and talent. Now a junior, legitimately recruited, and biding her time, finds herself behind a portal player or a graduate transfer.

I loved watching 11 Championships with 4-year players working their way up through the ranks... watching roll players come into their own as a senior and contributing to a championship...instead of the last 6-7 years.

 

[PacoSwede]

Whether Heckel comes to Storrs or not, this is effectively Azzi's team next season.
... Any other ideas?

that is a bold assertion.

the fact is, no one can anoint the central kingpin. not even geno.

although he may be rooting for a particular leader and try to boost her, he can't make it so. who becomes the heart of the team has got to come organically. the kid has to have a certain quality that teammates -- ideally all of them -- recognize.

it could be azzi -- or kk or ash or ice or sarah or jana or anyone. perhaps caroline. no one knows who the team will accept, respect and turn to. it will greatly impact next season if they can't figure out who she is.

for my part, i'm hopeful, but the players are the key. .... a bit like the college of cardinals.

 

[Bone Dog]

that is a bold assertion.

the fact is, no one can anoint the central kingpin. not even geno.

It's more than a bold assertion. it's a prophecy. I'm not trying to anoint Azzi. I'm merely predicting how things will play out, and I've given my 'reasons' for thinking this.

What's your prediction?

 

[Sargassoc]

I think its gonna be KK

Me too. You need to be extroverted to do this well. Azzi will be the silent assassin, along with Sarah.

 

[BRS24]

Does anyone miss 1995-2015 when Geno could mix & max his players for 4 contiguous years? A junior or senior could work their way into a lineup and contribute based upon hard work and talent. Now a junior, legitimately recruited, and biding her time, finds herself behind a portal player or a graduate transfer.

I loved watching 11 Championships with 4-year players working their way up through the ranks... watching roll players come into their own as a senior and contributing to a championship...instead of the last 6-7 years.

The injury era ruined that, however yes, it was fun watching players develop. IMO, I don't think Geno is of the type to recruit over current players, he's more looking to add to the roster. Loyalty goes both ways at UConn, so I'd like to believe there's a method to his madness, compared to other programs bringing in a significant number of players.

 

[my2cents]

Azzi unleashed will be fun to watch. Two goals , first team All-American and #13.
She will be a leader in voice and example.

 

[Blakeon18]

I do wonder a bit: This past season when Paige was not on the floor my impression
was that KK did the most talking...by quite a bit. I don't know if Azzi's
personality would lead her to take over in that role. I look for her to be
a leader in terms of shot-making in key situations and be aggressive
in taking shots given her ability to create off the dribble for lay-ups/pull-
ups and trey shots.
She is a very good passer...as is Sarah....but I'd love to see
them both look for their own shot more often...especially against
elite opponents.

 

[meyers7]

On court, this should be Fudd's team. Hopefully, anyway.

Off court, probably more Ducharme's team with Fudd and Arnold.

 

[HopJim]

We might not see it for a year, but I think Williams coming could really help develop Jana. Calhoun used to talk about having deep talented teams really developed because they battled every day in practice and that experience was invaluable for many of his players.

Watching the title game again and seeing Azzi putting multiple defenders on skates was impressive. If she stays healthy, I think the casual fan base will gain a new level of appreciation for what that young woman can do.

While I have posted numerous times about the value depth provides, particularly in practice, it will be interesting to see what Williams and Jana can learn from each other. I view Jana as more of a horizontal player. Someone who takes up space and uses strength to gain results. Williams appears to be more vertical. Someone who uses her height and athleticism to score, block shots, etc. Two very different players with different styles.

 

[huskeynut]

I think it's way too early to say who the leader will be. The leader will evolve over the summer and when the practices start.

Could Azzi be the leader? Yes. It could also be KK or Sarah.

The leadership will evolve bewtween now and the fall. Some of the characteristics of a leader are a vision, communications, integrity, awareness, confidence, listening and motivation. Let's see what happens.

 

[Bone Dog]

I was thinking about tOSU in this regard. That was Jaci Sheldon’s team in her final two seasons. When she was injured, they struggled and when she returned they bounced back. It was never Cotie McMahon’s team even though she is a comparable talent. It’s as much a personality thing as a talent thing.

After next season, UConn will be Sarah’s team. I don’t see any alternative. She will be who the team rallies around. But next season, even though KK is likely to be the loudest player on the court — and this is vitally important for a floor-leader — Azzi will be who they rally around, just as it was Paige the past two seasons. Sarah’s role will be huge as well. But Azzi has something to prove, and Sarah will likely benefit from helping her do it. Another season of ‘seasoning’ will be a great benefit to her until she has to take over from Azzi.

In other words, Atlas puts the sky on his shoulders. According to the myth, he doesn’t also turn the heavens on their axis. KK is likely to lead the team on the floor, but she won’t also hold up the sky for the team. That will be Azzi. The myth also mentions a role for Hercules and I suspect we all know who that will be.

 

[PacoSwede]

I was thinking about tOSU in this regard. That was Jaci Sheldon’s team in her final two seasons. When she was injured, they struggled and when she returned they bounced back. It was never Cotie McMahon’s team even though she is a comparable talent. It’s as much a personality thing as a talent thing.

After next season, will be Sarah’s team. I don’t see any alternative. She will be who the team rallies around. But next season, even though KK is likely to be the loudest player on the court — and this is vitally important for a floor-leader — Azzi will be who they rally around, just as it was Paige the past two seasons. Sarah’s role will be huge as well. But Azzi has something to prove, and Sarah will likely benefit from helping her do it. Another season of ‘seasoning’ will be a great benefit to her until she has to take over from Azzi. .....

agree completely with first boldface.

second boldface, i agree that in '24-'25 paige was the one.

however, i feel that in '23-'24 paige had a lot more on her plate and nika took on the 'heart of the team' role. although paige in theory could do it, she didn't have to with nika there to take in on. nika was a natural, paige would have had to work at it -- and she had plenty of other responsibilities distracting her. i bet that's one of the reasons geno was so fond of nika -- she took an added burden off paige, helping both the team and paige, the team's best player.

 

[PacoSwede]

It's more than a bold assertion. it's a prophecy. I'm not trying to anoint Azzi. I'm merely predicting how things will play out, and I've given my 'reasons' for thinking this.

What's your prediction?

i have none. it will depend on how the team sees it. if i were a member of the team, i probably would an inkling, but i'm not, so my wild guess would be pointless.