Azzi's Team

[Bone Dog]

In terms of who is going to be the bucket getter when things get hard- I don’t see that changing from what we saw in Tampa. That was Sarah.

That’s not what I saw. Azzi scored 24 points before it became a blowout against SC. She was instrumental in creating the easy cushion they enjoyed from the 3 min mark in the third until the end. Sarah had a tremendous game too, with 24 points and 15 rebounds. I don’t mean to put them against each other. But Azzi was undoubtedly the bucket-getter in the final.

I think you’d have to say the same thing about the UCLA game. Azzi scored her 19 points in the first half. By the time she was done, the blowout was fully underway. It was a different story in the USC game and Sarah was definitely the bucket-getter in the first half of that one, at least until Paige took it over in the second half. And that was the most closely contested game UConn faced in the whole tournament.

 

[cgshuskie]

I'm down with Bone Dog. I think there is a new Azzi now and that she will maintain her newly acquired personality.

 

[cgshuskie]

Azzi can be a strange bird. But, I think that she has turned a corner with the 2025 Championship. She has felt the fire. Leadership has found her. She should make All American and she will realize the importance of her role. Barring another injury, she will feel the fire. Go Huskies

 

[JellyBean]

I love how Azzi has been making the media rounds and posting more on social media. I think it helps that she has always been a humble person, considering the hype around her since she was in high school. But thanks to her parents and supporting circle, she has always been even and that is a big plus for her and the program. Going forward, no matter how much we want to hype this person over that person to be the face of the team, we have a pretty solid levelheaded group of young ladies who can deal with the deadly P's: Press, Parents, and Peers.

 

[cferraro04]

Next year, we will unleash the three-headed monster. Azzi, Sarah and Serah. This is what makes it difficult for other teams to play UConn. There are options all over the court and on the bench. I'm trying to get my head around the possibility that if Caroline Ducharme is 100 percent, she will be a potent 4th option.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

IMHO I watched Azzi as she was named the MOP of the Final 4 and she was really surprised when her name was called! The OLD Azzi never expected that, but now that she has been the "big cheese" she will have the confidence to take over Paige's spot as team leader!
You'll also see KK and Ashlynn step up as they're now Juniors and will feel this is becoming their team!

 

[hookshot]

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.

Maybe have a Conclave in November to work it out

 

[cabbie191]

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

Happy to but all things considered, I’d rather see her swishing those 3’s!

 

[CL82]

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

I think that Geno has put together a good team that is more than just one player, but Azzi's performance in last year's championship run is a good indicator that she has things figured out.

(That said, we are of course, still doomed.)

 

[cabbie191]

I think there are multiple options as to who becomes the vocal/spirit leader(s) next year, and it might also be done by committee.

Of the returning players, I can see KK, Azzi & Ash in this role and in that order.

It’s also possible that Serah becomes one as well. We don’t know her specific motives for transferring but if winning a championship is a major factor, it might be in her temperament to push her teammates to realize that goal.

 

[FormerCTrez]

Maybe have a Conclave in November to work it out

I like it!!

 

[Skeets]

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.

I'd like to expand on this a little bit. A person can't become a leader simply by wanting to be the leader. You are a leader only if your teammates recognize you as the leader. This is something that needs to be earned.

If you are vocal but not recognized as the leader, then you are just a loudmouth pain in the buttocks. I played with people like that

 

[Sifaka]

Maybe have a Conclave in November to work it out

Yeahbut… How can you shoot from the top of the key?

 

[Skeets]

Some thoughts on UConn leadership. These are just opinions (throw no rocks)...

Azzi - too nice, needs a transfusion of DT
Carolyn - also too nice
KK - extroverted, but that's not the same thing as leadership
Ash - could be a no-nonsense enforcer, but that not the same thing as leadership
Sarah - too quiet
Ice - I don't know, maybe...
Jana - no, needs more of a take charge attitude
Allie - not enough court time to be the leader
Ayanna - same as Allie
Morgan - not enough visibility
Serah - too new
Heckel - ha ha, she's not even on the team yet
Blanca and other freshmen - way too new

So, who is the most likely leader?

 

[ERWUC65]

Some thoughts on UConn leadership. These are just opinions (throw no rocks)...

Azzi - too nice, needs a transfusion of DT
Carolyn - also too nice
KK - extroverted, but that's not the same thing as leadership
Ash - could be a no-nonsense enforcer, but that not the same thing as leadership
Sarah - too quiet
Ice - I don't know, maybe...
Jana - no, needs more of a take charge attitude
Allie - not enough court time to be the leader
Ayanna - same as Allie
Morgan - not enough visibility
Serah - too new
Heckel - ha ha, she's not even on the team yet
Blanca and other freshmen - way too new

So, who is the most likely leader?

Both Carolyn and Azzi are seniors, and perhaps they will share leadership responsibilities.

 

[Bone Dog]

Some thoughts on UConn leadership. These are just opinions (throw no rocks)...

Azzi - too nice, needs a transfusion of DT
Carolyn - also too nice
KK - extroverted, but that's not the same thing as leadership
Ash - could be a no-nonsense enforcer, but that not the same thing as leadership
Sarah - too quiet
Ice - I don't know, maybe...
Jana - no, needs more of a take charge attitude
Allie - not enough court time to be the leader
Ayanna - same as Allie
Morgan - not enough visibility
Serah - too new
Heckel - ha ha, she's not even on the team yet
Blanca and other freshmen - way too new

So, who is the most likely leader?

Your list helped me think about this. It could be Jana. You’re right that she needs a take charge attitude. This was a rehab year for her and it’s hard to “take charge” if you feel hesitant about pushing your knee as hard as your competitive spirit urges you to. She showed a “take charge” attitude in high school. I suspect if she feels better about her rehab next season, we could see that spirit return.

 

[PacoSwede]

i thought paige was 'too nice' too -- she still is amazingly nice -- but she overcame this 'lacking' when she became a true leader last season after nika was gone and paige recognized no one else could do it. she had to take that on; the team needed it.

last summer, i had worried that wasn't one of her strengths, but she came through. ... perhaps someone (unknown now) will follow her lead next season.

 

[Jaydumo20]

Some thoughts on UConn leadership. These are just opinions (throw no rocks)...

Azzi - too nice, needs a transfusion of DT
Carolyn - also too nice
KK - extroverted, but that's not the same thing as leadership
Ash - could be a no-nonsense enforcer, but that not the same thing as leadership
Sarah - too quiet
Ice - I don't know, maybe...
Jana - no, needs more of a take charge attitude
Allie - not enough court time to be the leader
Ayanna - same as Allie
Morgan - not enough visibility
Serah - too new
Heckel - ha ha, she's not even on the team yet
Blanca and other freshmen - way too new

So, who is the most likely leader?

This could be true. No rocks being thrown. I don't think that this team will suffer because of lack of "tough" player leadership,
(vocal and loud)
Paige, Stewie, & Karaban, and TNewt were leaders by example, not bluster.
Also, remember- Azzi showed leadership when she became a source of motivation for our injured players. Not with words but perseverance. And Sarah is a leader because of her calm assurance. Not to say that very vocal leadership doesn't sometimes work but there are other ways and history has proven it time and again.
Ghandi led millions with quiet dignity. It's a powerful thing.

 

[drweo]

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....

When I saw that was happening, I thought maybe the coaching staff deliberately switched to Azzi to be the media's focal person, to begin prepping her for next season. But who knows?

 

[cwh20]

I don’t think there is a clear natural leader but my best guess is it will be Sarah. She knows where to be and how to play. It may be quietly done but if no one is taking the lead she’ll hopefully be the one to step up and let the players know that they need to be here or there. The screens have to be better, etc. it may be an effort for her but I think she could do it. And remember in one of the fun segments shown during the NCAA tourney both Paige and Azzi pointed to Sarah when the question was who talks the most among them when hanging out. So maybe.

CD had a story about some of the men players being around while the women were practicing one day. She asked if the guys wouldn’t mind helping out with something. There was a pause for a few seconds and she knew that it was in El-Amin’s hands. She said that once Khalid went, “sure, I’ll help” that all the other guys fell right in line. Having that kind of leader is a huge plus for a team. The women seemingly won’t have that level but something will work out.

 

[bayern7]

Azzi will definitely be a type of leader for this team, and she’s grown a lot since her freshman year here. But I still think Azzi is more similar to Sarah in that she lets her actions speak for her. KK will be a junior and has the energy, charisma, voice, and personality to be THE leader of the team. She’s also very close with the last PG who ran the team since she was a freshman.

 

[jabstep]

I think the team will be the best defensive team in Wcbb. That They will shut teams down and we will have enough offense to be dominant. I have watched tape of Serah Williams and how she is great as using her body to shield defenders in the paint to create space for entry passes. She is also a great rim protector.
I think this team will be the best UConn in many years. All of the players will have to compete for playing time and you better play defense if you want to get on the floor.

 

[MooseJaw]

Azzi will definitely be a type of leader for this team, and she’s grown a lot since her freshman year here. But I still think Azzi is more similar to Sarah in that she lets her actions speak for her. KK will be a junior and has the energy, charisma, voice, and personality to be THE leader of the team. She’s also very close with the last PG who ran the team since she was a freshman.

don't see it this way, a large leap for the team clown to become the team leader. It may happen, but I would be surprised. I love me some KK, just know when I played team sports we would have never followed a player like KK on the floor. She would have been something like the team social director. Can KK become the team leader, yes if she has a personality transformation, but then it wouldn't be the same KK now on the team. A leader will emerge; however, we can't expect that leader to be Paige light. Paige as a teammate, player and leader is the definition of generational. One of one.

 

[Cuango]

Happy to but all things considered, I’d rather see her swishing those 3’s!

I love Azzi but I think the “We have…. and you don’t” is no longer available. (at least as a singular) That ship sailed when SS stepped on campus. I suppose we could just say SS and Azzi? I’m not one of those who resents Azzi’s MOP trophyy but I do think it was very clear that the award (at the very least) should have been shared between them. Obviously that had nothing to do with Azzi, in fact, I’m actually glad she won (see above) because I have a feeling Sarah is about to turn women’s basketball on it’s ear for the next three years! I think it may be similar to Stewie’s run where she basically vacuumed up all the “Most…” awards and no one else had a chance. (Except for Mo in 2015? when, unlike Azzi, they failed to give her the award even though most believed she had played better.) I wish they would be more open to shared awards when it is warranted.
Having said that, while it’s possible Azzi becomes the leader, I am hoping it will be KK. If she can step up and assume that role, then we don’t have to worry about it for two years, at which time Sarah will likely be ready to take it on. I think Azzi is going to have a great year and obviously could be the leader and/or win awards, but I just think it’s going to take a lot of doing to outshine Sarah for the next three years.

 

[msf22b]

Next year, we will unleash the three-headed monster. Azzi, Sarah and Serah. This is what makes it difficult for other teams to play UConn. There are options all over the court and on the bench. I'm trying to get my head around the possibility that if Caroline Ducharme is 100 percent, she will be a potent 4th option.

And the play, that Geno will rehearse to perfection with the above 3, in all its infinite variations is the pick-and-roll as exemplified by the Utah squad in the Malone/Stockton era.

Virtually unguardable ...and here we have 3 players that can interchange roles
(as differentiated from the team from Salt Lake)!

I foresee lots of easy buckets and very frustrated opponents.

 

[boontonbomber]

This "leader" thing is way overdone. What you need are the players , and a commitment to tough defense. That's what allowed them to easily win that title last season( especially the defense). They should have plenty of talent, but will they play the same way on the defensive end. Azzi, Sarah and KK are all very good defenders. As were Paige and Chen. So will Shade stop committing dumb fouls, and will the big people defend? We'll see.
Oh, and yes, Azzi has begun to come out of her shell, as has Sarah. NIL.

 

[PacoSwede]

This "leader" thing is way overdone. What you need are the players , and a commitment to tough defense. That's what allowed them to easily win that title last season( especially the defense). They should have plenty of talent, but will they play the same way on the defensive end. Azzi, Sarah and KK are all very good defenders. As were Paige and Chen. So will Shade stop committing dumb fouls, and will the big people defend? We'll see.
Oh, and yes, Azzi has begun to come out of her shell, as has Sarah. NIL.

all you point out will be much more difficult if a good leader doesn't surface, so i hardly think leadership is getting too much attention. ... it is especially relevant when so much basketball talent is involved. someone has to make it work smoothly besides the coaching staff.

 

[DEFCONN1]

There’s no doubt that everyone on this squad knows whose team this is. AZZI’s !

 

[FormerCTrez]

don't see it this way, a large leap for the team clown to become the team leader. It may happen, but I would be surprised. I love me some KK, just know when I played team sports we would have never followed a player like KK on the floor. She would have been something like the team social director. Can KK become the team leader, yes if she has a personality transformation, but then it wouldn't be the same KK now on the team. A leader will emerge; however, we can't expect that leader to be Paige light. Paige as a teammate, player and leader is the definition of generational. One of one.

I believe that Caroline would be a great team captain, followed by Azzi and KK.

 

[MooseJaw]

I believe that Caroline would be a great team captain, followed by Azzi and KK.

I think Caroline has much more on her plate than being captain. She does seem to have the chops though. Just don't see that quality in KK, the next season's team leader seems to be up in the air at this time. Year after, I'm looking at 3 possible players, Sarah, Ash and Morgan. Team leader and captain can be 2 different people, I think team leader is much more important. If not for her medical troubles Caroline would be the perfect player to fit both roles.