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Confirmed UConn pursuit of Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams

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Hist-teacher said:
Sarah and Ayanna aren't really post players per se. More like #4 (power forwards) and SS may play more the 3 next year (depending on Azzi's decision.
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I realize that Sarah has skills to be a 3. I also realize this year she was even nominated for the national awards at 3.:)

Still I just can't envision her moving away from frontcourt next year, and possibly ever. We have loads of good guards, and not much frontcourt. If Sarah plays 3 with Jana and Ice(or newcomer) at 4 and 5, only 2 of our guards can play. Unless we really have great options at 4,5 that trade off won't actually help.

More importantly in the UConn system, what can Sarah achieve at 3 that she cannot achieve at 4,5? The system is so flexible that she can be everywhere on the floor in the frontcourt, usually with a mismatch. Really only on defense do we have more traditional forward and center roles.

I think we will see a lot of KK, Ash, Azzi/Caroline, Sarah and a platoon of players as the second frontcourt player. Naturally with bigger, healthier roster and freshmen there is plenty of depth behind this group too. Like this year with good health, there will again be 12-13 quality players.
 
cancontent said:
If you view her stats and her playing history, she's far from being a part time player. Not to mention she also balanced USA basketball commitments to play with the U23 squad last summer.

A lot of these athletes make their schedules work to manage their commitments. How else do we see athletes graduating early or with multiple degrees in four years? This comes across very short sighted.
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I wasn't clear. Buck was on the bench for every game and as far as I know was at every practice. What she couldn't do was put in several hours every day working on her game outside of team activity. Playing for UConn probably takes as much time and hard work as pre-med. Maybe more. When I was at UConn a nursing degree was a 5 year program and very few easy credits. Buck made nursing her priority and as long as Geno was OK with it I was too.
 
Alydar said:
The requirements of the nursing program can hinder how many hours can be dedicated to basketball. I think that had a lot to do with Buck being an end-of-bencher despite having really good size/strength/speed.
I don't think Geno wants a part-time player from the portal.
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Buck's end of the bench status was consistent with her on-court performance, where she appeared reluctant or hesitant to demonstrate offensive skills. I'm persuaded that she has made great use of her nursing skills
 
I believe I saw Heather on the bench for the Conard girls, who finished in the top10 in the state.
Saw them 3x this year.
 
Hist-teacher said:
Sarah and Ayanna aren't really post players per se. More like #4 (power forwards) and SS may play more the 3 next year (depending on Azzi's decision.
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This is sort of true and sort of false. Sarah is a post player in much the same way Paige is a PG. She rebounds and blocks shots like a demon and is a brilliant scorer on the low post and is especially good at receiving passes into the post. But she doesn’t look like a post player because she’s not 6’5”. More importantly, she does so much else a post player doesn’t typically do.

As for Ayanna, she looks very much like a typical post player to me. She rebounds and defends well and knows how to muscle taller players off the block. She may not be the scoring talent Sarah is and doesn’t have a midrange or perimeter shot like Sarah. Also, she’s not 6’5”. But that’s not really necessary. She plays big. If we can get that Ayanna back, the one who is strong and quick in the low post, she’d be a real asset.

Consider our main rival, SC. They don’t start a post player larger than 6’3”. And yet no one thinks they don’t have a post presence.
 
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Bone Dog said:
As I recall, the interest in Weimer on the BY was rather mixed. Williams looks like a clear asset to any team, but may fit UConn better than any portal prospect. That said, I don’t think Geno actually needs her. But she would be a good addition.

I’d compare the situation to UNC where Coach Banghart has two quality first year posts in Thomas and Toomey who have benefited from playing in the shadow of Gakdeng. Injury made this necessary last year and it’s worked out well.

The only caveat about getting Williams, and it may not matter much in the larger scheme, is that the post position may feel a bit crowded. Sarah, Jana, Ice, Ayanna, Gandy and Serah. And if Geno gets his way, Serah will be replaced by Olivia Vukosa the following year. I can’t remember a time when the post slot was so crowded. And it will feel even more crowded if Geno continues to use the small lineup style he’s favored the last two seasons and that Sarah really thrives in.
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It may seem that way, but SS can play 3-5, so he can utilize an extra big lineup with Jana/Serah at the 5, Ice/Ayanna at the 4 and SS at the Wing/Small Forward. Gandy is a project and will most likely only see time in blowout BE games. It's a one-year rental, so I don't see it being too crowded. I can only imagine it will be an embarrassment of riches if we can have an overabundance of quality post players.
 
Bone Dog said:
The problem with too much depth is not that the right players won't get minutes. It's that you might create a morale problem if the bench is clogged with too many players not getting significant PT. Kids who came to Storrs out of high school being suddenly upstaged by a portal newcomer may feel disappointed by that.

Fortunately, the culture Geno has instilled on his team is that you earn minutes in practice. Caroline even mentioned this in an interview, that every player knows someone else could take their minutes away. I'm sure he'll make it clear in practice that Serah will earn minutes like the rest of them. None of them came to UConn to get an easy path. They came to compete. If Serah comes to Storrs, it means she's accepted this reality and thinks she can compete successfully in Geno's practices.
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This year proves that Geno’s new large roster blueprint is viable and sustainable.

Geno was pursuing Lara Somfai this year and is pursuing Olivia Vukosa for 2026;
  • so, I think, the coaching staff is well aware of the pros and cons of adding another big this year;
  • imo, the calculus of a one-year post transfer harnesses more of the pros and less of the cons in the prior recruitment of Lara;
  • having successfully navigated the delicate balancing act this year of adding another guard, in a near full roster, for 40-minute peak postseason barrage play, I have renewed faith that Geno and CD can replicate this year’s blueprint &0;
  • And maybe, the team can fare better next year in the brutal early OOC schedule &1 so the Committee has less protocol-driven discretion not to seed UConn closer to its peak postseason form (i.e. without the anchor of lagging indicators in the form of early season losses). &2
As to your earlier point about Geno’s preference this year for small ball, it is more or less dictated by the guard-strength of this year’s roster.
  • In future years, we might see a return to the Stewie years augmented by notably quick athletic players (KK, Kellis, Q, Blanca, Gandy and Jana).
&0 As others have alluded to, this year illustrates that Geno has arrived at an equilibrium solution to the super team quandary heralded by the paradigm shift of NIL and the portal and the understandable need to be inoculated from the (biblical) ravages of injuries and out-transfers;
  • the overarching goals of the program (win conference regular season, win conference tourney, win national championship) remain the same;
  • Geno and CD’s 40-year honed best-in-class training program that produces peak postseason “basketball players” collectively intuitively making basketball plays to optimally win possessions against any opponent remain the same;
  • what has changed is Geno’s embrace (harkening back to the TASSK years) of full (or nearly full) rosters of across-the-board high quality talent playing a 40-minute barrage of mix-match diverse “position-less” offense and relentless defense;
  • full intense quality practices and strategic judicious (around 20 minutes or less for most players) full-throttle minutes aggregating to 40-minutes of starter-level play that optimizes diverse talents and minimizes weaknesses, makes sustainable Geno’s revised approaches with respect to recruiting and the portal;
  • in the new irreversible era of Super Teams, being a starter-level rotation (5)+5 player in Geno’s Super Team, with the attendant increased exposure, and Geno and CD’s best-in-class training will continue to draw top talent and transfers.
&1 Next year, there are currently 3 incomers and 3 returning walking wounded, comparable to the 5 incomers and 4 walking wounded this year, who are going to need some time to get their sea legs.

&2 This, imo, is the only true downside of UConn WBB (helmed by Geno and CD) being in the Big East vis a vis the program’s overarching goals, despite the near-constant drip of amusing complaints.
 
cancontent said:
Would that make sense considering the optics of what has been alleged? It makes sense from a UConn connection perspective, but curious as to whether the claims of her former players impacts that idea.
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Good point!
Geno is a staunch supporter of his ex- players. But he is determined to maintain the positive culture that he has built.
I wonder if he would get input from Serah about Moseley's controversial tenure at Wisconsin.
 
It would appear that some forum members have implied that the UConn School of Nursing is responsible for a player’s bench position. When you have teammates that include Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Tiffany Hayes, Stef Dolson, Bria Hartley, Kelly Farris, Morgan Tuck, Kiah Stokes, and Stewie, to mention a few, I expect that it might be a tad difficult to be part of the starting rotation, regardless of your major. When it comes to performing well off the bench I only have two words for you: Brittany Griner. How much time a player devotes to basketball or scholastics is a personal choice, and it would appear that Heather chose wisely.
 
Zarathustra said:
To clarify, I do agree with "cancontent", about the better analogy of Serah with
Aaliyah Edwards and an ONTARIO connection). My "loose association" (see thread # 37, above) was a somewhat (?) sly reference to Serah Williams being a "nursing" student at Wisconsin and that Kia Nurse is, well, a "NURSE"!!
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I think most, or some of us got your humor!!!
 
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Alydar said:
I wasn't clear. Buck was on the bench for every game and as far as I know was at every practice. What she couldn't do was put in several hours every day working on her game outside of team activity. Playing for UConn probably takes as much time and hard work as pre-med. Maybe more. When I was at UConn a nursing degree was a 5 year program and very few easy credits. Buck made nursing her priority and as long as Geno was OK with it I was too.
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That may be so in Buck's case but it's not fair to apply that to Williams' situation. Every person and how they handle their course commitments are different. For all we know Williams takes care of the clinical requirements during the summer when it's easier to fit it in. We don't know, however with UConn pursuing her, I don't think it matters.
 
cancontent said:
Would that make sense considering the optics of what has been alleged? It makes sense from a UConn connection perspective, but curious as to whether the claims of her former players impacts that idea.
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The player in question at WI was a little used reserve who apparently was seeing a counselor for her mental health as well as being on some type of medication. After 2 seasons at WI she transferred to Ball State. Hopefully that player is doing better at her new school, but unless WI uncovers a pattern of abuse, I doubt that much will come from their investigation.

With that said, Moseley is just 43 years old, with substantial experience and success as both a top assistant and HC. Someone will inevitably hire her.
 
Putting the names aside, the Huskies have a key need at the 5 position. We are lacking in:

-Shot blockers. With many schools stacking their team with quick guards that are adept at driving to the basket, UConn needs a true shot blocker. Jana is not the answer here and Gandy will need time to develop. All other "bigs" will do OK in league games but lacking the skills needed against top 10 teams.
-Mid-range and low offense. Conn's offense will likely continue to be 3 point oriented so having talent that can pull defenders off the guards and Strong has multiple benefits. A midrange game is always valuable when other shots don't fall.
-Rebounding, both defensive and offensive. While UConn has done an adequate job this year boxing out, they have no one who excels at going after the ball. Ice has more movement and aggressiveness than others, but Jana typically is fixed on one spot and often is pushed too far under the basket.

Suspect if there is a player out there with proven talent in these areas, Geno is likely showing interest. UConn has demonstrated that transfers exit with greater skills and name recognition.
 
HopJim said:
Putting the names aside, the Huskies have a key need at the 5 position. We are lacking in:

-Shot blockers. With many schools stacking their team with quick guards that are adept at driving to the basket, UConn needs a true shot blocker. Jana is not the answer here and Gandy will need time to develop. All other "bigs" will do OK in league games but lacking the skills needed against top 10 teams.
-Mid-range and low offense. Conn's offense will likely continue to be 3 point oriented so having talent that can pull defenders off the guards and Strong has multiple benefits.
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HopJim said:
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-Rebounding, both defensive and offensive. While UConn has done an adequate job this year boxing out, they have no one who excels at going after the ball. Ice has more movement and aggressiveness than others, but Jana typically is fixed on one spot and often is pushed too far under the basket.

Suspect if there is a player out there with proven talent in these areas, Geno is likely showing interest. UConn has demonstrated that transfers exit with greater skills and name recognition.
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We don't know that Jana is not the answer. Most post players take time to adjust. Jana is no different. Technically, this is her freshman year. Maybe she takes that sophmore leap. Or like Stef Dolson, takes the Junior leap.

I guess Azzi and Ash don't have a midrange?? I would have t disagree with that
 
oldude said:
On your list, only Jana & Gandy would be considered true posts, and Gandy is going to take some time to develop. Serah as a 1-year rental has great appeal as a 1-2 punch with Jana. As for Caitlin Weimer, I see her more as a stretch-4 who would definitely compete for PT with Ice and Ayanna.

Sarah can play anywhere she wants. But most likely it will be on the wing or at power forward. Regardless of where Sarah plays, next year UConn will be her team to lead.
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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?
 
NycUcWbbFan said:
As to your earlier point about Geno’s preference this year for small ball, it is more or less dictated by the guard-strength of this year’s roster.
  • In future years, we might see a return to the Stewie years augmented by notably quick athletic players (KK, Kellis, Q, Blanca, Gandy and Jana).
Expand ...
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.

PS: I could include Caroline and Allie in that list of ball handlers, though they aren’t noted for quickness. But perimeter threats don’t always need to be as quick as others because they force closeouts that allow them to get into the paint.
 
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Dublin said:
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?
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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.
 
Bone Dog said:
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.

PS: I could include Caroline and Allie in that list of ball handlers, though they aren’t noted for quickness. But perimeter threats don’t always need to be as quick as others because they force closeouts that allow them to get into the paint.
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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......
 
cancontent said:
If you view her stats and her playing history, she's far from being a part time player. Not to mention she also balanced USA basketball commitments to play with the U23 squad last summer.

A lot of these athletes make their schedules work to manage their commitments. How else do we see athletes graduating early or with multiple degrees in four years? This comes across very short sighted.
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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.
 
Dublin said:
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?
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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.
 
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I think there is plenty of room for her. I'd like to see Strong take on the Paige roll next year as overall super player from the 3. I think Ayanna and Ice are better at the 4 and Jana, Gandy along with Williams could handle the 5. Depth is still the future right now.

I have to think a call from Marisa saying this is a good kid who can play basketball in the UConn mold and she shouldn't suffer from my situation will get her an offer....
 
oldude said:
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.
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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.
 
donalddoowop said:
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.
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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.
 
Bone Dog said:
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.

PS: I could include Caroline and Allie in that list of ball handlers, though they aren’t noted for quickness. But perimeter threats don’t always need to be as quick as others because they force closeouts that allow them to get into the paint.
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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.
  • the beauty of this new 40-minute barrage (5)+5 blueprint is that Geno can deploy many different offensive looks depending on the five on the floor without ever compromising on relentless defense;
  • as you and OldDude have mentioned previously, the team has many players who were also point guards/forwards in their high school teams complemented by quick and/or athletic players and thus make next year’s read-react half-court offense and transition game have a similitude to the KLS-Gabby-Napheesa years;
  • the team also has notable upgrades in quickness that could prove useful in the “agents of chaos” (change to/continuation of fast pace) phase of the 40-minute barrage;
  • with the departures this year, there will be a void in the jump shooting strength that is a hallmark of this year’s team which can be filled by everyone else improving their outside shot, including the mid-range, in the off-season; there are the usual suspects (Ash, Allie, Q, Morgan, Caroline) but KK, Kellis, and the bigs need to up their outside game too;
  • the 40-minute barrage blueprint allows Geno to strategically utilize players that have known weaknesses such as a reliable outside shot (a la KK or Aubrey this year) or are relatively new/ recovering from injury (incomers such as Kellis &0 and the returning walking wounded);
  • being in the Big East during the key formative stretch of the season is beneficial as it allows Geno to unleash his full roster, provide reps to tighten what was learned in intense stacked practices, against teams that are fundamentally coached (as they need to be to be competitive) and have become really familiar with what Geno likes to do.
&0 It would be interesting to see how Geno will make work Kellis’ assumption of KK’s current second-wave PG role next year, especially in the early OOC schedule.
 
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