Big East WBB Awards

[Plebe]

Regarding Evina, I suspect that starting more than one third of Big East conference games would be above the maximum for the Sixth Woman award.

But aside from that, while we all know Evina was (is) invaluable to our team and she's hit a great stride in the past few weeks, why not be gracious and acknowledge that Lior Garzon is a deserving recipient?

Garzon averaged over 13 points per game in Big East play (13th overall). I'm sure we also remember how she torched UConn for 19 points (5-10 from the arc). I don't think it detracts one bit from our appreciation of Evina to acknowledge that someone else is worthy of an honor.

 

[huskeynut]

Congrats to all the players. I have no problem with any of the players named.

Do I wish E was mention somewhere - yes. Her big award may come later.

As for Nika - I couldn't happier for her. Hopefully people will now realize her value to the team.

 

[Glenn]

The full teams weren’t show on Twitter

BIG EAST Player of the Year
Maddy Siegrist, Villanova, Jr., F

BIG EAST Freshman of the Year
Aneesah Morrow, DePaul, Fr., F*

BIG EAST Coach of the Year
Denise Dillon, Villanova

BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year
Nika Mühl, Connecticut, So., G

BIG EAST Co-Most Improved Players
Lauren Jensen, Creighton, So., G
Lior Garzon, Villanova, So., F

BIG EAST Sixth-Woman Award
Morgan Maly, Creighton, So., G/F

BIG EAST Sportsmanship Award
Chloe Marotta, Marquette, Sr., F

BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete of the Year^
Ayanna Townsend, Xavier, R-Jr., F

All-BIG EAST First Team
Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Connecticut, Sr., F
Christyn Williams, Connecticut, Sr., G*
Emma Ronsiek, Creighton, So., F
Sonya Morris, DePaul, Sr., G*
Aneesah Morrow, DePaul, Fr., F*
Lauren Van Kleunen, Marquette, Grad., F
Leilani Correa, St. John’s, Jr., G
Lauren Park-Lane, Seton Hall, Jr., G*
Sidney Cooks, Seton Hall, R-Sr., F/C
Maddy Siegrist, Villanova, Jr., F*

All-BIG EAST Second Team
Caroline Ducharme, Connecticut, Fr., G
Lauren Jensen, Creighton, So., G
Lexi Held, DePaul, Sr., G
Andra Espinoza-Hunter, Seton Hall, Grad., G/F
Lior Garzon, Villanova, So., F

All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention
Deja Church, DePaul, Grad., G
Janai Crooms, Providence, Jr., G

BIG EAST All-Freshman Team
Caroline Ducharme, Connecticut, Fr., G*
Azzi Fudd, Connecticut, Fr., G*
Aneesah Morrow, DePaul, Fr., F*
Kylee Sheppard, Providence, Fr., G*
Lucy Olsen, Villanova, Fr., G*

*unanimous selection
^selected by the BIG EAST Academic Awards Selection Committee; announced on 3/2/22

I think this list indicates that Seton Hall way underperformed as a team, given the individual honors.

 

[Oracle9]

My Dawg! Love me some Nika!!

 

[Plebe]

I think this list indicates that Seton Hall way underperformed as a team, given the individual honors.

I was SMH all season long at how a team with Cooks, Park-Lane and Espinoza-Hunter could struggle as much as they did. Bozzella is just so meh as a coach.

Seton Hall actually had a very good February, going 9-1 with wins over Villanova and DePaul and the only loss coming to Creighton in double OT, but it's too little too late to be more than a WNIT team.

 

[Carnac]

So, do I understand this right? Maddy Siegrist is the Big East Player of the Year, but she's not on the All Big East First Team? How does that happen?

The only thing I can think of is that the conference views these two awards SEPARATELY. There can only be 1 POY. There are 5 first team players that comprise a team or a "group" award.

In theory, the POY is "THE BEST" of this group, but is listed and recognized separately, and is given her own award. In my mind, there are 6 players that are on that first team. The POY, and the 5 other players named.

Thoughts?

 

[Carnac]

They should only go by Big East games. There is a direct correclation between Evina coming off the bench, and UConn breezing through their Big East schedule.

No argument, but.....................since it's their awards, don't you think that THEY should get to choose and set the criteria/parameters?

 

[Charliebball]

VOD, don't hate. IMHO, ALL of the recipients of these awards EARNED them. There does not appear to be any bias shown here. A "fair" evaluator can look at these awards without bias or favoritism for a particular team/player. Sometimes there are other players that had a better season than any of yours.

Our girls are good (and I stand behind them 100%), but some of these players were better THIS year. I'm a HUGE UConn fan, but I'm also a realist. None of our girls eclipsed the year that any of these recipients had. Congratulations to ALL of the BIG EAST Conference awards recipients.

We'll get 'em next year. I fully expect BOTH of our incoming freshmen next year to win end-of-the-year conference awards. I think our Ayanna Patterson may be the front runner for the pre-season FOY. Hopefully BOTH will have a substantial impact on the season and our fortunes next year.

I'm looking for a two-way tie for Big East Player of the Year next season.......Bueckers and Fudd......,,.

 

[Charliebball]

VOD, don't hate. IMHO, ALL of the recipients of these awards EARNED them. There does not appear to be any bias shown here. A "fair" evaluator can look at these awards without bias or favoritism for a particular team/player. Sometimes there are other players that had a better season than any of yours.

Our girls are good (and I stand behind them 100%), but some of these players were better THIS year. I'm a HUGE UConn fan, but I'm also a realist. None of our girls eclipsed the year that any of these recipients had. Congratulations to ALL of the BIG EAST Conference awards recipients.

We'll get 'em next year. I fully expect BOTH of our incoming freshmen next year to win end-of-the-year conference awards. I think our Ayanna Patterson may be the front runner for the pre-season FOY. Hopefully BOTH will have a substantial impact on the season and our fortunes next year.

UConn players come to UConn to win National Championships not individual honors due to the team's playing philosophy...........being recognized individually is just gravy........

 

[pghhuskydoc]

Congratulations to all the players, and may I say that’s a helluva freshman squad! (take note, Big East haters!)

 

[BobbyJ]

The only thing I can think of is that the conference views these two awards SEPARATELY. There can only be 1 POY. There are 5 first team players that comprise a team or a "group" award.

In theory, the POY is "THE BEST" of this group, but is listed and recognized separately, and is given her own award. In my mind, there are 6 players that are on that first team. The POY, and the 5 other players named.

Thoughts?

See post #37 above.

 

[Cuango]

There I corrected for you, because there are/were a slew of them that don't think she deserves to start and should be the last player off the bench.

While there were (and are) many who question her starting on a healthy UConn team, I think you are vastly exaggerating the “last player off the bench” number. Most of the “nonstarter” opinions were simply that she would/should be the primary backup for Paige at the point. Congratulations to a well-deserving Defensive Player of the Year!

 

[Linart]

The only thing I can think of is that the conference views these two awards SEPARATELY. There can only be 1 POY. There are 5 first team players that comprise a team or a "group" award.

In theory, the POY is "THE BEST" of this group, but is listed and recognized separately, and is given her own award. In my mind, there are 6 players that are on that first team. The POY, and the 5 other players named.

Thoughts?

No, there are 10 first team players and 5 second team. Siegrest is included in the first team.

 

[Ralph]

Nika has certainly been a pest and hounded other teams ballhandlers to death, but haven't people on this forum, and I think Geno, been saying Williams is our best defender, we put her on the other teams top scorer, etc. If so, why is she not the defensive POY? Maybe she is just most versatile defender because of her size? But as noted, I do love Nika's defense and her hustle and enthusiasm. Has a defensive POY ever not been on one of the all big east teams, not even honorable mention? Did Farris make an all BE team?

 

[Biff]

If I'm reading it correctly it looks like the entire BIG EAST All-Freshman Team were unanimous selections. Wonder how often that has occurred if ever?

 

[HuskyNan]

Looking for the All Freshmen team history and came across this. We UConn fans have seen some awesome players through the years. I wish I could have seen Shelly Pennefather play. She’s a cloistered nun now.

Key[edit]​

†	Co-Players of the Year
*	Awarded a national Player of the Year award: the Naismith College Player of the Year, Wade Trophy or the John R. Wooden Award
Player (X)	Denotes the number of times the player has been awarded the Player of the Year award

Winners[edit]​

Ruth Riley is the first POY winner from Notre Dame.

Paige Bueckers (shown in high school) is the most recent freshman to be named POY.

Season	Player	School	Class	Reference
1982–83	Debbie Beckford	St. John's	Senior	[2]
1983–84†	Jennifer Bruce	Pittsburgh	Sophomore	[2]
Kathy Finn	Providence	Sophomore
1984–85	Shelly Pennefather	Villanova	Sophomore	[2]
1985–86	Shelly Pennefather (2)	Villanova	Junior	[2]
1986–87	Shelly Pennefather* (3)	Villanova	Senior	[2]
1987–88	Lisa Angelotti	Villanova	Senior	[2]
1988–89	Kerry Bascom	UConn	Sophomore	[2]
1989–90	Kerry Bascom (2)	UConn	Junior	[2]
1990–91	Kerry Bascom (3)	UConn	Senior	[2]
1991–92	Frances Savage	Miami	Senior	[3]
1992–93	Kris Witfill	Georgetown	Senior	[2]
1993–94	Rebecca Lobo	UConn	Junior	[2]
1994–95	Rebecca Lobo* (2)	UConn	Senior	[2]
1995–96	Jennifer Rizzotti*	UConn	Senior	[2]
1996–97	Kara Wolters	UConn	Senior	[2]
1997–98	Nykesha Sales	UConn	Senior	[2]
1998–99	Svetlana Abrosimova	UConn	Sophomore	[2]
1999–00	Shea Ralph	UConn	Junior	[2]
2000–01	Ruth Riley*	Notre Dame	Senior	[2]
2001–02	Sue Bird*	UConn	Senior	[2]
2002–03	Diana Taurasi*	UConn	Junior	[2]
2003–04	Diana Taurasi* (2)	UConn	Senior	[2]
2004–05	Jacqueline Batteast	Notre Dame	Senior	[2]
2005–06	Cappie Pondexter	Rutgers	Senior	[2]
2006–07	Angel McCoughtry	Louisville	Sophomore	[2]
2007–08	Maya Moore	UConn	Freshman	[2]
2008–09	Maya Moore* (2)	UConn	Sophomore	[4]
2009–10	Tina Charles*	UConn	Senior	[5]
2010–11	Maya Moore* (3)	UConn	Senior	[6]
2011–12	Skylar Diggins	Notre Dame	Junior	[7]
2012–13	Skylar Diggins (2)	Notre Dame	Senior	[8]
2013–14	Marissa Janning	Creighton	Sophomore	[9]
2014–15	Brittany Hrynko	DePaul	Senior	[10]
2015–16	Chanise Jenkins	DePaul	Senior	[11]
2016–17	Brooke Schulte	DePaul	Senior	[12]
2017–18	Allazia Blockton	Marquette	Junior	[13]
2018–19	Natisha Hiedeman	Marquette	Senior	[14]
2019–20	Jaylyn Agnew	Creighton	Senior	[15]
2020–21	Paige Bueckers*	UConn	Freshman	[16]

Season	Player	School	Class	Reference
1982–83	Debbie Beckford	St. John's	Senior	[2]
1983–84†	Jennifer Bruce	Pittsburgh	Sophomore	[2]
Kathy Finn	Providence	Sophomore
1984–85	Shelly Pennefather	Villanova	Sophomore	[2]
1985–86	Shelly Pennefather (2)	Villanova	Junior	[2]
1986–87	Shelly Pennefather* (3)	Villanova	Senior	[2]
1987–88	Lisa Angelotti	Villanova	Senior	[2]
1988–89	Kerry Bascom	UConn	Sophomore	[2]
1989–90	Kerry Bascom (2)	UConn	Junior	[2]
1990–91	Kerry Bascom (3)	UConn	Senior	[2]
1991–92	Frances Savage	Miami	Senior	[3]
1992–93	Kris Witfill	Georgetown	Senior	[2]
1993–94	Rebecca Lobo	UConn	Junior	[2]
1994–95	Rebecca Lobo* (2)	UConn	Senior	[2]
1995–96	Jennifer Rizzotti*	UConn	Senior	[2]
1996–97	Kara Wolters	UConn	Senior	[2]
1997–98	Nykesha Sales	UConn	Senior	[2]
1998–99	Svetlana Abrosimova	UConn	Sophomore	[2]
1999–00	Shea Ralph	UConn	Junior	[2]
2000–01	Ruth Riley*	Notre Dame	Senior	[2]
2001–02	Sue Bird*	UConn	Senior	[2]
2002–03	Diana Taurasi*	UConn	Junior	[2]
2003–04	Diana Taurasi* (2)	UConn	Senior	[2]
2004–05	Jacqueline Batteast	Notre Dame	Senior	[2]
2005–06	Cappie Pondexter	Rutgers	Senior	[2]
2006–07	Angel McCoughtry	Louisville	Sophomore	[2]
2007–08	Maya Moore	UConn	Freshman	[2]
2008–09	Maya Moore* (2)	UConn	Sophomore	[4]
2009–10	Tina Charles*	UConn	Senior	[5]
2010–11	Maya Moore* (3)	UConn	Senior	[6]
2011–12	Skylar Diggins	Notre Dame	Junior	[7]
2012–13	Skylar Diggins (2)	Notre Dame	Senior	[8]
2013–14	Marissa Janning	Creighton	Sophomore	[9]
2014–15	Brittany Hrynko	DePaul	Senior	[10]
2015–16	Chanise Jenkins	DePaul	Senior	[11]
2016–17	Brooke Schulte	DePaul	Senior	[12]
2017–18	Allazia Blockton	Marquette	Junior	[13]
2018–19	Natisha Hiedeman	Marquette	Senior	[14]
2019–20	Jaylyn Agnew	Creighton	Senior	[15]
2020–21	Paige Bueckers*	UConn	Freshman	[16]

 

[MSGRET]

While there were (and are) many who question her starting on a healthy UConn team, I think you are vastly exaggerating the “last player off the bench” number. Most of the “nonstarter” opinions were simply that she would/should be the primary backup for Paige at the point. Congratulations to a well-deserving Defensive Player of the Year!

No there were some that stated that she should be the last one off the bench, that she couldn't shoot, run an offense, and was not a good defender. I guess they were wrong on the defender portion of their statements.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I'm looking for a two-way tie for Big East Player of the Year next season.......Bueckers and Fudd......,,.

Siegrist and Morrow aren't going anywhere. There will be at least 4 stellar players.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Just a reminder: some great players who did NOT win Conference Freshman of the Year:

Diana

Skylar

Stewie

Katie Lou

 

[Charliebball]

Siegrist and Morrow aren't going anywhere. There will be at least 4 stellar players.

that's true although Morrow plays with such a high motor and has some knee issues...........I wonder if it may catch up with her a bit in the future.......

 

[CL82]

Apparently we aren’t the only ones who think that woman is a menace.

 

[Bama fan]

Congratulations to all the players honored. And special congrats to Nika, one of the most vexatious defenders in basketball today. She is indomitable and infectious in the best way.

 

[CL82]

Congrats to Olivia and Christyn for making 1st team in their senior season.
Congrats to Caroline and Azzi for their awards as well (the first of many awards to come!).
And congrats to Nika for her DPOY award! (the coaches know a pest when they see one!).

Congrats to all the Big East players and coaches who were recognized.

Caroline making all biggie second team her freshman year is pretty impressive.

Both she and Azzi made the biggest freshman team as well.

 

[RoadMaster]

Looking for the All Freshmen team history and came across this. We UConn fans have seen some awesome players through the years. I wish I could have seen Shelly Pennefather play. She’s a cloistered nun now.

Key[edit]​

†	Co-Players of the Year
*	Awarded a national Player of the Year award: the Naismith College Player of the Year, Wade Trophy or the John R. Wooden Award
Player (X)	Denotes the number of times the player has been awarded the Player of the Year award

Winners[edit]​

Ruth Riley is the first POY winner from Notre Dame.

Paige Bueckers (shown in high school) is the most recent freshman to be named POY.

Season	Player	School	Class	Reference
1982–83	Debbie Beckford	St. John's	Senior	[2]
1983–84†	Jennifer Bruce	Pittsburgh	Sophomore	[2]
Kathy Finn	Providence	Sophomore
1984–85	Shelly Pennefather	Villanova	Sophomore	[2]
1985–86	Shelly Pennefather (2)	Villanova	Junior	[2]
1986–87	Shelly Pennefather* (3)	Villanova	Senior	[2]
1987–88	Lisa Angelotti	Villanova	Senior	[2]
1988–89	Kerry Bascom	UConn	Sophomore	[2]
1989–90	Kerry Bascom (2)	UConn	Junior	[2]
1990–91	Kerry Bascom (3)	UConn	Senior	[2]
1991–92	Frances Savage	Miami	Senior	[3]
1992–93	Kris Witfill	Georgetown	Senior	[2]
1993–94	Rebecca Lobo	UConn	Junior	[2]
1994–95	Rebecca Lobo* (2)	UConn	Senior	[2]
1995–96	Jennifer Rizzotti*	UConn	Senior	[2]
1996–97	Kara Wolters	UConn	Senior	[2]
1997–98	Nykesha Sales	UConn	Senior	[2]
1998–99	Svetlana Abrosimova	UConn	Sophomore	[2]
1999–00	Shea Ralph	UConn	Junior	[2]
2000–01	Ruth Riley*	Notre Dame	Senior	[2]
2001–02	Sue Bird*	UConn	Senior	[2]
2002–03	Diana Taurasi*	UConn	Junior	[2]
2003–04	Diana Taurasi* (2)	UConn	Senior	[2]
2004–05	Jacqueline Batteast	Notre Dame	Senior	[2]
2005–06	Cappie Pondexter	Rutgers	Senior	[2]
2006–07	Angel McCoughtry	Louisville	Sophomore	[2]
2007–08	Maya Moore	UConn	Freshman	[2]
2008–09	Maya Moore* (2)	UConn	Sophomore	[4]
2009–10	Tina Charles*	UConn	Senior	[5]
2010–11	Maya Moore* (3)	UConn	Senior	[6]
2011–12	Skylar Diggins	Notre Dame	Junior	[7]
2012–13	Skylar Diggins (2)	Notre Dame	Senior	[8]
2013–14	Marissa Janning	Creighton	Sophomore	[9]
2014–15	Brittany Hrynko	DePaul	Senior	[10]
2015–16	Chanise Jenkins	DePaul	Senior	[11]
2016–17	Brooke Schulte	DePaul	Senior	[12]
2017–18	Allazia Blockton	Marquette	Junior	[13]
2018–19	Natisha Hiedeman	Marquette	Senior	[14]
2019–20	Jaylyn Agnew	Creighton	Senior	[15]
2020–21	Paige Bueckers*	UConn	Freshman	[16]

Season	Player	School	Class	Reference
1982–83	Debbie Beckford	St. John's	Senior	[2]
1983–84†	Jennifer Bruce	Pittsburgh	Sophomore	[2]
Kathy Finn	Providence	Sophomore
1984–85	Shelly Pennefather	Villanova	Sophomore	[2]
1985–86	Shelly Pennefather (2)	Villanova	Junior	[2]
1986–87	Shelly Pennefather* (3)	Villanova	Senior	[2]
1987–88	Lisa Angelotti	Villanova	Senior	[2]
1988–89	Kerry Bascom	UConn	Sophomore	[2]
1989–90	Kerry Bascom (2)	UConn	Junior	[2]
1990–91	Kerry Bascom (3)	UConn	Senior	[2]
1991–92	Frances Savage	Miami	Senior	[3]
1992–93	Kris Witfill	Georgetown	Senior	[2]
1993–94	Rebecca Lobo	UConn	Junior	[2]
1994–95	Rebecca Lobo* (2)	UConn	Senior	[2]
1995–96	Jennifer Rizzotti*	UConn	Senior	[2]
1996–97	Kara Wolters	UConn	Senior	[2]
1997–98	Nykesha Sales	UConn	Senior	[2]
1998–99	Svetlana Abrosimova	UConn	Sophomore	[2]
1999–00	Shea Ralph	UConn	Junior	[2]
2000–01	Ruth Riley*	Notre Dame	Senior	[2]
2001–02	Sue Bird*	UConn	Senior	[2]
2002–03	Diana Taurasi*	UConn	Junior	[2]
2003–04	Diana Taurasi* (2)	UConn	Senior	[2]
2004–05	Jacqueline Batteast	Notre Dame	Senior	[2]
2005–06	Cappie Pondexter	Rutgers	Senior	[2]
2006–07	Angel McCoughtry	Louisville	Sophomore	[2]
2007–08	Maya Moore	UConn	Freshman	[2]
2008–09	Maya Moore* (2)	UConn	Sophomore	[4]
2009–10	Tina Charles*	UConn	Senior	[5]
2010–11	Maya Moore* (3)	UConn	Senior	[6]
2011–12	Skylar Diggins	Notre Dame	Junior	[7]
2012–13	Skylar Diggins (2)	Notre Dame	Senior	[8]
2013–14	Marissa Janning	Creighton	Sophomore	[9]
2014–15	Brittany Hrynko	DePaul	Senior	[10]
2015–16	Chanise Jenkins	DePaul	Senior	[11]
2016–17	Brooke Schulte	DePaul	Senior	[12]
2017–18	Allazia Blockton	Marquette	Junior	[13]
2018–19	Natisha Hiedeman	Marquette	Senior	[14]
2019–20	Jaylyn Agnew	Creighton	Senior	[15]
2020–21	Paige Bueckers*	UConn	Freshman	[16]

" I wish I could have seen Shelly Pennefather play."
She was a great one. I think that a good "UCONN comp" would be Kerry Bascom.