Wonder if Geno has any organized Leadership program where he selects specific players as future leaders who need to "break out of their shell" and step forward as a future leader?
Excellent analysis as a whole. This remark stood out for me in particular. I’m wondering if next year’s roster will have similar guard strength, because of all the ball handlers, or if it might end up being more characterized as “quick athletic players.” It’s hard to know now because of the injuries still being rehabbed, but we may have a lot of athletic (ie tall) players who can drive anywhere on the floor. I’m thinking Sarah Morgan Blanca in addition to KK Kelis Ash and maybe Azzi. This reminds me of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 teams, who could initiate the transition game from any position.
Serah Sarah sounds so much more near term (like next year) than Que Que.Nice! We also have Que Que.
I don’t know that there is any “organized Leadership program” per se. I think that players are encouraged to become leaders at UConn. Sarah will obviously be the best player on the team next season. Hopefully, she has learned from Paige and other teammates this season and will be able to step up as a “vocal” team leader next season.
Ball handling won't be the issue next season with KK and Kelis but consistent three-point shooting from the guard position will be if Azzi doesn't return.......I expect a big jump from Allie who along with Sarah and Ashlynn will provide the bulk of the outside firepower but perhaps another sharpshooter from the transfer portal should be considered......
I believe I read that she was also on the All Academic Big Ten Conference team so I have to believe she has the capacity to handle her academic demands as well as her round ball requirements.
I think leadership is one of the main qualities he recruits for, though perhaps not explicitly under that heading. I'm just extrapolating from the fact that so many of the kids he gets were leaders on their HS teams -- not just the best athlete, but also the team leader. In recent years, Paige, obviously, but also Evina, Christyn, Aaliyah, Nika, Caroline, KK, Ash, Morgan and Allie. All of these kids were leaders at the previous level.
I think it's likely this kid will get an offer. Multiple offers in fact. The question in my mind is whose offer will she accept. I hope it's ours.
UConn has Marisa and Dorka to put in a good word for them.
I believe Caroline will emerge as one of the leaders next season. I have watched her the few games she played in this season, and she is constantly calling out directions while on the floor. Plus, she knows the UConn system well.
I really would like to see that since her career has been in the toilet so far. Caroline deserves to be healthy, able to play full time, and become the leader of this team in her final year. She has the talent, the leadership, and finally the health to get the job done and lead us to a second consecutive National Championship.
The “Stewie years” remark was meant in the vein of Sarah, Blanca, Olivia (if she comes) and matured Jana and Ice being the main centers of gravity for the team, going forward.
What makes Azzi unique is her ability to (1) shoot the 3, (2) pull-up jumper and (3) drive to the basket. No one else on the team has demonstrated that skill set to date. In addition her time in grade and experience, she is a natural leader. Even more than Azzi, Caroline has the presence and resume to assist with leadership, both on or off the court.
that's my point..........if Azzi chooses not to come back UConn could use an additional outside shooter even though no transfer could totally replace her unique set of skills.....
Ash is shooting 41% from 3. Perhaps you meant to say she should look for her shot more, especially in high pressure games.
Agree that it isn’t known if Jana is a shot-blocker yet (which was the original assertion). Besides being a big which generally means it takes longer to develop, she is still recovering from Achilles injury- that may be hampering her leaping ability. Her offensive game is developing nicely
I might be missing something here
, but I was referring to Que Que Arnold.
If Ash would add the ability to drive to the basket and be a perceived threat there, it would open up the 3 and the short post up jumper.
Ash can drive to the basket, she actually scores plenty via layup.
The next great shooter at UConn is already on campus and she will show everyone next season just how good she really is! I give you….Allie Ziebell!
I know what she's capable of........now she just has to go out and do it.......
