Yea, but that's like 3 recruiting classes away. We might have an abundance of height by then and be complaining about lack of guards. In fact Dangerfield is the only guard on the books right now after Butler leaves.
We're doomed.Stewie will be better, you get a healthy KML, and Tuck, you add a guard in Nurse who just played against professional all-stars, and held her own. That doesn't even take into account Moriah, who just might be the best guard in the nation, then add Stokes, Chong, and the other freshmen, this could be one of the all time great teams, by seasons end.
We always need willing mojo sacrifices.
It's amazing that a remarkably underachieving team is what you're throwing out there. How many meaningful games did they win last year??? As has been mentioned, the only team that they beat that was a top tier team was Kentucky and Kentucky wasn't overly impressive. The only thing that they are hanging their head on is that they got an exceptional freshman coming in. Their last year run in the NCAA tournament was embarrassing!!!!!
Why is that? Are you suggesting that USC will improve and UConn won't? With 3 potential All-Americans, UConn is going to possibly lose to a team that couldn't get past a Sweet 16 game?
KML has played in three Final Fours as has Kia Stokes and there is nothing better than experience in key games like that. Meanwhile, USC was one of the major disappointments in the tournament so how they are supposed to be such a big threat amazes me. You've got to be able to win big games and they don't seem to be able to do that. Aja Wilson obviously is a big addition but as has been mentioned, we've got the No. 1 recruiting class and that depth is going to be beneficial. Having three potential All-Americans and a finally healthy Morgan Tuck along with a marvelously talented and CONFIDENT Kia Stokes with a reportedly much improved Saniya should have UConn in pretty good shape to take care of business if USC even makes the Final Four. Until they've shown an ability to win a big game, whose to say that they can????
UCONN lost 2 starters and USC lost nobody. We were 12-2 in the best or 2nd best conference in the country, so we beat plenty of good teams. We ran out of gas in the postseason because we didn't have quality depth. That problem has been solved this season with a great incoming recruiting class and more experience by the returnees.
The difference being we went 40-0 with no team even really challenging us, and yes we lost two high draft picks, but also brought in very good replacements.
Yeah, the players were royally pi$$ed.
UConn had no bench last season to speak of. They had key injuries and had to play almost every minute of every big games limping and still won every game by double digits. Now UConn replaces Bria with a more experienced leader in MoJeff and Saniya and Kia Nurse aren't chopped liver. Add in Kiah to replace Stef with a heathy Tuck . USC is good but not UConn good. The biggest difference is UConn doesn't worry about beating top teams while USC is concerned about teams like Tenn TAM etc. UConn blows them out USC while USC doesnt blow them out. To overcome 4 AAs and two premier player in Stewie and KML and double digit wins in every game is a lot to ask of any team. IMO ND is a better team then USC this season. Maybe not as big and talented but as far as team chemistry and continuity ND imo is number 2 USC 3 TAM 4 and Tenn 5/6 until proven. JMO
You're referring to last year's team that didn't have quality depth and was relatively young. That is no longer the case. Luckily, we play each other so it will be settled on the court.
How are you going to stop Tiffany Mitchell, Aleighsa Welch, Alaina Coates and A'ja Wilson? We have overwhelming height inside and can go big or small and quick on the perimeter, too. We play in tough arenas on the road every season, including ones a lot bigger than Gampel.
The same way UCONN has shut down every opponent historically leading to margins of victory approaching 35-40 points per game again and again. Kentucky's "40 minutes of Hell, " two seasons ago became completely inverted when they played UCONN in the tournament but that is just what happens to everyone. UCONN fans have heard everything your suggesting about Duke, MD, and others. It doesn't turn out that way. The only teams consistently presenting problems are teams with extensive experience against UCONN then it is still an extreme challenge for them. SoCar could have a chance but history tells us that isn't likely. Especially, when SoCar has yet to win a really "big" game."