Could Meg not start next year?

[Bills Fan]

Ok, let me be very clear. I love MW and think she is going to be superstar. But, I see a very possible scenario where, when all players are available, she doesn't start next year. I know that sounds crazy but that's what happens when you have the talent that Geno and staff recruit.

First, the givens: KLS, NC and CD. The other two spots are based on how you want to play the position game. If, you want to start Z in the post, that makes sense and is what I would expect if she comes back. She would not return to be the "6th Man" again next year. That leaves one open slot. If you want to go with two real guards, and CW is as good as we think she is, then you would field a lineup that looks like this:

4/5 Z and NC
3 KLS
1/2 CD and CW

which makes MW the best 6th man in history.

Obviously, it might also shake out like the following;

4/5 Z and NC
3 MW
1/2 CD and KLS

but Lou is really not a classic guard so I don't know how well that would work. It would put all the playmaking responsibilities on the back of CD.

In any case, we will have either MW or CW as a 6th man with ONO and BC fighting for 7th man minutes along with whoever emerges from the AEH/MC/LG/MB/KI grouping. What this look does show is that we will need some outstanding "big" recruits next year with Z, NC and KLS all departing.

Boston and Brunelle would be more than welcome (make that needed) and could get major minutes along with ONO and BC.

 

[MSGRET]

I think that MW would be the 2 and Lou be the 3. With both on the floor it would make it harder to guard against the three point shot.

Ok, let me be very clear. I love MW and think she is going to be superstar. But, I see a very possible scenario where, when all players are available, she doesn't start next year. I know that sounds crazy but that's what happens when you have the talent that Geno and staff recruit.

First, the givens: KLS, NC and CD. The other two spots are based on how you want to play the position game. If, you want to start Z in the post, that makes sense and is what I would expect if she comes back. She would not return to be the "6th Man" again next year. That leaves one open slot. If you want to go with two real guards, and CW is as good as we think she is, then you would field a lineup that looks like this:

4/5 Z and NC
3 KLS
1/2 CD and CW

which makes MW the best 6th man in history.

Obviously, it might also shake out like the following;

4/5 Z and NC
3 MW
1/2 CD and KLS

but Lou is really not a classic guard so I don't know how well that would work. It would put all the playmaking responsibilities on the back of CD.

In any case, we will have either MW or CW as a 6th man with ONO and BC fighting for 7th man minutes along with whoever emerges from the AEH/MC/LG/MB/KI grouping. What this look does show is that we will need some outstanding "big" recruits next year with Z, NC and KLS all departing.

Boston and Brunelle would be more than welcome (make that needed) and could get major minutes along with ONO and BC.

 

[Plebe]

Based on program history, there is almost zero chance that Christyn will be a starter, at least in the early part of the season. Not even Moore or Taurasi started early in their freshman years.

 

[Kaizen]

Time too early to worry 2018 season.
But I think:
4/5 Z and NC
3 KLS
1/2 CD and MW

 

[Bills Fan]

Time too early to worry 2018 season.
But I think:
4/5 Z and NC
3 KLS
1/2 CD and MW

I think I like this option better than either I listed. I just didn't see Meg as a backcourt player, but if she can handle that spot then I like it. ONO and CW are quite a pair off the bench.

 

[MSGRET]

I think I like this option better than either I listed. I just didn't see Meg as a backcourt player, but if she can handle that spot then I like it ONO and CW are quite a pair off the bench.

Guess you are one Happy camper with the Bills making the playoffs.

 

[SCGamecock]

If Williams and Nelson-Ododa are possible 6th, 7th or 8th options (depending on where Camara falls in the lineup) then that leaves 5-star/top 30 players Mikayla Coombs, AEH and Lexi Gordon coming off the bench as possible 9th, 10th and 11th options?!

YIKES.

Coombs and Espinoza-Hunter are probably starters (or at minimum 6th/7th men) at 9 of the other top ten programs in WCBB going into next season..

Ignoring whatever happens on the court, Geno’s most impressive coaching job these next few seasons may end up being his ability to keep so many talented players happy on one roster..

 

[MilfordHusky]

Time too early to worry 2018 season.
But I think:
4/5 Z and NC
3 KLS
1/2 CD and MW

That's what I was thinking over the summer and fall--Azura takes Gabby's slot and Meg takes Kia's slot. The primary reason I would question it now is that Geno seems to have Meg slotted as a front court player. I think it depends on whether Meg can play SG effectively and how quickly Christyn adjusts. Unless someone makes a big leap, I think those are our top 6 players. Of course, this assumes that Azura returns, which I think is likely. Z sees how much room she has to grow, and she's having fun.

 

[Bills Fan]

If Williams and Nelson-Ododa are possible 6th, 7th or 8th options (depending on where Camara falls in the lineup) then that leaves 5-star/top 30 players Mikayla Coombs, AEH and Lexi Gordon coming off the bench as possible 9th, 10th and 11th options?!

YIKES.

Coombs and Espinoza-Hunter are probably starters (or at minimum 6th/7th men) at 9 of the other top ten programs in WCBB going into next season..

Ignoring whatever happens on the court, Geno’s most impressive coaching job these next few seasons may end up being his ability to keep so many talented players happy on one roster..

If he is able to pull that off-and I think he can- it is because of the type of players he and CD recruit. He often talks about looking for players who want to be good teammates-parts of a whole not the center of attention. I thought of that yesterday when I was watching the SC-TA&M game. TA&M is basically a one trick pony. As good as Carter is, there is no way a Freshman should have been taking some of the shots she continued to launch. Clearly, that was ok with her coach, making me think about how she was probably recruited. "Come to TA&M and be the entire focus of the offense immediately."

Can you imagine Geno ever using this as his pitch to a recruit? I don't think so. That is why UCONN gets the type of players who are not only outstanding talents, but also team players who enjoy a good pass as much as a good shot. What a pleasure it is watching our team play the game the way it should be played!

 

[huskyd]

If Williams and Nelson-Ododa are possible 6th, 7th or 8th options (depending on where Camara falls in the lineup) then that leaves 5-star/top 30 players Mikayla Coombs, AEH and Lexi Gordon coming off the bench as possible 9th, 10th and 11th options?!

YIKES.

Coombs and Espinoza-Hunter are probably starters (or at minimum 6th/7th men) at 9 of the other top ten programs in WCBB going into next season..

Ignoring whatever happens on the court, Geno’s most impressive coaching job these next few seasons may end up being his ability to keep so many talented players happy on one roster..

Excellent analysis, SCG. You struck the nail on its head and w/out even mentioning the fate of Kayla Irwin (who I believe is emerging as a valuable player deserving more court time). Next year's starters will be Z, 'Pheesa, Lou, Meg, and CD. Those are the team's best players, and those are the players Geno goes with. Meg appears to be headed for a Maya-like career as a complete player, inside, outside, all around the town. As a smarter person than I (which would be anyone according to my wife) once opined: we live in a position-less world in WCBB--one that places optimal value on the most well-rounded players.

 

[Go/huskies]

Based on program history, there is almost zero chance that Christyn will be a starter, at least in the early part of the season. Not even Moore or Taurasi started early in their freshman years.

I believe Doty was a starter from opening tip during her freshman year because she brought a skill set needed to the team, I think Christyn also has a good chance to start because the shooting guard spot will be open. Geno has said he didn’t start Z this year because it would move the other away from where they fit, so maybe he won’t move the best Small forward in college basketball out of that position. I would like to see better ball handling from Walker before she is moved to the back court.

 

[Kaizen]

Excellent analysis, SCG. You struck the nail on its head and w/out even mentioning the fate of Kayla Irwin (who I believe is emerging as a valuable player deserving more court time).

Great points. Kyla has the speed, size and IQ. I see she will have great playing time in the coming year. Time will tell if she can be the type of Dolson player.

 

[hoophuskee]

I have no idea who the starters will be next year. I was certain this year it would be AZ. Though I prefer "a guard's game." Though i still think AZ is awesome and feel she could start. However, Geno only played AZ about 15 minutes yesterday. I'm not saying it is wrong. Not complaining one bit. Geno doesn't confide in me -- and that's not only a good thing but a great thing!

Next year they can make any lineup within reason and it will work fine with either Meg or no Meg. Meg is extremely versatile. And Lou is extremely versatile. IMo Lou and meg "are made for each other/compliment each other extremely well." But that doesn't mean Meg has to start. Also I'd think some of if she starts comes down to AZ and COllier (one or both) - being excellent both inside and out. Thus you could have in full court - when you run have Meg set up fats breaks if the ball doesn't find Danger and at times in teh halfcourt Meg can play either inside or out. Meg is that good. Yet her outside shot might also be that suspect. But imo she definitely can be the 2nd ballhandler.

 

[Waquoit]

She starts. She will be one of the best 5 players on the team. She's paying dues this year, she doesn't need to next year.

 

[dtbtbtb]

UConn's offense and defense concepts are not easy for freshmen to understand so typically they struggle. Geno very rarely starts freshmen unless he's got no other choice. So, I think the Meg starts next season with KLS, Fhee, Z, and CD with Wiliiams and Ono coming off the bench. The season after with 3 starts graduate there is the chance for those as well as Coombs to start.

 

[chrissaran]

2018-2019 starters: Lou, Napheesa, Crystal, Z and Megan.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I think the problem has no solution.

I don't see Christyn starting. I also don't see Meg being in the backcourt. She's too good of a rebounder.

So if I have to take a stand (for now), I'll go with Lou at the two and Meg at the 3. Lou is a pretty decent ball handler and is a great passer.

 

[bballnut90]

I'd guess she'll get a starting spot but she has a long way to go before cementing it. Similar to how Dangerfield/Jefferson/Collier/etc. had to make big strides in the off season to earn their spots as sophomores. It's a full year away, but to take a starting spot at the 2 she'll need to develop into a more consistent scorer and improve her A/TO ratio. There's definitely a learning curve coming to UCONN and figuring out Geno's system so she'll have a leg up over Williams in that regard and it's common for UCONN players to make big improvements as sophomores, but to get there Walker has to put in a lot of work before the spot is hers.

 

[cferraro04]

I know that Lou has worked very hard to be a more complete basketball player and this year she is needed in that capacity... However, that being said, next year we will not need Samuelson to be anything else but a shooter and a scorer. There will be no finer guard in the country than Dangerfield...with CW to back her up...that spot is rock solid. Azura Stevens will be a force in the middle...she will have a full season under her belt and when you combine her offensive footwork and her sure to be an eraser defense she will become the number one pick in the draft. Naphessa Collier...I have always maintained that she is the gem of her class. No one in the country will be more effective at the 4 than she. Megan Walker will show the nation next year why she was number one in her class as she will round out to a Maya Moore light. Now what in the world would we want Samuelson to do other than shoot the ball?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Ah, the off season begins! What will we do come May-September?

 

[JustinesGuy]

Danger
Walker
Lou
Pheese
Z

Right? We have a pretty good idea that its going to take some transition for CW and ONO and they will go through there struggles at camp Geno. This one is kinda simple right?

 

[Charliebball]

Ok, let me be very clear. I love MW and think she is going to be superstar. But, I see a very possible scenario where, when all players are available, she doesn't start next year. I know that sounds crazy but that's what happens when you have the talent that Geno and staff recruit.

Boston and Brunelle would be more than welcome (make that needed) and could get major minutes along with ONO and BC.

Perhaps the more interesting question which we can't answer yet is who the starters will be in the 2019-20 season...........

 

[RockyMTblue2]

with CW to back her up

That happened awful quick.

 

[Bigboote]

I might be with the OP, but Geno doesn't seem to subscribe to the traditional sixth-man model.

Red Auerbach essentially created the sixth player. This was/is a player who's a starter in all ways except actually starting (oxymorons R us). She gets the same playing time as a starter and all that. Also, the sixth player should play two positions -- think John Havlicek, a guard-forward, or Kevin McHale, a forward-center. You never know who'll need to be pulled first, so you want versatility coming off the bench. I always thought Gabby would be the perfect sixth player, but Geno wants his best five to start, so Gabby started. In a sense, he makes sure everyone can play anywhere on the court, so it doesn't matter who's first off the bench.

Megan Walker would be a great traditional sixth player; seems to me she can play 2 thru 4. But barring anything unforeseen, she starts next year.

Ah, the off season begins! What will we do come May-September?

Speaking for myself, doing Wire Chief's quizzes. And watching Saniya and the Wings.

 

[MilfordHusky]

2018-2019 starters: Lou, Napheesa, Crystal, Z and Megan.

HoopGurlz rankings:

Lou 1
Pheesa 6
Crystal 3
Azura 23
Megan 1

Christyn 1

I expect we will have THREE #1 overall players on the court simultaneously. And the others are not exactly chopped liver. One was an All-American as a sophomore.