With all the talk about needing more size, I was just reviewing
@BRS24's most recent recruiting table [
UConn roster - 2024 and beyond ... ] and wondering about how big the team will be over the next few years. We were one of the smaller teams in the top 25 last year with only Aaliyah and Ice at 6'3" each, and we did not have great team speed beyond KK. This coming year, UConn will be one of the taller teams with Jana Ice Ayanna Sarah Caroline and Morgan. Not
the tallest, that honor will go to UCLA and SC. We'll also be a quick team with the addition of Azzi Kaitlyn and Morgan.
For 2025-26, depending on who stays on, Geno has already lined up Kelis and Gandy, and may get Lara. This could give him (2x) 6'5", 6'4" 6'3 and (4x) 6'2" in the front court, along with Azzi KK Ash Allie Q and Kelis in the backcourt or on the wing. This would be a very tall lineup. Even with Jazzy Davidson back in the mix, it's not clear Geno would have room for her.
For 2026-27, again depending on who stays on, Geno has his eye on the Big O and Jerzy. If he gets those two, he could be at 14 players again. This would be another very large team with (3x) 6'5", 6'4" 6'3 and (3x) 6'2" in the front court, along with KK Ash Allie Q and Kelis in the backcourt or on the wing.. That's 8 bigs and 6 guards if Jerzy commits.
Geno might not have much room to recruit real guard depth until 2027-28 when the core of the team could well be Jana Lara O Gandy Sarah Morgan Allie Kelis and Jerzy. Does he turn to building a deeper front court at this point? He could have 4 or 5 spots to fill. Does he push for quickness with Qandace Ivanna and Special K, or does he try for size with Hassell, Marion and Mobley?
I pose these questions because Geno may have to choose between a big team or a quick team. UConn will be plenty quick as long as he has KK, Morgan and Kelis in the backcourt. But after that, it will be decision time.
Don't get me wrong. I know Geno will put together the team he thinks is best. These questions are for us to ponder as we look at team size and speed.